Deborah Baic / The Globe and Mail
A perennial favourite, snakeskin may have slithered down the runways in the form of dresses, trousers and trench coats this fall, but – of all of its varied permutations – it's python print that, surprisingly, works best on a pencil skirt when it comes to workplace dressing. Here's how to slink your way into it.
1. Avoid going head-to-toe reptilian. In a professional atmosphere, a statement print like this is best in small doses.
As a rule, snakeskin overkill is really only workplace appropriate for provocative rappers (paging Nicki Minaj) or, say, Cher.
2. A well-placed hit of snakeskin will breathe new life into standard office staples such as slim cardigans and tailored jackets. Let the skirt be the star by keeping the other parts of your outfit monochromatic – down to the shoes – to ground the look.
3. That said, don't shy away from colour. Python comes in a variety of tones this season, from classic brown to marigold to emerald, as seen at Gucci's fall 2011 presentation. These shades will offer punch while still remaining office-appropriate.