Leopard print is a timeless trend that has been worn by a multitude of women in various ways over the decades. It’s the rare print that can act as a neutral while also signaling a sort of femme fatale figure. It’s widely available across all price points, from bags and shoes to dresses and suits.
A pop of this animal print is an easy way to add interest and playfulness to your outfit rotation, whatever the season.
You can look to the current offerings of leopard print in stores and on social media, or take a cue from vintage style inspiration from the 1990s and 2000s. (Yes, those decades are now considered vintage.)
Here’s a rundown of how leopard print can play out in your wardrobe in the days ahead.
As it gets colder outside, black and camel coats are an everyday staple, in fact, necessary for sheer survival. But if you’re feeling a bit of an outwear rut, consider swapping those staples for a leopard print version. JCPenney’s Liz Claiborne Women’s Heavyweight Leopard Car Coat can rev up your style this winter. Wear it over traditional pieces, such as a poplin shirt and wide-legged trousers. Or check out the offerings on ThredUp for secondhand and vintage finds. Just search “Leopard Print Coat” in your preferred sizes to see what deals you can score. A vintage-esque leopard coat looks great with dark wash jeans and a chunky sneaker, for a throw-it-on-and-go feel.
Two sidenotes: First, when secondhand or thrift shopping, whether in person or online, expand your standard size range up and down a few sizes. Pre-worn clothing does stretch, and some trends benefit from an oversized silhouette. So, while you may be a large in new garments, you could fit a medium or small in secondhand garb.
Also, I am in no way suggesting a leopard print coat will serve you most days in the dead of winter. It’s more of a pick-me-up for a not-totally frozen day, rather than your hearty functional winter coat.
From coats to boots. Again, not for the slushy, snowy, freezing mornings, but a leopard print boot paired with minimalist separates, such as a draped blouse and mid-skirt, will add texture and a modern flair to an office outfit.
I have a pair of leopard booties picked up at a Loehman’s basement sale circa 2010. They are stilettoed and pointy-toed, and I never wear them anymore.
Instead of a va-va-voom type of leopard boot, do yourself a favor and go with more forgiving footwear like Sam Edelman’s Pagie Genuine Calf Hair Bootie from Nordstrom Rack. The lower, squared heel is way more comfortable and is just as chic as a higher, thinner heel.
If chic doesn’t speak to you, then flip things around with Buckle’s Sonni Leopard Western Anke Boot. The combination of Western heritage style with eye-catching animal print will have you taking a walk on the wild side while working two trends in one shoe — leopard and Western.
Another shoe option is the leopard print sneaker. I myself picked up a pair this fall from Cole Haan, their Women’s GrandPro Breakaway sneakers, and have been styling them with a cropped camel trouser and orange-and-brown striped sweater for work, church, and errands. H&M also has a sneaker in dark beige/leopard print. Wear either pair to ground a knitted dress or elevate a leisurewear matching set.
If you’re not so much into leopard on your feet, consider leopard print in your hand. A leopard-print bag offers a subtle pop without being overwhelming or too graphic. A carryall like Backcountry’s Cloud Bag in leopard can be a stylish change up to your everyday bag with its interior pockets and matching pouch. For something a bit more ladylike, check out Banana Republic Factory’s Vegan Leather Mini Slouchy tote. A leopard print bag can amp up your overall look, whether you’re wearing a minimalist black ensemble or sporty separates.
For those who really want to dive in with leopard, consider a statement-making pant. You can find jeans, pull-on pants, and trousers all in leopard. Gap Factory features a mid-rise pull-on Barrel Jean in leopard that their lookbook styles with black knitwear and flats. I can also see this working with a chambray button-down and boots. Halara has an UlstraSculpt High-waisted Wide Leg Yoga Pant in leopard bringing the print into a casual look of sneakers and a halfway zip creamy oversized sweater. For my personal style, I enjoy a cropped trouser in leopard. I have an old chino-style pant from J.Crew Factory in leopard. Alas, currently, they are only offering the print in denim form. However, Loft has a side-zipped flared pant in printed leopard twill for a more tailored leopard look.
If you’d rather stick to a basic bottom, you can still make a statement with a leopard print blazer. Macy’s Anne Klein Women’s Animal-Print One-Button Blazer that can be thrown on over a black or brown dress, tights, and boots. For a softer take, there’s Chico’s Animal Print Sweater Blazer that their online lookbook styles with matching earrings and a leather skirt. I’d pair either blazer with an oversized black turtleneck sweater and leatherette or thick leggings and flat boots.
The matching earrings from Chico’s bring up a delicate question. Should you wear multiple leopard print pieces in one outfit? Nine times out of ten, no. More than one leopard print piece in your look overwhelms and pulls focus. However, the tenth time this works is when the items are purchased together, from the same brand. For instance, a suit or a matching dress and coat, from the same brand and same collection, that is meant to be worn together, makes for a very dynamic outfit. Different pieces from different brands rarely match up, and the statement you’d be making could verge on tacky.
