I bought an animal print coat and it's easily the best investment I've made this year
I've had so many compliments on this statement coat, which is currently reduced by £90.
In recent years I've stopped holding back when it comes to my fashion choices, reaching for clashing prints, bold silhouettes and standout colours wherever I can. So you can imagine my delight when I caught wind that animal print was making a comeback.
Albaray Animal Print Oversized Wrap Coat
£130£220Save £90Leopard Canterbury Interest Coat
£130Warehouse Leopard Print Wool Look Coat
£55Leeroi Single Breasted Midi Length Coat
£205Ganni Leopard-Printed Shell Belted Coat
£375
While some may argue that leopard or cheetah print is a timeless neutral, there's no denying its recent resurgence in the world of fashion. It was prominently featured across the 2024 runways, particularly in statement animal print coats showcased by high-end fashion houses such as Saint Laurent, Dior, Armani, and Ganni.
The trend has now quickly infiltrated the high street and you bet I jumped at the chance to invest in some new, all-over animal print pieces to add to my wardrobe. A quick Google search and a couple of bank balance glances later, and I landed on John Lewis about to purchase my dream coat. The Animal Print Oversized Wrap Coat from responsible womenswear brand, Albaray, which was luckily also reduced from £250 to £130.
Fast forward five months, I can honestly say it's been one of my favourite fashion moments to-date this year, garnering me a countless number of compliments from friends, colleagues, family members and even complete strangers (one lady even chased after me leaving a public toilet).
So, was it worth the investment? In short, absolutely. But if you want to know more about how I've styled it and why I think an animal print coat deserves to be your next outerwear purchase over something that's boring and grey, keep on reading.
🛍️ Product reviewed: Albaray Animal Print Oversized Wrap Coat
⏰ Tested for: Five months
⭐ Rating: 5/5
💸 Reasons to buy: Statement piece, stylish, comfortable to wear, great quality and value for money
✋ Reasons to avoid: Limited sizes currently available as it's selling out quickly having been reduced
💰 Best deal we've found: Save £90 now at John Lewis or direct from Albaray
Take your style to the next level with this all-over animal print coat, designed with cuff straps, a coordinating belt, two large patch pockets and statement lapels.
💸 Reasons to buy
First and foremost, the print alone is reason enough to justify the splurge. Expensive-looking and way more premium than other styles I saw, the coat is crafted in a sumptuous brushed leopard jacquard.
Side-by-side with the gorgeous all-over animal print, the design's biggest selling point, and probably my favourite element, has to be its shape. The actual cut is unbelievably flattering and was designed to suit all body shapes (it comes in sizes 8 to 18). Following a classic trench-style cut, it has a more oversized, relaxed fit with luxury finishing touches including cuff straps, a coordinating belt, two large patch pockets and statement lapels.
Featuring a longline length, it looks effortlessly chic when thrown on with a pair of wide leg jeans (my go-to right now are a pair from Abercrombie), a simple top and some white trainers.
As the print is super neutral with brown, black and beige hues working together, any bold colour looks great alongside it. I particularly love wearing it with a pop of red — a combo that is very on-trend right now — whether that's by teaming it with a pair of red cowboy boots or a fine knit jumper.
Shop from John Lewis Shop from Albaray
There's also the all-important consideration of quality. While this coat comes with a higher price tag, it feels luxuriously soft and has a substantial weight to it, allowing it to hang nicely and provide ample warmth.
Upgrading quite literally every outfit I pair it with, I can't recommend investing in a statement animal print coat enough.
✋ Reasons to avoid
As my now-favourite coat to wear, I can't fault it. And even full-priced at £250, I think it's great value for money considering the quality and versatility of the actual piece.
It's for sure a coat I'll have in my wardrobe for years to come.
💰 Best deal we've found
Save £90 now at John Lewis or direct from Albaray, where it's been reduced from £250 down to £130 - that's a whopping 41% off.
A word of warning, though, stock is running very low, with only a few pieces left in sizes 8, 10, 12 and 14.
Shop now: Albaray Animal Print Oversized Wrap Coat | £130 (Was £250) from John Lewis
With animal print going nowhere, I tracked down four more stylish options you can shop from the likes of Boden, Warehouse, Ted Baker and Ganni.
Four other options available to shop now
Cut to Boden's classic knee-length shape, this pick is made from a cosy wool blend with two front pockets, full length sleeves, and button fastenings.
Get a more refined look with this longline number from Warehouse, complete with a striking leopard print, wool-like fabric and front button closure for a tailored fit.
Turn heads in this statement design courtesy of Ted Baker, with playful details like a contract collar, button-fastened front and long sleeves.
Impress in the viral belted trench from Ganni, detailed with a self-tie belt for cinching in the waist and adding shape, and three slant pockets.
