Safari prints are going to be a big trend this spring, but that doesn’t mean dressing your kid like a wannabe Real Housewife. (I’ll stop there. I’ve said too much already. ) There are some really adorable prints and patterns on kids’ clothes that are stylish, and even subtle–provided you don’t pair a leopard print with a zebra print with snakeskin shoes. But you knew that, right?
Here, just a few of my favorite safari inspired clothes for girls and boys. No cutesie cartoon lions or toucans, promise.
Leopard print sneakers (above, $17.95 at H + M)
Starting from the bottom up, these affordable sneakers are totally fun. I’d like them alone with a cute skirt, or setting off a pair of cropped leggings or pedal-pushers.
Gray Leopard Cardigan ($29.90 at Zara Kids)
A leopard cardigan is the new neutral, at least at my kids’ NYC school. Fun look with jeans or over an easy dress.
Giraffe print treggings ($7.95 at H + M)
Here’s a great example of how a safari print can look classy, not trashy. The low boots, casual tee, and denim bring it down to earth perfectly. And if you’re wondering what a “tregging” is (we sure were), it’s a cross between trousers and leggings.
Zebra print treggings ($7.95 at H + M)
It’s also available in a cute zebra print which is admittedly a little easier to coordinate. You just might consider staying away from neon colors, sequins and rhinestones, which is what can put a print like this (way, way) over the top.
Boys Mosaic Leopard Tee ($22.50 at Tea Collection)
This is such a cool twist on the classic animal tee, with a beautiful rendering of a leopard that feels straight out of Northern Africa.
Mini Rodini Giraffe Dress ($62 at Baby Bubble NYC)
This dress is too cute and so easy. My girls just live in cotton dresses all spring and summer and they’d love the flare at the bottom.
Kids’ Giraffe Messenger Bag ($29 at Mamoo Kids SF)
What a cool little 8″x8″ canvas messenger bag for younger kids who don’t need a full backpack. Great for letting them carry their own stuff around town, too.
In Queue for the Zoo Girls’ Liberty Tank Swimsuit ($78 at J Crew)
Love this sophisticated safari print Liberty pattern bathing suit for girls. It looks like modern art.
Mini Rodini Elephant Sweatshort ($52 at Baby Bubble NYC)
Also from Mini Rodini, we love these easy shorts that show boys can get in on safari prints too, without looking like David Johansen circa 1978. (Though that would be kind of cool.
Faux snakeskin kids’ sneakers ($24.95 at H + M)
For boys or girls, it’s hard to resist this awesome shade of blue, and the fun faux snake pattern embossed into the upper which is so on trend right now. They definitely up any outfit from ordinary.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust tee ($29.50 at J Crew)
Above all, I love this tee which supports one of my favorite charitable organizations, with all the profits going to rescue elephants orphaned by poachers. If your kids are going to wear safari, not a bad idea for them to know what that really means.
