I love leopard. I mean, I love actual leopards and think we need to do more conservational work to protect them but that’s not what this post is about. This post about leopard printed clothes, shoes, accessories, etc. I love it. And I hate it- because it can get trashy REALLY quickly. But to each their own. If Kim K style leopard is your thing then good for you. But I like the classic leopard stuff. Let me elaborate.
Jenna Lyons- the famed or infamous (depending on who you talk to…) former creative director of J Crew once said that leopard is a neutral. Some people loved that statement and other people just said “uh, no..” and it set off a big debate among the style-conscious about whether the leopard print is a statement print or a neutral and when/ where it’s appropriate to wear it. I for one agree with Jenna, but with some caveats. I DO think that you can make leopard really classy and polished and even wear it to a conservative setting (if those still exist in the covid era?). But you have to do it subtly.
I know what you’re thinking: how on earth can you wear leopard printed ANYTHING and make it subtle? By incorporating a pieces of the print into a bigger canvas (i.e. your entire look) you can add some leopard to your look without people focusing on the print and not you. Take for example these gorgeous Kate Spade ankle boots I just found. They’’re definitely a classic leopard print throughout. The classic silhouette gets an upgrade with the leopard print in genuine calf hair. Smooth and polished they look classic but snazzy.
The addition of a feminine bow on each ankle takes this boot from being a little edgy and racy to classic and feminine. If you styled these boots with a pair of ankle length trousers, a camel colored sweater and a long black vest or coat you have an instantly chic look that isn’t boring but also doesn’t make you look like you’re dressed up for halloween or something.
There are other way to add subtle pieces of leopard print to your ensemble such as a handbag or a winter hat. Even a larger piece like a top or skirt can still look really classy. I have a leopard printed mixed media sweater from Equipment that is a great way to add some animal print. Made of luxurious merino wool and leopard printed silk front, it was a super classy way to incorporate some of the print into my wardrobe without being inappropriate.
If you don’t want to be subtle you can still add some leopard to your wardrobe and look classy. A coat is my absolute favorite way to do this. And it’s actually a very versatile piece. You can wear it to work, go shopping, or other non formal settings as an accent piece. Heck, I once wore mine with leggings and nikes to go shopping and got TONS of compliments from total strangers (and who doesn’t love that ?!).
If you are going to a more formal event, styling a classic little black dress and some black tights under your leopard printed coat just elevates your look to scream “I’m classy boss”. And again, who wouldn’t want the confidence that goes with that feeling??? Kate Moss once rocked this look and after seeing it I just had to get myself such a statement coat.
Whether you were already a leopard print fan or I just managed to convince you to join the existing fan base there are so many way to incorporate this awesome print into your wardrobe. I’ve rounded up some awesome shopping options below should you want to add some leopard awesomeness to your closet.
I hope that you guys enjoyed this post! If you have a question or would like to leave a comment please write me a note below or send me an email!
YSL Leopard Silk Dress via eBay
Sam Edelman Metallic Leopard Loafers via Poshmark
Rebecca Minkoff Julian Nylon Backpack from Nordstrom (on sale!)
Leopard Puffer Coat via Mercari
Cole Haan Mara Grand Booties via Nordstrom Rack
Stella McCartney Leopard Print Coat via Tradesy
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At Chic On A Shoestring, my goal is to help you navigate the world in your quest to look good without going broke. All of my picks are independently selected and curated because I genuinely think they’re awesome. If you buy something via link, Chic On A Shoestring may earn commission.
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