Where can you spot zebra print flats? Everywhere! From big-box discount stores to some of the biggest names in fashion. A pair of zebra print flats can set off a familiar or classic outfit such as a black pencil, a pair of skinny jeans, or the timeless little black dress. The trick, however, is use this standout shoe in ways that make people go "Wow!" instead of "Ow!"

Combining texture with stripes is one way to jazz up the look. For instance, several shoe manufacturers print their zebra stripes on calf hair or pony hair. Another option is to look for manufacturers who've combined zebra prints with unusual colors, such as Jessica Simpson's version in tan and black, rather than the more common white and black.

Marc Jacobs - MJ17175 (Zebra Striped) - Footwear<br />
Marc Jacobs - MJ17175 (Zebra Striped) - Footwear

Loeffler Randall - Paige (Zebra) - Footwear<br />
Loeffler Randall - Paige (Zebra) - Footwear

Violet Tash Bang (Women's) - Zebra<br />
Violet Tash Bang (Women's) - Zebra

Violet Tash Bang (Women's) - Zebra<br />
Violet Tash Bang (Women's) - Zebra

Violet Tash Debbie (Women's) - Zebra<br />
Violet Tash Debbie (Women's) - Zebra

Violet Tash Debbie (Women's) - Zebra<br />
Violet Tash Debbie (Women's) - Zebra

Heys ECase Exotic - Zebra<br />
Heys ECase Exotic - Zebra

Luichiny Jen Jen (Women's) - Zebra Leather<br />
Luichiny Jen Jen (Women's) - Zebra Leather

Luichiny Jen Jen (Women's) - Brown/Black Zebra Leather<br />
Luichiny Jen Jen (Women's) - Brown/Black Zebra Leather

Boulevard Ava (Women's) - Zebra<br />
Boulevard Ava (Women's) - Zebra

Boutique 9 Victorie (Women's) - Zebra<br />
Boutique 9 Victorie (Women's) - Zebra

Boutique 9 Victorie (Women's) - Zebra<br />
Boutique 9 Victorie (Women's) - Zebra

Zebra Print Flats Round Out An Outfit

Styles of flats also make a difference. Closed-toe flats can be either rounded or pointed, as the Xhilaration flats sold by Target. Meanwhile, peep-toe flats such as Michael Antonio Wallpaper Zebra Print Flats are done in suede with a snub toe design, trimmed in black tubing and topped with a decorative bow. Suede is also the material of choice for French Sole's Sloop style sold on Zappos.com.

Taryn Rose "Brigid" Flat comes in zebra print shoes with calf hair trimmed in rich brown leather with a dainty bow at the vamp. Jeffrey Campbell's "Elle" style comes in unusual brown zebra. Sam Edleman offers a zebra flat with a black patent toe for a bit of a spectator look and a loafer that combines stripes with tan leather accents. Unisa's "Teena" loafer comes in a bronze/brown combination with hardware embellishments and contrast stitching at collar and heel. Full Tilt's Fiesta Women's Sandals are a casual option that will turn heads at the beach or anywhere.

Dollhouse Danza Shoe brings out a round toe faux leather ballet flat studded with faceted nailhead accents. SM New York's Minnie Multi has a zebra print over pebbled leather. Michael Kors Berkley flat pairs a genuine calf hair upper in a neat zebra pattern with a cool zipper feature and patent leather trim. The Berkley also cinches at the heel for a perfect fit. Calvin Klein's "Pazia" model features a zebra-print pony hair upper with hardware detailing. And Marc Jacobs' Miss Marc Patent Ballerina Flat goes for swashbuckling whimsy in a patent leather flat with a bucanneer Miss Marc on the toe.

NotRated's zebra peep toe flat dresses in quilted in quilted canvas with grosgrain trim and jute-wrapped midsoles. For even more casual fun, there's Sanuk Women's "I'm Game" slip-on sidewalk surfer that prints its zebra stripes on shabby-chic frayed canvas. Males young and old can get their casual zebras, too. Converse offers an All Star Men's Shoe in a zebra print for less than $45.

Because a zebra print is so striking all by itself, flats rarely need much in the way of embellishments. Occasionally there will be bows or knotted leather, but the emphasis is clearly on the stripes.

Whether you choose a sophisticated patent leather flat suitable for the office, some sporty calf-hair loafers or even casual canvas, zebra print flats will keep you fast on your feet.

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