Animal prints are showing up on the runway and on the department store hanger, but they can be a tricky trend to tackle. Cheetah, zebra, and leopard patterns can add great flair to an outfit... or turn it into a fashion disaster. Here are some basic guidelines to keep in mind rocking the trend.

• Unless you're going for the Cruella De Vil look, head-to-toe animal print is a big no-no. So, even though it technically "matches", a skirt, top and shoes covered with black and white zebra stripes is a little much. You want your outfit to be exciting, not distracting.
• Stick with one type of animal print... try not to mix your zebra stripes with your leopard spots. Animal prints are great in small doses. A couple of accessories like a leopard print belt paired with leopard print shoes can make a basic black dress really pop.  However, a leopard print belt paired with a zebra striped scarf and a giraffe patterned pair of pumps looks unorganized.
• If one article of clothing is animal print, make sure everything else is solid colored. It's possible to sport a bright colored safari pattern, such as this hot pink cheetah dress as long as the accessories and other pieces of the outfit are muted and solid.

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Keep in mind, just because your outfit has some wild inspiration doesn't mean your hair can too. One bold trend at a time. Keep everything else, simple.

Follow those basic rules and your animal print will add a touch of class and pizazz to any outfit!