Animal Print Coats Dominate NYFW Street Style

Fashion insiders embrace bold animal prints for fall/winter 2026 outerwear

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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According to ELLE.com's fashion coverage, animal print coats were the standout street style trend at New York Fashion Week's fall/winter 2026 shows. From leopard peacoats to fawn-spotted trenches, the streets were "wild with prints" as stylish attendees layered the bold patterns with stripes, polka dots, and pops of color.

Why it matters

Animal print has become a fashion statement piece, with the bold patterns being styled as a new neutral that simultaneously makes a bold style statement. The prevalence of the trend at NYFW indicates it will likely be a major outerwear look for the upcoming fall and winter seasons.

The details

While leopard and cheetah prints were the most dominant, the ELLE.com report noted that even rarer animal prints like zebra and cow also stood out on the streets of New York. Fashionistas layered the animal print coats with a variety of other trends, including funnel necks and drop waists, proving the versatility of the bold outerwear.

  • NYFW's fall/winter 2026 season took place in February 2026.

The players

ELLE.com

The online version of the popular fashion magazine ELLE, which reported on the street style trends spotted at New York Fashion Week.

New York Fashion Week

The biannual fashion event held in New York City, showcasing the latest collections from top designers.

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The takeaway

Animal print coats have solidified their status as a must-have outerwear trend for the upcoming fall and winter seasons, with fashion insiders embracing bold, statement-making patterns that can be styled in a variety of ways.