TL;DR / Quick overview:
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Start Small: Honestly, the easiest way to start with dog-themed fashion is with little accessories like a cute paw necklace, a tote bag with your dog's name, or a Dog Mom cap. Trust me, it’s subtle but so cute.
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Graphic Tees Are a Must: A dog-print tee tucked into jeans, paired with a skirt, or layered under a blazer is such a vibe. It’s comfy but still looks extra.
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Layer Like a Pro: Hoodies, scarves, or even a denim jacket with fun dog patches? Instant upgrade.
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Match Your Pup (but Chill): Full-on matching outfits are cool, but not necessary. Just stick to similar colors or matching accessories, and boom—adorable.
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Keep It Balanced: Let one dog-themed piece do all the talking and keep the rest of your outfit neutral. Easy and stylish.
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Mix It Up: Dog-print leggings with a cozy knit sweater or a tote bag with your pup’s face paired with a tailored coat? Unexpected, but sooo chic.
As a dog parent, you might know these situations: You see a cute dog-themed hoodie or T-shirt on TikTok or Instagram, and suddenly you’re adding it to your cart faster than your dog can finish their dinner. Trust me, I’ve been there. Over the years, I’ve somehow managed to turn my love for Max (my ridiculously cute Corgi) into a wardrobe filled with dog-inspired pieces, and I’m not mad about it. And you shouldn't be, too! I think - or better - I know that you can totally rock that dog-themed fashion without looking like you stepped out of a gift shop. So here are my favorite ways and tips on how to style these dog pieces to make them feel personal and cute, but also chic and not over the top.
Start Small with Accessories
If you’re feeling a little reserved about fully jumping into dog-themed clothing, start small. Accessories are such an easy way to dip your toes in while keeping your outfit subtle and stylish.
- For example, I can’t live without my custom paw necklace from Silveristic. It has Max’s name engraved on it, and I wear it almost every day. It’s simple, chic, and it's so subtle it honestly goes with everything.
- Tote bags are another great option. I’m obsessed with my custom one from PinkaJam—it has Max’s name and a little face on it, and I always get compliments when I take it out for grocery shopping.
- And let’s not forget: Hats! A cute Dog Mom or Dog Lover cap instantly elevates your casual outfits. Pair it with leggings, a tee, and sneakers, and you’re good to go.
My custom paw necklace from Silveristic.
Graphic Tees Are Your Best Friend
Dog-themed graphic tees are so much more versatile than people might think. You can dress them up, dress them down, and always look effortlessly cool while showing a little of your personality.
- My go-to is the “Dog Walker” T-shirt from our store Dog Lover Clothing. It’s super soft, comfy, and pairs perfectly with high-waisted jeans and sneakers for an easy weekend look.
- For something a little dressier, I love tucking a dog-themed tee into a midi skirt and adding ankle boots. It’s cute but still super comfortable.
- And if you’re heading to work or dinner, throw on a blazer over your dog print tee to instantly polish up your look.
Layer It Up
I’m a big believer in the power of layers, especially when it comes to making dog-themed clothes feel more elevated.
- A cozy cardigan over a bold hoodie (like my Diehard Dog Moms Club cropped Hoodie from Dog Lover Clothing—oversized, of course) creates the perfect balance of comfort and style.
- Pair a dog-print scarf with a neutral trench coat for those breezy fall days.
- My personal favorite? A denim jacket over a dog-themed T-shirt—it’s timeless and effortlessly cool.
- Or the other way around: Pair a plain white t-shirt with your denim jacket that has some super cool dog-themed patches applied to it—like the patches from Scout's Honour.
Match Your Dog (But Keep It Chill)
Matching outfits with your pup is something I never thought I’d do…until I did it. The key is to keep it simple and not overdo it.
- For photos, Max and I love our matching hoodies from Spark Paws. They’re cozy, and the pictures? Adorable.
- You can also just stick to similar color palettes rather than going full matchy-matchy with the exact same outfits. For example, if you’re wearing a beige hoodie, your pup’s bandana can be in a coordinating tone.
- Small details, like matching scarves or hats, are a fun way to match without going over the top.
Balance the Look
The trick to really styling dog-themed clothing is balance. Let one piece shine and keep the rest of your outfit simple.
- If you’re rocking a bold dog-print sweatshirt, pair it with simple black jeans or leggings to tone it down.
- Use accessories thoughtfully—a dog-themed necklace or earrings can add just the right amount of flair without overwhelming the outfit.
- And remember: neutral colors are your best friend when you’re working with prints or bold designs.
Experiment with Unexpected Combos
Another way to make your dog-themed outfits stand out (in the best way) is to mix and match them with pieces you might not immediately think go together. Here’s what I mean:
- I love pairing my dog-print leggings with a big, cozy knit sweater and some ankle boots—it’s the ultimate “I put effort in, but not too much” kind of look.
- My tote bag with Max’s face on it? It’s not just for groceries! I’ve used it as a statement piece with a tailored coat and sleek loafers, and people always ask where I got it.
- One of my favorite tricks is layering a dog-themed T-shirt under a classic plaid shirt. I have this white and black checkered one, and it adds just enough texture to make it look a little more intentional and styled without trying too hard.
These combos are fun, easy, and make dog-themed clothing feel way more elevated and wearable every day.
Unexpected Combo for Corgi Fans like myself from Dog Lover Clothing.
Why I Love Dog-Themed Fashion
Wearing dog-themed clothing is more than just fashion—it’s a way to celebrate the dogs in our lifes. No matter if it’s a custom necklace, a bold graphic tee, or matching hoodies, these pieces are a little reminder of how much our dogs mean to us.
I hope this post gave you some inspiration and new ideas to try out for yourself! If you have your own favorite ways to style dog-inspired pieces, and I didn't list them, please comment below and let me/us know! I’m always looking for new ways to show off my love for Max. And if you haven’t tried dog-themed fashion yet, trust me, once you start, you’ll never go back. Give your pup some extra hugs for me!
