How to Wear Animal Accents Without Looking Like a Hipster

It’s been 27 years since Guns N’ Roses belted out “Welcome to the Jungle” on their debut album, Appetite for Destruction. And yet, here we find ourselves traipsing happily through the forest once again. Overhead, you’ll see embroidered birds soaring at the house of Valentino or googly-eyed owls perched in the treetops at Dolce & Gabbana. On the ground, you’ll notice a pack of wild wolves roaming the catwalk at Giles.

It all seems rather by-the-book, right? But when you’re in the animal kingdom, one false step and you’re toast. In other words, you can either look like a hot ticket or a 20-year-old Bushwickian pretending to read Heidegger, while sipping a pour-over from Nicaragua. It’s a fine line. To avoid the latter, follow three simple rules:

1. DO seek out special items that have something unique to offer, whether it’s impressive needlework or an eye-catching pattern. Not every animal was created equal.
2. DON’T beeline for cheap, oversized sweaters. Instead, look for tailored, well-made silhouettes that will pass inspection at your nine-to-five.
3. DO avoid ironic T-shirts at all costs. We all get the joke, and it’s still not funny.

To channel your inner animal, flip through our gallery below.