Designers Discover Animal Attraction

Animal prints are no longer the mark of fashion's wild side. Leopard dots, and even Dalmatian spots and zebra stripes, are solidly part of the mainstream. But this season's take on the formerly rebellious look is to -- gasp -- put the print into preppy silhouettes.

"Until now, I hadn't found the pieces in animal print that I would wear because it was not in the silhouettes I'd wear," says Jenna Lyons, vice president of women's design at J. Crew. "Animal prints had always been a wrap top or on little camisoles, which are not really my style."

It's a different story, though, if the brown and tan leopard dots are on a merino-wool cardigan -- as J.Crew is offering for fall. "It's matte, not shiny, and that's important," says Lyons.

At Banana Republic, animal prints are offered in bright colors, such as purple or teal, and in muted gray, which executive vice president of design Deborah Lloyd says softens the effect so a garment doesn't scream "jungle print" or "fashion victim."

By making a graphic statement on delicate blouses or on an accessory, the print provides an unexpected pop while complementing other seasonal trends, such as tweed fabrics and ladylike skirt suits, Lloyd explains.

What else does one wear with an animal print? Attitude -- and that's what really sets the tone of the look.

When animal prin

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