How to style leopard print without looking too "extra"
The star of today is the leopard print.
I purposefully omitted it in my spring-season trends series (which you can check out in my previous posts) for two big reasons:
leopard essentially never goes out of style
leopard is definitely not for everyone
It’s pretty easy to go from chic to cringey when wearing leopard. So in this post, I’ll reveal some simple styling secrets to seamlessly his wild pattern into your everyday wardrobe.
Leopard do’s & don’ts
To nail the leopard print look, you gotta first get what vibes it's throwing out there:
power
confidence
boldness
aggression
brightness
Is vulgarity in the list? Nope.
However, the 90s threw leopard a curveball, giving it slightly oversexualized image. That's something to keep in mind when you're mixing it into your outfits.
So, what cranks up the leopard print's sassiness to potentially vulgar levels?
It's all about those spicy visual cues. Think plunging necklines, mini skirts, sky-high heels, shiny textures, fishnets, loads of red (because, passion), corsets, and bold makeup. The more you pile on, the hotter it gets.
If that’s not the vibe you’re going for, your best styling hack is neutralization, i.e. toning down leopard wild codes instead of dialing them up.
To easily tame a leopard, pair it with:
Simple cuts;
Casual denim;
Neutral color palette;
Sporty shoes and clothes;
A dash of grunge;
Bright pops of color;
Items with completely opposite vibes: white collars, comfy knits, and romantic elements.
Styling leopard print in 2024: visual inspo
Let's look at some visual examples.
Example 1:
The classic jeans and tee formula works wonders with leopard. To keep the whole look modern and chic, pay especial attention to the fit and cut of your basics. For a touch more elegance, try playing with maxi lengths and structured accessories.
Example 2:
Grunge elements tones down the intensity of leopard, but remember, the overall ensemble matters. Replace the tee with a crop top and slim-fitting leopard pants and you’ll get totally different vibes.
Example 3:
Leopard contrasts really well with jackets in neutral colors, cozy knits, and sporty shoes or clogs.
Example 4:
Romantic elements such as ballet flats, pearls, collared blouses, bows do a great job at neutralizing the sassiness of leopard print. Take note that leopard at the same time gives edge to romantic outfits and make them look more grown-up.
Example 5:
As counterintuitive as it may sound, a bright pop of color pairs really well with leopard and tones down the overly sexy vibes.
That’s it for today. Hope this mini guide helps you weave some leopard magic into your wardrobe!
With love ❤️
Kathy - "There's no place like home, and no style like your own."
P.S. Do you like/wear leopard in your everyday life? Let me know in the comments below!