I guess I've always thought of animal prints in the same way I've thought of other prints. Some I love (stripes) while others are "meh" (polka dots) while others seem just plain ugly to my eye (bold tartans). But I know that another person would have exactly the opposite reaction to these patterns. And those feelings would apply to men, as well as women, I'd imagine.
But Jeneva's recent post on style, personality, and body shape makes me wonder if body shape and personality also influences how we choose to wear patterns. For example, a leopard-print, body-con top on an hourglass shape would have a very effect (and set of associations) than drapey, leopard-print shirt on an tall, thin rectangle. The same goes for other patterns: A polka dot dress on a small, dainty figure may appear more child-like than on an angular, tall shape. A curvier woman might be happier showing her love of stripes in her accessories instead of in pants or a dress. Maybe subconsciously we factor these elements into deciding how much of a particular pattern would work with our personalities and body shapes?
And, I suppose, the men in our lives are also influenced by the vision that they have of us. Associations with starlets, celebrities, and Minnie Mouse might make them less than enthusiastic about some of the current fashion experiments and trends. For example, my husband and my sons absolutely hate the current pattern mixing trend, unless it is very subtle. I doubt that I could ever stand up to their eye-rolling and comments if I was ever inclined to show up in such an outfit.
