Ready to strike with wisdom and prosperity in your fashion choices? Here are the do’s and don’ts of styling snake motifs as you celebrate Lunar New Year 2025
The Chinese zodiac can be a cultural compass that helps many navigate life’s twists and turns with charm and confidence. This year, the Wood Snake slithers into focus, bringing with it an air of wisdom, adaptability, and power. The snake represents transformation—something fashion knows all too well. After all, what is style but a perpetual reinvention of ourselves?
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Snake Prints on Statement Pieces
Do: Allow snake designs to take lead with bold pieces such as a wrap dress or a structured blazer. The print’s hypnotic pull draws attention, making it fantastic for a striking but appealing look. To highlight the snake, pair it with simple accessories.
Don’t: Overdo it with a head-to-toe snake ensemble. You’re dressing for the Year of the Wood Snake, not auditioning for a reboot of Anaconda. Keep it chic, not chaotic.
Snakeskin Accessories
DO: Use snakeskin textures carefully in accessories such as a belt, boots, or a compact clutch. These details provide dimension to a garment, giving it an elaborate, sensory appearance. Think of it as a sophisticated accent that elevates without overpowering.
DON’T: Go for faux snakeskin in overly shiny, plasticky finishes. It cheapens the look, leaving your outfit less luxe and more reptile-on-clearance.
Serpentine Jewelry
DO: Choose sleek, sculptural jewelry that coils and twists gently, emulating the snake’s shape. A gold serpent bracelet or a delicate snake chain necklace can transform even the most basic ensemble into something mythic.
DON’T: Pile on chunky, gaudy snake-inspired pieces. There’s a fine line between elegance and looking like you’ve raided a costume shop’s Medusa section.
Tones for a Snake
DO: Play with tones like olive green, muted browns, rich golds, or even the lucky color blue accentuated with snake motifs. These colors ground your look while paying homage to the natural world, aligning perfectly with the Wood Snake’s element.
DON’T: Pair snake motifs with overly bright, clashing colors. A neon pink paired with snakeskin isn’t edgy—it’s a bite that leaves no survivors.
Snake-Motif Embroidery
DO: Seek out clothing with embroidered snake details on lapels, sleeves, or even shoes. It’s a tasteful way to honor the symbol without being overly literal. Embroidery provides a unique charm that stands the test of time.
DON’T: Wear low-quality embroidery where the snake looks more like a worm. Attention to detail is everything—your snake motifs should slither, not sputter.
The Year of the Wood Snake honors fashion’s inherent wisdom with bold designs, rich fabrics, and profound touches. However, much as the snake sheds its skin, we must shed old choices and adopt new aesthetics with clarity. Allow these snake designs to slither effectively into your wardrobe, reminding you that great style, like the ouroboros, always comes full circle.
Photos: THOM BROWNE, JACQUEMUS, ALICE + OLIVIA, ROBERTO FESTA, P.A.R.O.S.H., PROENZA SCHOULER, TIFFANY & CO., FENDI, TOM FORD, DSQUARED2, OSCAR DE LA RENTA, AURELIE BIDERMANN, MANOLO BLAHNIK, MUGLER, CHLOÉ, KHAITE, SWAROVSKI, ALEXANDER WANG, and TANE MÉXICO 1942
