Snake print is the animal print I reach for when leopard feels like too much. It's mostly beige, gray and brown, so it sits next to camel, cream and black the way a neutral would. The pattern is busy up close and calm from across the room.

Shoes are the easiest place to start, because a little goes a long way at the bottom of an outfit. Paris Texas's Vera 105 knee boots are the full statement, tall and pointed, and they look best with a plain knit dress so nothing competes. A snake pump with cropped black trousers and a cream sweater is the outfit I'd copy first. For something quieter, Victoria Beckham's Angle d'Orsay 55 pumps have a low heel and open sides, and Khaite's Jett d'Orsay low pump does a similar shape in python-embossed taupe.

Roger Vivier's 55 slingbacks have a buckle across the toe, and Cult Gaia's Caterina boot is a faded python with a slim heel. If you want to wear snake on a Saturday, Jacquemus's Les Tennis sneakers are $590 and look good with straight jeans and a gray sweatshirt.

A snake bag works the way a brown leather bag does, only with more to look at. Carry it with navy, black, camel or denim and it fits right in.

Khaite's Blake Nano bag in natural python is small and structured at $3,600, and the Mini Lotus tote is the softer, slouchier option in python-embossed leather. Victoria Beckham's Dorian clutch is long and slim, very good tucked under the arm with a blazer. Nili Lotan's Keith tote is a roomy everyday shape, and Chloé's Spin tote comes in a deep reddish python that looks lovely with burgundy.

At the lower end, Cult Gaia's Kazia nano crossbody is $498 and the Caldera clutch is an oval shape for evenings out. Amanu's Somalia shoulder bag is a tall bucket that hangs close to the body.

Think about where the bag sits, too. A crossbody puts the print at your hip, which is lively, while a clutch or tote under the arm is quieter and easier to wear to work.

One rule I keep: if the bag is snake, the shoes are plain. Two big patterns in one outfit can start to feel like a costume.

Once you're comfortable, try snake on a belt or a single piece of clothing. A belt is the smallest step. Khaite's Theo waist belt in natural python sits nicely over a long coat, and the Benny belt has whipstitching and gold hardware for jeans. Isabel Marant's Lassio belt is $385, and Cult Gaia's Ailani swivel belt is $298, faded python with black.

For clothes, keep everything else in the outfit plain. Gucci's snake-print silk-chiffon shirt is light and soft, lovely under a black blazer. Isabel Marant's Laraya blouse is printed silk with a tie at the neck. R13's Overflow Boy pants are snake-print corduroy with a flare, which gives them a '70s feel. Cult Gaia's Dionea top is a draped halter in faded python.

Stick to one printed piece at a time. A snake shirt with snake boots is a lot, even for me.