When post-pandemic reverence for Y2K started to erupt in street fashion, we found ourselves pining for cargo pants and replacing our slim-fit denim with the baggiest styles we could get our hands on. Baby tees suddenly looked so fun and so fresh, and butterfly hair clips became the must-have of fashion girls everywhere.
And in our quest to dress more playfully and channel that venerated bygone decade, we found ourselves embracing our inner cheetah girls. Truly, there was suddenly no such thing as too many feline spots adorning every aspect of our wardrobes.
And so it has remained for several years. But this winter, leopard print has met its match. While spotted hide is still very much the “in” item to own, the bold cheetah pattern is being replaced by one far more demure. Enter: the doe print trend.
The Doe Print Trend
Also known as fawn print or deer print (or bambicore by the cheekiest among us), doe print softly padded onto the scene last winter following the fall and winter runway shows (and Sofia Grainge’s second pregnancy announcement) and is about to be back in full force this coming season. We’re seeing it crop up throughout styles and retailers, with subtle spots splayed across everything from unexpected denim and alluring silky dresses to more expected faux-fur jackets and statement bags.
Because it is aesthetically soft, doe print is a pattern that can be treated as a neutral. It’s also striking enough that a single piece can make an entire outfit feel elevated and a little bit more posh. It’s cozy, plush, and basically everything we could ask for when it comes to a winter fashion trend.
How to Style the Doe Print Trend This Fall and Winter
As someone who has been historically averse to almost all animal prints (cheetah, zebra, cow print—they’re just not my thing!), I’m delightfully surprised to find myself excited and inspired by this latest trend. If you’re feeling equally inspired (or pondering if you’d like to jump in), here are some ideas for incorporating doe print into your outfits this winter.
Instead of your go-to blue jeans
As with any trend, one of the easiest ways to start incorporating doe print into your wardrobe is by making a simple swap to a piece your already wear all the time, such as jeans. Fawn-printed denim can make any outfit feel more intentional and present an efficient cost-per-wear means for dipping your toe into the trend. Style with a simple sweater and ballet flats for a look that lets the jeans shine.
Shop this look: Sweater | Jeans | Flats | Bag | Necklace | Earrings
With an unexpected color
Doe print pairs naturally with traditional neutrals, including white, black, brown, and denim. But because you can treat it as a neutral itself, don’t be afraid to have fun and style it with more colorful hues. Consider brisk sky blue, rich burgundy, or bold cherry red. Track pants are a trendy, effortless way to break up your denim rotation and add some eye-catching color.
Shop this look: Sweater | Track Pants | Tote | Sneakers | Sunglasses
With a statement shoe
When the temperature really drops and layers start consequently smothering all your cute fits, statement shoes can become an effective way to add style and personality to your winter outfits. Style a pair of on-trend printed boots with a midi skirt or loose trousers and a sweater for the office. Keep the outfit in a neutral palette for an extra chic and soft aesthetic.
Shop this look: Sweater | Skirt | Jacket | Boots | Tote | Earrings
Alongside stripes
Styling traditional patterns with trendy patterns is not only fashionable but also a creative way to breathe new life into items already hanging in your closet. Pair a doe-print jacket with a classic striped turtleneck. Thinking outside the box can make your ensemble feel more intentional and also grant that sense of satisfaction that comes with taking a stylistic risk.
Shop this look: Jacket (Plus) | Jeans | Top | Boots | Bag | Earrings
As a holiday party attention-getter
For this year’s holiday get-togethers, think beyond typical plaid and jewel-tone velvets. A doe print dress is an attention-getter that will mesh well with a favored fur jacket or wrap. Metallic accessories are still covetable and a fun way to make every outfit feel a little more festive. Add a pair of magical silver heels and a glitzy handbag.
Shop this look: Dress | Coat (Plus) | Heels | Bag | Necklace
More Doe-Print Fashion Pieces to Shop
Emilee Janitz, Contributing Fashion Writer
Emilee is a communications strategist and lifestyle journalist with an M.S. in Public Relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She currently works on the content team at Enterprise SEO company Terakeet where she creates and executes reputation management strategies for Fortune 500 companies and their executives. Beyond The Everygirl, Emilee’s work has been featured on POPSUGAR, MSN, and Yahoo.
Products included in graphics linked within article. Feature graphic images credited to: Mango, Mango, ASOS, Reformation, and Laidback London.
