I have always been a fan of any animal print of any kind, and as a fashion editor, I often buy things that aren’t necessarily “on trend” knowing that eventually, they will be! 

But let’s be honest: leopard has had a very long run. It’s been the neutral, the statement and the “I made an effort, but not too much” print for the best part of a decade. So it was only a matter of time before something stepped in to share the spotlight. The zebra print trend has been building all year, and by autumn 2026 it’s firmly arrived.

It started on the spring runways, crept into our feeds over summer, and now it’s everywhere from the school run to the Frieze VIP preview. What makes it work is the restraint. Zebra is essentially a monochrome stripe with a bit of attitude, so it slots into a wardrobe of navy knits, camel coats and good denim far more easily than you’d think. Treat it like a neutral and it behaves like one.

How to wear zebra print this autumn

The trick, as ever, is picking pieces that will outlast the moment.  Keep everything else quiet. Pair a zebra print dress with chocolate or black knitwear, or let a zebra print bag or belt be the only print in the room. Here are the 10 pieces we’re adding to basket, from small independent labels to the brands doing considered dressing properly.