Ladies, let’s talk about leopard. Can we have a chat about this big cat and its print that has long been dominating the fashion industry? Limitation on leopard is essential in pulling it off in a classy manner.
All the big names of fashion seem to have done leopard at some time. Val entino, Prada, Givenchy, Chris tian Louboutin and Dolce & Gabbana all fall among the ranks.
By some, leopard print can be considered tacky, but I believe that as long as you use it in moderation you can keep your style cred. Acces sories are my favorite way to wear leopard. The big cat’s color is put on things such as shoes, bags, watches, scarves and belts.
In the shoe department we have sneakers and the loafers or f lats category. The always relevant Vans and Keds original sneakers come in leopard print and are perfect for having a casual and comfy day. Loafers and flats can be worn to the office to spice up normal work wear. They also look cute paired with a sweater or button-up and jeans.
Target carries a pair of leopard loafers and flats if you’re looking for a save, but if you’re willing to splurge, I’d definitely check out the options that Steve Madden supplies.
Bags are another option for those of you keen on wearing cat print. Kate Spade has some gorgeous clutches and purses that incorporate leopard with black and gold, making something that can be trashy into classy.
My all-time favorite leopard ac cessory would have to be my leopard print watch with its gold accents. Any time my outfit seems a little drab this piece instantly pumps up the volume.
Scarves are also another way to add to an outfit if you’re feeling un inspired in the morning. Just throw on some neutral colors, though of ten a pop of pink works too, and put the leopard scarf on for the fin ishing touch. A belt will work with this same color rule, especially over a simple dress or with high-waisted jeans.
In clothing, I have yet to see a classy leopard dress. Sure, there are some adorable ones for little girls, but for us in college, let’s not. There are better options to get your feline fix.
General rules for incorporating leopard clothing include that it doesn’t come in any unnatural col ors. No blue, purple or green leop ards walking around please. And make sure that your yellow, brown and black don’t contrast too much. There is such thing as too much saturation of the print.
The only exception I’ve found to the color rule is, and you Southern girls will be pleased, the Lilly Pulit zer leopard print, Amuse Bouche, which comes in a hot magenta pink with navy and periwinkle spots. I still disagree with this print in a dress, but the shirts in this collec tion work.
Pants and shirts work in leop ard, as long as it’s done right. Pants should be skinny or cigarette and muted in color scheme. Because this print will dominate, play the rest of the outfit simple when it comes to both color and shapes. Mixing prints can be fun, but with leopard it’s not the best of your options.
Shirts come in a variety of styles when it comes to leopard, and my top pick would have to be the sweater. Instead of playing the whole thing in one print though, sweaters go better with a twist, Rebecca Tay lor exhibits grey sleeves on its leop ard sweater, and Topshop shows off a black color and cuffs on it, making the leopard pop.
I encourage you to try a few of these different ways of incorpo rating leopard into your style and remember in fashion leopard will always be the cat’s meow.
