How to Wear Leopard Print

Color Matters

No matter how you wear it, the colors of the leopard print will determine the effect it has. For the warmer months be sure to pick it up in its natural colors; the browns, ambers and tans convey a tropical, safari vibe that is great for summer. During the cooler months when our wardrobe is supposed to turn bland, make it exciting with a teal or purple based print (an exception is the short dress, in which case any color will work no matter the season)

Dress it Up

Easily the most popular way of wearing the pattern, a leopard print dress is a staple of any woman’s wardrobe. It looks best in the formfitting, femme fatale styles because of its wild nature and busy print. This style is also perfect for the multicolored leopard prints. For the clubs go with a higher hemline, or keep it demure and floor length for a formal occasion. The print can be overpowering when used in large swatches of fabric, so be careful when going for the longer dress that it does not completely overwhelm you. Keep the dress strapless to balance out the longer bottom and make the pattern larger rather than smaller. Or, you can pair a LBD with a leopard print jacket (in any color) and matching shoes.

Blouses and Leggings

For a gentle touch of the pattern, keep the blouse loose and thin. Pick delicate, light fabrics that flutter and billow in the breeze, and make sure there is some kind of colored trim to counteract the pattern. Pair it with jeans or capris, tucking it in if you want a sophisticated look. Be very careful with leggings, as they can get out of hand very quickly. Unless you want to attract the attention of anyone within eyeshot, keep the rest of the outfit very neutral and tone down the accessories. Keep the shoes a nude color as well. If you can make this work, it will be worth it.

Shoes

This deserves a category all by itself simply because this is one of the best ways to wear the print. You can find the print on all styles of shoes, so it becomes a matter of finding a trendy style. A leopard print pump is a classic shoe for work or the weekend. Go for a high heeled pump with the sides cut out and a thin ankle strap for a shoe that will work throughout the year. For the summer, go with a high, strappy wedge or peep toe. For a formal event, make the heel thin and keep the toe covered. You can also find embossed shoes for a subtler look. Leopard print shoes look great when paired with a leopard print top or dress, as well as neutral toned outfits.

As an Accent

The easiest way to incorporate the bold print, this is great for people who do not like to attract too much attention but still want to have that high-fashion look. Less is more, as they say.

Bag: A versatile and utilitarian accessory, this is one of the most popular ways to wear leopard print. You can make the bag as large or as small as you want, have the entire thing covered in print or just a portion, and add as many or as few embellishments as you like.

Scarf: Pick up a silk scarf with the print and wear it around the neck in a loose knot. To get in touch with your inner gypsy, wrap it around your head or as a wide headband and tie under the hair. It can also double as a chic sash around a neutral colored dress or with a maxi skirt.

Jewelry: A large, chunky bracelet with the leopard print is perfect to pair with a tan, brown, or nude dress to add some pizzazz. Throw it on with a white dress to really make it shine. Make sure it has plenty of crystal embellishments if you like to sparkle, or pick it up with a textured wooden surface to go boho-chic.

Skinny Belt: A must-have item for the summer, the thin leopard print belt is the perfect accessory for a myriad of outfits. You can wear the thin belt with a dress, a long shirt over a skirt or pants, or as an actual belt. Throw it on over your jacket at work for a fashionable accessory.