It's Hard to Earn Compliments From French Women, But They Couldn't Stop Fawning Over My "Dated" Statement Jacket
I faced an insurmountable amount of pressure when packing for my first trip to Paris a few weeks ago. French street style is an art form in and of itself, from the elevated basics to the chic fur jackets, and I wanted nothing more than to blend seamlessly into the crowd of sleek women tucked into their tailored trench coats without slapping “American” across my outfit. To consolidate the amount of outerwear I was packing, I opted for a vintage tiger-print jacket that held its own in New York, and—I hoped—was “cool” enough to fit in on the winding Parisian streets.
Though this bold, '80s-inspired print has been gaining real estate in the zebra category for quite some time, with brands like Alaïa reigniting the all-animal print flame, I wondered how garishly touristy I would look donning this loud print on museum visits and shopping sprees in Les Marais. However, it became the crown jewel of my 10-day travel wardrobe when I kept getting eyebrow-arched nods of approval from passersby chattering in French and “I love your jacket” compliments on bakery runs.
Alaia Resort S/S 26.
But I’m not the only fashion person sensing a shift from classic leopard and snakeskin to more alternative animal prints ahead of 2026. Fashion analyst and content creator Mandy Lee rounded up her 2026 trend predictions in an Instagram reel and quickly called out “stripe-adjacent prints,” specifically in a “hybrid” mix of zebra and tiger, which she forecasts will take the mainstream by storm this upcoming year. “Stripes are such a classic print, and anything resembling stripes is going to do really well [in 2026],” she explains, emphasizing styles in “a more neutral, muted palette.”
Who What Wear associate editor Alyssa Brascia wearing a tiger print jacket.
I may have picked this number up secondhand at the Upper West Side Grand Bazaar, but there are so many more striped animal print coats on the market today. Ahead, 21 chic options from $80.
Shop Tiger and Zebra-Striped Outerwear
This collarless style is perfect for holiday dressing. It includes a corded leather belt that adds an extra chic touch.
I can't stop thinking about this off-white, tiger-striped trench from Roberto Cavalli. If you shop right now, you can score it for 60% off.
Shoulder pads and tiger print? An '80s dream.
My mood boards are peppered with statement jackets like this collarless pick from Reformation. (Oh, and don't forget to secure the matching skirt.)
Another matching set worth splurging on.
Ski season, anyone? This tiger-striped faux fur moment is begging for a spot on your Aspen outfit itinerary.
This muted, hybrid animal print jacket sounds exactly like the kind Lee is predicting will dominate in 2026.
Fine lines make this print look even chicer, and the matching belt adds a gorgeous silhouette.
For something a bit more wallet-friendly (and in the zebra-sphere), try this funnel neck trench from Topshop.
Chic women everywhere are being spotted in long, striped jackets like this Moschino Jeans pick.
I'm personally eyeing this faux fur collarless iteration for my cold-weather wardrobe. But if you're interested too, don't delay—this one's flying off the shelves.
Cropped iterations are utterly chic, too.
A cozier, fairer-weather version of the coats I'm loving this winter.
Save this lower-priced option for spring and fall.
Barn jackets had their moment in 2025, but striped animal print takes them into 2026 territory.
The Alaïa zebra trench.
A warm, winter-ready take on the tiger-striped trend. Plus, it's 68% off if you shop right now.
I've saved at least five different images of this glorious Nina Ricci trench in the past few months.
This hybrid-stripe double-breasted coat is a thing of beauty. From structure to pattern, no notes.
The easiest way to elevate a simple trousers-and-tee outfit.
While it's not necessarily an animal print, this statement Tory Burch coat was still the catalyst for my zebra jacket hunt. It's currently half off, but only available in a few sizes—so snag it while you can.
The oversized shawl collar is everything.
This desaturated coat is the perfect winter color palette.
There's something about the 3/4 sleeves and relaxed silhouette that makes this jacket so chic.
