Keep the cat in the bag and stand out from the herd in ‘all-occasion’ zebra print which adds curves to your figure

LEOPARD print? That was SO last week, darling.

There is a dark horse on the High Street — and it is the new leader of the animal-print pack.

• Shirt, £29.99, Zara –

It may have less bite than its predecessor but is just as fierce for style.

Behold . . . the often overlooked zebra print.

The monochrome stripes are less common than the leopard patterns flooding shop floors, offices . . .

and the queue at your local bus stop.

• Coat, £59, Topshop –

• Boots, £22.99, New Look –

The leopard look has clawed its way into every woman’s wardrobe since the spring.

Just last month, we declared it was spot on. But fashion is fickle, so instead of turning up to parties afraid you will run into yet another leopard lover, put the cat on its leash and let the zebra run wild. After all, the monochrome print provides a much easier colour palette to wear — and won’t earn you comparisons with Corrie’s Bet Lynch.

Black and white is a sophisticated pairing that can work for all occasions.

For a night out, accessorise with statement heels, bright earrings and a sweep of bold red lippy. Or pull on a zebra jumper with your go-to jeans and trainers for a bit of daytime fun.

• Pouch bag, £15.99, New Look –

• Skirt from Mango, £49.99 –

The pattern will truly earn you your fashion stripes, from morning to night. It lets you make a statement without needily roaring: “Look at me.”

Still on the fence?

During Holly Willoughby’s stint hosting I’m A Celeb, she made the case for coloured stripes. Sales of the telly star’s red Rixo and yellow Zadig & Voltaire frocks soared.

The zig-zag lines flatter all body types, creating curves while distracting from any problem areas.

• Clutch, £35, Accessorize –

• Knee-high boots, £110, River Island – 

Balenciaga, Tom Ford and Dolce & Gabbana welcomed zebra print for this year’s autumn/winter collections, further cementing its status as queen of the jungle.