Grrr Baby: Animal Prints for Fall

Ah. Fall. Cold air brings sweaters, hot cocoa and all new shoe styles! So ... before you get all your back-to-school shopping done, consider getting a new animal print to spice up your wardrobe.

Animal prints can be bold, so if you're worried about going overboard, ditch the print on the skirt or blouse and look for it in your accessories. Namely shoes.

Leopard prints will make a strong stand this fall, but they are on their way out, according to Ellen Campuzano. Fancy name, but the woman knows her stuff. She is the founder and president of the Committee for Colour & Trends, the only color forecasting, trend tracking and consulting service in the United States for the footwear and accessories industry.

Look for animal prints to be updated and fresh -- darker orange, rust and brown leopard prints, buckles, bows and lots of peep toes, both round and square as seen in this Dolce & Gabbana Cavallino slingback, retails for $695.

Square toes are shaping up as the new look for Spring/Summer 08. If you hate it, the good news is that open toes, straps and even sandals are now acceptable 12 months a year, so if you can handle cold toes, shoe 'em off all year long and avoid squares altogether.

Crocodile will undoubtedly be the hottest animal print this fall, gaining more momentum from the early fall preview. Sleek and shiny, it is the perfect compliment to patent leather, another fabric going strong in shoes.

The subtle print of croc, and the "wet" look of both crocodile and patent leather kick up your basic black pump, adding new interest to a classic look. The crocodile pump (in black, brown, or even rust or gray) is a must have for women in the board room -- conservative yet fashion forward; confident without being overly flashy.

Croc will also be a major player in handbags this season, so if you're into matching your shoes to your bag? Croc is for you. Watch for it in red, green, and gray.

Zebra continues to be a great print this fall, with basics (black, white and red) dominating the fashion world in Europe and New York.

Look for patent embellishments (like the trim in the Delicious pump to the left, starting at 19.99), bows, even wedges and espadrilles to keep Zebra prints company. Always eye catching, this print works well for women in sales, fashion, even trendy moms looking to add some pizzazz to denim.

Standard black and white will get a new twist: brown and white/cream, even metallic washes.