Zara Tindall's epic leopard hat and navy trench is all the inspiration we need to pair animal print with our neutral autumn coats
We're taking inspiration for our autumn wardrobe


We never thought we would associate an oversized leopard print hat with a chic and refined ensemble, but Zara Tindall has proven that even the boldest accessories can be made timeless if you know how to style them right.
If you're yet to get on board with the leopard print trend, we think this could be the look to sway you. Although fashion choices were certainly more bold in the noughties, we didn't expect to see animal print at Royal Ascot - but Zara Tindall managed to make it fit right in amongst a sea of fascinators and neutral tones.
She sported the eye-catching structural hat back in 2007, giving her outfit a chic and polished feel with the addition of a classic black trench coat. We're taking notes for styling the wild print this season and updating our outerwear collection accordingly.
Queen Elizabeth II, Zara Tindall and Mark Phillips at Ladies Day on day three of Royal Ascot, 2007.
Shop trench coats
A trench coat is one of the hardest-working investments you can make for the colder seasons, so if you don't already have one in your collection, now is the time to invest. Although classic trenches come in a soft beige hue, black offers a luxury edge that can be worn over formal outfits without distracting from the look.
M&S outerwear never fails. Timeless and affordable, this belted trench ticks every box and has a very similar shape to Zara Tindall's coat. Wear open for a relaxed feel or tie up to make formal looks even more polished.
If you prefer boxier outerwear, this trench offers plenty of room for layering with knitwear or comfortable sweatshirts for off-duty days. Team with a pair of the best white trainers and some classic denim for the transitional weather.
Pairing trendy leopard print and oversized hoop earrings with a timeless trench coat is the perfect way to make items with a little more personality feel classic for formal occasions, which Zara pulled off beautifully. We would've expected an animal print accessory to stick out like a sore thumb at Ascot, but this hat couldn't look more at home.
Although we tend to stick to minimalist colour palettes in our autumn capsule wardrobes, it just goes to show that statement prints can work for any event when styled with sleek outerwear.
An alternative to the best waterproof jackets with infinite style credentials, a longline black trench coat can be layered over everything from chunky knitwear to dresses and boots in drizzly weather - or even over floaty dresses in your spring capsule wardrobe on overcast days to channel Zara's Ascot style.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.

Amelia joined woman&home in 2022 after graduating with an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and she is now a senior fashion and beauty writer. She began building her career as a lifestyle journalist after completing a fashion journalism course at the Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design in 2019, writing for a variety of titles including OK!, New!, and Notion on topics such as sustainable fashion and entertainment.
-
How is Race Across the World filmed? Exploring how the BBC reality series is made
An incredible amount of planning and logistics goes into bringing the show to your TV screen
By Lucy Wigley
-
Kate Middleton broke royal tradition on wedding day after she ‘had her heart set’ on key detail
The Princess of Wales isn’t someone who breaks with royal tradition or protocol a lot, but she reportedly did on her wedding day.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Susanna Reid's flattering, summer-ready Boden twirl dress is now discounted – but not for long
With 25% off until midnight on 27th April, we suggest you snap up this stand-out summer dress now
By Molly Smith
-
Who says knee highs aren't for spring? Sienna Miller's trending tan boots rework everything you thought you knew about this season's footwear
Sienna Miller has shown that you can still get plenty of wear out of knee high boots this season styled in a different way.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Ruth Langsford just gave us the green light to wear two watches - one for fitness, one for fashion
It might seem like you have to take a 'one or the other' approach, but this doesn’t have to be the case.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Naomi Watts declares warm tan is the trending colour you can trust to elevate every outfit
Spotted in head-to-toe tan at the Ralph Lauren show in New York, this is the colour everyone will be wearing in the coming months
By Molly Smith
-
I thought my swimsuit shopping days were done - then I discovered this must-have H&M option
Priced at just under £25, the H&M padded-cup swimsuit outshone my designer style
By Caroline Parr
-
Adidas Sambas have been trending for months now - but Fearne Cotton just wore hers in the most refreshing way
We’re still a few months away from sandal season and Fearne Cotton has inspired us to reach for our Sambas so much more.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Helen Skelton's layered look is giving me plenty of country chic style inspiration this Earth Day
She paired a mocha-coloured jumper with a blue shirt and a pair of wellies by Kate Middleton's favourite brand
By Caroline Parr
-
Helen Mirren's go-to accessory is a royal favourite that makes your outfit wedding season ready
If there’s one accessory we associate with Dame Helen Mirren it surely has to be this - and it’s the perfect piece for special occasions.
By Emma Shacklock