Year of the Snake Style – how to work snake print into your wardrobe

Ancient Chinese wisdom states that having a snake in the house is a good omen… And while that may mean a person born in the Year of the Snake, I am taking it to mean fabulous snake and snake print clothing, shoes and accessories!

Seriously, this is the most luxe animal of the Chinese Zodiac that you can don – the jury is still out on fur for the Year of the Rabbit, tiger print can be a little loud and we’re not entirely sure how to make Year of the Pig work in the style stakes, so let’s celebrate the Year of the Snake by looking captivating in all things cobra!

Clockwise, from top left: Nefer Bangle (from The9thMuse), River Island Snake & Crystal Collar, Biarro Emerald Cuff, Susan Caplan Vintage Ring, Jacque Aiche Knuckle Ring, Kenneth Jay Lane Swarovski ring, River Island Gold Cuff, Brian Atwood Python Cuff, River Island brown wooden stacked bangles, Gripoix Snake Cuff, Jacque Aiche Extra Long Snake Ring, Ileana Makri Slither Snake ring

The easiest way to wear the serpent is simply to wind one around your wrists and fingers. Pretty much every shop is carrying some sort of snake accessory, so no matter your budget you are sure to find one to please; look out for the twisty rings that can go up one finger or around two. Check out the emerald cuff from Aroxta and check two trend boxes in one, as emerald is also the colour of 2013 (according to Pantone that is)! I also love the arm cuffs, which are perfect for showing off those toned guns you have been sculpting at H-Kore!

Clockwise, from top left: ASOS TUTU peep toe boots, Whistles French 75 Snake Print court shoes, Valentino Rockstud python pump, Ted Baker Kelmat Snake Print court shoes, Tory Burch Reva python flats, Tom Ford Python Pointed-Toe Skimmer, 3.1 Phillip Lim Spade Snake Loafer, Hunter Boots Carnaby Snake rain boots, Rebecca Minkoff Refine Snake Booties, Rupert Sanderson Elba pumps, Christian Louboutin Lipsinka python pumps, Ted Baker Sawp platform court shoes, Sambag Riley two tone python boot, Sam Edelman Harper Snake Print slingbacks

If you feel that accessories are great but you’re ready to slither your way into something more sumptuous, then check out a python pump! Consider snakeskin a neutral and swap it out for your basic black; the nude varieties add length to your legs and a bit of texture and dimension to your look. For the cooler temps, might I suggest Sambag’s snake booties? I have the black version and have been wearing them nearly every day, as they’re so incredibly comfy and go with everything from my slim black pants to a pleated plaid wool skirt. I also love the printed welly by Hunter for those wet months that you know are sure to come in HK (see if they have any on discount in Tung Chung)!

Clockwise, left to right: New Look Snake Cecile Clutch, ASOS Printed Snake Super Skinny Metal Keeper Belt, Michael Kors Snake Effect iPad case, Jimmy Choo Rosalie Snake Embossed Leather Tote, Mulberry Cecily snake effect shoulder bag, 3.1 Phillip Lim Mini Pashli Satchel, Nine West New Wave belt, KOTUR minaudiere (available from Harvey Nichols), See by Chloe April snake-stamped trapeze bag, Diane von Furstenberg Lytton Patchwork snake clutch, Halston Heritage snake convertible purse, ASOS Metal Plate purse

Want more bite for your buck? Check out these scaly statement bags, which are sure to get your rattle going! For the day, this simple sweet Mulberry is as enticing as an apple whilst for your nocturnal outings, carry this python and metal plate clutch to lure in your prey! I’ve also included a few snakeskin belts to wrap yourself up with – careful… not too tight though or else you’ll end up looking like you lost a battle with a boa constrictor!

Clockwise, left to right: Oasis Foil Snake Print top, Pussycat Snake Print metallic skater dress, Vince Camuto Desert Snake crossback mailot, Matthew Williamson snake-print dress, Mara Hoffman snake-braided bikini bottoms, J.Crew printed maxi skirt, Oasis Snake Print pleat back shirt, Emma Cook snake print leggings, Matthew Williamson python print palazzo pants, Equipment Daddy snake print shirt, Topshop gold print cut-out dress, Roberto Cavalli snake print dress

As for clothes, it’s time to shed that leopard print skin and try this new print on for size. You could easily wear this yellow Equipment blouse to the office with a pair of skinny grey cropped trousers, a blazer, and a pair of pointy pumps. All you have to do is remember this fashion rule: “Red touches yellow, you’re a dead fellow but if red touches black, you’re ok Jack!” For a more dangerous look, slip on one of these fitted dresses to really show your curves. Snakes love to lie in the sun and take a bit of rest so on your next getaway (this trio of CNY destinations looks rather tempting!) switch out your LBB (little black bikini) for one of these new suits.

No matter if your snake preference is for something small or if you prefer to go all out anaconda there is something here to suit you and your habitat! Time to celebrate another year and another trend! Stay sassssssssy everyone!