How to Wear Animal Prints After 40

I love a good leopard print. And I wore leopard a lot when I was younger. But animal prints – along with mom jeans and fanny packs – have gotten a bad rap as something that old ladies tend to overindulge in.

So while it doesn't stop me from enjoying animal prints, I do pay more attention to how I wear it.

This fall you'll be seeing loads of spots, stripes and skins, because animal prints – especially leopard – are a huge trend. I've seen leopard prints everywhere from Dolce & Gabbana to Ann Taylor, in everything from dresses to tops to handbags.

Worn right, leopard makes neutrals pop and adds sex appeal to your wardrobe. Here's how to wear animal prints after 40:

• Do look for animal prints in classic shapes. A trench coat (like on Lauren Hutton, pictured), a camisole, a sheath dress, a clutch bag: simple, clean-lined shapes carry the print well.
• Don't over-accessorize animal prints. Let the print take center stage. Don't complete the look with anything flashy like metallic shoes or bags. Opt for one or two pieces of chunky jewelry (a bangle, a bold necklace) to complete the look.
• Don't show too much cleavage or leg. Animal prints are sexy enough: keep overtly sexy skin exposure (with the exception of arms and shoulders) more covered up.
• Don't wear weird color combos in animal prints. Purple leopard? Hot pink zebra? Leave the loud color combos to the kids, and opt for classic neutral-colored animal prints.
• Do try animal prints in small doses. You'll never go wrong trying animal prints in smaller pieces like a handbag or shoe. Even a camisole worn under a jacket to work adds some zing without going overboard.
• Do wear animal prints on body parts you want to highlight. Top heavy? Wear a leopard-print pencil skirt with a dark top. Bottom heavy? Put the print on your top.