When it comes to wearing animal prints, the cardinal rule is: Less is plenty! It's important to remember this when you stride out in the stripes of your zebra print shoes. Wearing an animal print takes confidence. You have to stand up straight, walk with pride and enjoy the style statement you will inadvertently be making. Like it or not, your animal print outfit will make heads turn anywhere you go. If the thought of being the center of attention in your eye-catching print makes you quake with fear, then animal prints are not for you.

What's more, it helps to think of animal print shoes like pepper. You want it to give your cooking some zing, but too much and your dish will be inedible. The same is true of zebra prints and leopard print shoes. Whenever you are ready to put on your zebra print shoes, you want them to be the focal point of your outfit. For that reason, don't add too many other accessories in those black-and-white equine stripes. Give your outfit balance, yes, but don't go overboard.

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) - 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

Ariat Quickdraw (Women's) - Black Anteater Print/Zebra Hair On Leather<br />
Ariat Quickdraw (Women's) - Black Anteater Print/Zebra Hair On Leather

Show Your Confidence In Zebra Print Shoes

You might pair your shoes with a zebra handbag if the bag isn't too big. Sunglasses in a zebra style also would be acceptable. However, if you are going to wear any other piece of clothing in a zebra print clothes, then put the shoes away. Whether it's a jacket, a blouse, a dress or a scarf; that's just too much zebra if you wear the shoes too. It is best to wear solid color shoes whenever you trot your zebra print outfits.

When it's time to put those stripes on though, think bold. Match those terrific zebra print shoes with a pair of black pants or a black skirt and a solid top in a bright color. Think bright red, hot pink, lime green or sunny yellow. With an outfit like this, those zebras will make a definite fashion statement!

Don't Get Too Wild With Animal Prints

Another thing to watch out for is mixing animal print clothes. Just like in the jungle or on the savanna, animal print outfits do not work and play well with one another. It doesn't matter whether it's zebra, leopard, cheetah, tiger or giraffe. Too many animal prints and you look like a jungle stampede instead of the desirable diva you want to be.

Some women may still be reluctant to wear animal print shoes because they fear the animals were hunted for their pelts. The good news is that zebras and other animals are now more often protected than hunted. Clothing manufacturers have found innovative new ways to reproduce animal prints on fabric, synthetics and ethically harvested leathers. This means that the exotic, exciting patterns of zebra print shoes can be had without concern for damage to endangered species.

When choosing your new zebra shoes, be sensible about their design. Unless you are comfortable in them, there's no absolute need for you to wear 5-inch stiletto heels to claim the fashionable look of zebra print shoes. For those who are afraid of heights, there are plenty of lower-heeled pumps, wedges, sandals and flats that will make the same strong style statement!

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