Trends SS09: Tribal Prints

If you’ve got the eye of the tiger and maybe that jungle feeling too, then this season’s tribal prints may be just up your street! Too many clichés? Possibly. The SS09 catwalks were inundated with bright colour and print and after an AW08 filled with gothic black lace, maybe we are ready for it?

The prints vary from outlandish (see this season’s Louis Vuitton) to muted and effortlessly stylish (DKNY’s print offering). If you still can’t bring yourself to wear animal print, then try accessorising with chunky bangles and statement tribal necklaces and earrings. Hair is wild like that of an extra from The Lion King. Browns, oranges, reds and greens are back, so just when you think that you can’t take any more of the British winter (and piles of snow!), put on a vibrant, print dress (Anna Sui’s is perfect!) and your day will be instantly brighter!

I have unfortunately found just a few offerings on the British High Street for tall women. Both Topshop and Dorothy Perkins have animal print T-shirts on offer for longer torso-ed ladies, plus Topshop also stocks a leopard print cardigan to throw on over jeans. Finally, tallgirls.co.uk has a tribal kaftan in store at the moment. However, we must think outside the box. If you are taller than the average woman, expect dresses to be a bit shorter on you, wear with leggings or jeans if you want to. I love wearing black leggings with everything and to really bring your outfit bang up-to-date, team a tribal print with black leather-look leggings. Many High Street stores have extra long sizes in leggings, including New Look, at pretty reasonable prices.