To imagine not having animal print as part of your Fall style just won’t do! Especially when it comes to leopard. Now, most people might agree that animal print is asking a lot of them. To wear this type of print will make you stand out in a crowd. And that in and of itself means stepping out of your comfort zone in a huge way. But you don’t have to go head-to-toe animal print crazy. You can do it in small doses and with leopard, it’s not hard.
Why Leopard Print?
Leopard print has always been synonymous with all that is sexy and powerful.
(photo: AZZEDINE ALAÏA, Leopard Collection, FallWinter 1991)
The late Azzedine Alaïa was a designer that knew the curves of a woman. I swear, he created women himself. And HE celebrated leopard like no other as seen in his collection above.
But when I think of leopard, I think ‘Bond Girl’, the way iconic model Veruschka von Lehndorff looks here
(photo: Franco Rubartelli)
in a sick vintage look, wearing a cutout leopard swimsuit.
Leopard print also sparked my memory with images of Eartha Kitt. And how could it not?
(photo: Michael Ochs Archive and Rex Features)
Eartha was the only ‘Cat Woman’ that played that role best, commanding your attention with her unique voice and purr. Leopard print has even made an appearance with Kate Moss on more than one occasion, throughout her career.
You see, wearing leopard, shows defiance, power and commands attention, when done right. And as I’ll say it again, it can be done in small doses. However, in large amounts, it’s always great for dramatic effect.
So How Can You Wear Leopard?
Seeing as how leopard might be foreign to some of you, I’m here to help. I’ve put together three looks that will help you see how easy it is to wear this print.
Animal Print, Leopard Look One
I live to clash and love wearing contrasting patterns if you haven’t already noticed. The contrast in the patterns as well as in textures is what I love here.
The pink midi dress with allover eye print, known as the Eyeconic Sun Dress, by Romance Was Born, just had me at the eyes. But the different colors set against that pretty pink hue just called to me. Besides, pink and brown are a timeless color pairing that complements each other very well. Which brings me to the leopard in this scenario.
Balenciaga’s Knife Booties in leopard are the perfect boots for this dress. Part of the AW18 Balenciaga designer collection, these leopard printed booties in brown, black and beige, are simply divine. Its slip-on style, in a mid-calf length, shows just enough skin. Add a pointed toe, and high stiletto heel and you’re all set. I then chose to offset the brown a bit, by way of this Ryan Roche Bisque Furry Cardigan. This fringe cardigan will make the dress appear to be more delicate thanks to its fuzzy appearance. Hand crocheted with an extra loose base weave, of 100% cashmere, makes it perfect for those chilly nights indoors.
Now, Accessorize Me
As for accessories, I thought that these green Enameled Teardrop Earrings would pick up the green from the dress. Besides, green paired with leopard are a classic color combination. And no look would be complete without a purse, so why not keep pushing the texture envelope? Which brought me to this Clare V. Flore Clutch, in navy faux fur with a gold removable chain strap and gold push-lock closure.
Animal Print, Leopard, Look Two
Here, you have a more muted version of the leopard print with this Leopard Shift Mini Dress. With a hidden back zipper, it manages to show off the leopard print without any distraction. But with this look, I saw the leopard as a neutral to mix with what else, the color red. How’s that for spicing things up?
Wearing this bright red Nanushka Hide Faux Leather Puffer Jacket, in bright red super soft vegan leather, you’ll not only keep warm but look extra cool doing so. The bulbous silhouette of the puffer jacket mixed with the tight leopard dress is a surefire hit. But to intensify things, even more, I’ve paired these items with Saint Laurent Niki 105 Leather Boots in “hot” red. Bearing a coveted conical heel, these slouchy up to the knee soft leather boots will surely get you in trouble. Plus, don’t get me started on its pointy toe.
Now, Where Do I Keep My Lipstick?
But like most shift dresses, your waist needs to be accentuated just a pinch. Enter a belted bag to do the trick. Of course, with the futuristic look of the puffer jacket, I wanted something similar in feel like this Bao Bao Issey Miyake
As for style icon, Iris Apfel can attest, “More is more, less is a bore,”, I finished things off with these oversized mismatched shiny gold Texture Earrings. Measuring approximately two inches long, their wrinkled texture adds interest to the ears. A back clip closure, guarantees they’re big.
Animal Print, Leopard Look Three
I channeled my inner rocker chick, by way of some Janice Joplin and David Bowie when styling this look.
The leopard in this ensemble is bold, daring and way flashy with the help of Manley’s Luna Bomber Gold jacket. With a metallic gold and sky-blue leopard print body and gold shoulder panels, you can’t go wrong. The addition of elasticated cuffs and back hem give it a sporty appeal. Add this lime Ottoman Cropped Jumper, slightly front tucked into these Ann Demeulemeester cropped
To be a total badass ‘rocker chick’ I obviously need boots and what better pair than these Nina Ricci 90MM Leather Cowboy Boots?! With their pointed toe, and seam and stitching details, these boots are too hot for riding a horse!
Any Finishing Touches?
Obviously, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight without giving you a little something special, so I opted for these Marni Crystal-Embellished Clip-On Earrings. A large gold disk surrounds a bright pink plastic circle. It’s then attached to a crystal-embellished stud fastening, sure to spark conversation.
But wait, there’s more.
I managed to have more pink trickle into this look by adding this dramatic Bebop Loop Handle Clutch by Valentino Garavani. In bright pink calfskin leather, you’ll make a statement alright. Flashing a fan of ostrich feathers of the same color, you won’t be missed. And if you forget to wear a bracelet, no worries. This little treasure’s golden loop handle tipped with signature pyramid studs will come to your rescue.
So there you have it! Three looks that are easily achievable by anyone. Still on the fence? You can always opt for a simple leopard belt or leopard slip loafers, which are both classic and timeless.
Would you wear any of these looks? Comment below.