If the flock of fashionable flamingos that decorated spring summer 2019 fashion month is our benchmark for what-to-wear now, then this is one of the major trends of the moment. Snake print, cunningly following the recent success of leopard and tiger, is the latest in oh-so-faux animal-skin style. One that has been mercilessly robing the front row-ers. Taking literal licence from the ready-to-wear runways of autumn winter 2018 earlier this year and again from spring summer, these well-dressed women have Tom Ford, Versace and Miu Miu to thank.

And it’s surprisingly malleable. Not to be considered as garish as its leopard cousin, snake-skin print can fit seamlessly into the modern woman’s minimalistic wardrobe. Its tonal shading lends itself to trousers that can replace jeans, printed shirts that update plain white and statement boots that refresh basic black.

While care needs to be taken to not look like a saloon ranger (read: snake print cowboy boots, slung belt and a matching jacket is more iconoclastic than iconic), this print can be worn with confidence. Even head to toe, when done correctly, is sensationally chic right now. Unlike its tight 80s, LA-style predecessor this wave of snake strikes most successfully when worn long, loose, flowing, tailored and/or with a generous dash of 70s flare.

Here are some our favourite ways to wear the look as demonstrated by the latest hot-steppers from the streets of Paris, Milan, New York and London. Shop the look below too. With super-chic entry level options from just $99, it might just be the cool little trend piece to reinvent your everyday.

 

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Zara snake print trousers, $99, SHOP NOW
Isabel Marant ‘Beeka’ bucket bag, $708, from Matches Fashion, SHOP NOW
Hansen & Gretel ‘Joy’ dress, $349, SHOP NOW
Alias Mae ‘Ahara’ boots, $199, from The Iconic, SHOP NOW
Alexachung denim jacket, $582, and jeans, $331, from Net-a-porter, SHOP NOW
I.Am.Gia ‘Brandy’ jacket, $130, SHOP NOW