This fall, leopards are being spotted everywhere. The ferociously fierce feline print has been revamped to fit modern tastes: it’s bigger, bolder and more colorful. A hint of this classic print can easily turn a look from drab to fab in a matter of minutes. Join us for a walk on the wild side!
Leopard print is timeless as a style statement. It adds an element of the wild and exotic to an outfit or room, exuding confidence and sophistication. It burst onto the fashion scene in the late 40’s with Christian Dior, and hasn’t really slowed down since. Leopard print was synonymous with luxury and sophistication throughout the fifties and sixties, and since then, it’s continued to permeate the worlds of fashion, music, and Hollywood…as well as everyday fashion. In the past decade, a proliferation of leopard-print accessories have made the design easier to wear, even for the faint of heart.
Meow vs. Roar
If you’re the bold and fearless type, a chair or large area rug will bring the exotic chic look into your room in a big way. When it comes to everyday style, make a statement with a classy coat or sophisticated pencil dress. If you’re a leopard novice, try adhering to the “less is more” mentality. Rather than letting this wild motif intimidate you, try starting small with edgy accents. Lush pillows, lacquered trays, a cute clutch or the perfect pump can instantly dress up the simplest look. Small touches of leopard in a muted palette can be just as fun–there’s plenty of monochrome leopard print out there.
So what works best with leopard print? The simple answer is–everything! We loved hearing Jenna Lyons, style maven and creative director of J.Crew, declare, “As far as I’m concerned, leopard is a neutral.” It can work as an alternative to a basic color palette and be mixed and matched with various patterns. One of my favorite ways to rock this trend is to pair it with spicy oranges or crisp reds; it’s classic and feminine. Alongside rich jewel tones, like emerald green, it’s luxe and dramatic. And In the warmer months, mix it up with neon or lots of white for a modern look that is cheery and playful.
Below are a few inspiring images found on Pinterest–check out our board for more feline fun.
