Let Those Paws Walk In Style

There is something about fashion that attracts everyone. Most of us have our eyes set on the ongoing and upcoming trends be it any fashion category. From apparel to accessories, there is a vast variety for everyone to choose from. But if you’re a parent to a four-legged furball, we’d like to tell you that you’re not the only one who should be keeping up with the fashion trends. Well, your little (or maybe not so little) pet should also not stay behind whenever it’s about playing dress-up.

There is no scarcity of styles and clothing in the fashion world even when it comes to pets. Well, you must have been awestruck by those adorable pictures of four-legged angels on your Instagram feed wearing apparel that look too sweet to handle. Gone are the days when pets’ fashion was limited just to colourful collars. The world has changed and so has the fashion statement for pets. Pet owners can now get everything for their furballs ranging from low-cost purchases to high-end couture. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get straight into the ‘know-how’ of styling your babies like a celebrity.

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The Right Clothing

Gone are the days when pets’ fashion was limited just to colourful collars. The world has changed and so has the fashion statement for pets.

Comfort should be the primary factor when picking clothes for your pets. With so many options from inexpensive brands to high-end designers, the scope of finding the perfect apparel for your pet is prominent. If you’re introducing clothing to your pet, there are chances they might be terrified by the sense and smell of the material. In such cases, try not to force your pet into a fancy-schmancy outfit right off the bet. Let them get comfortable first and then you can play the dress-up session. Trusting the process is the key.

Observe Their Reaction

If you dress up your pet, start by observing how your pet behaves when you introduce a new piece of cloth to them. When they’re all dressed up, you might think they look as sweet as pumpkin pie, but expressions like a bowed head, flat ears, and wide eyes might be symptoms of sadness rather than happiness. To ensure that your pet is satisfied with the fit and feel of the dress, check for symptoms of pain and start over.

No matter how hard you try, some animals just won't dress up. Make sure you don't push your pet outside of her comfort zone if your furry friend rejects the clothing, after several efforts at dressing up.

Time To Pick The Outfits:

T-shirts and Sweatshirts

Make sure you begin with the comfy ones first. A breezy day demands a comfortable breezy attire for your fur baby. Just like humans, the best and most comfortable option for your pet is - sweatshirts or cotton t-shirts. Let your dog wear a t-shirt or a sweater to create playful and carefree fashion statements. Choose cotton clothing with intriguing designs, colours and patterns to fit your furry friend's personality. Selecting sweatshirts with hoods is preferable in this case. Hoods are excellent in preventing our pets from picking up dirt, ticks, or fleas through vulnerable areas like the neck or ears.

Shoes

Although we may not have been born with shoes, there is no way we can survive without them. The same goes for our pets. One of their body's weakest points is their paws, which are prone to being bitten by ticks, fleas, and other insects as well as developing painful places from walking barefoot on hot ground. A good pair of shoes will go a long way towards ensuring that our furry friends are both comfortable and maintaining their sense of style.

Setting them up in sets and colour-coding them is a terrific idea. Three to four sets are ideal. In this way, you may spend more time playing with your pet and less time worrying about making arrangements for their belongings while you're out and about.

Coats and Jackets

If you’re planning to attend a wedding with your paw friend, this is what you will like the most. What a tuxedo or little black dress is to us, a stylish, cosy coat or jacket is to a dog. A coat or jacket is quite important when it comes to taking our furry friends to a party or function, even if it is more appropriate to wear during the winter. Choose from pure cotton for the summer or tweed for the winter, both with a dapper lapel or collar and let your furry star shine. And who said there aren’t options in tuxedos for your doggos? You can pick one or get a customised one from a pet designer if you’re planning your furball to be your best man at your wedding.

Accessories

If all the while you’ve been wondering that we’re here only with the clothing options, you’re wrong. Some adorable pieces of accessories have the power to fix everything. Let your darlings be the star of the show by adding some stylish yet enchanting accessories for your pet. These will not only add an extra dose of delightfulness to their overall look but also confidence. You can pick a nice and elegant bow tie, a graceful bandana, or some vibrant and lovely hair clips, sunglasses, and hats if you own a breed like Shih Tsu or Havanese.

From the May 2023 issue of FHM India.