8 Fresh Ideas for How to Wear Leopard

How to Wear Leopard

Leopard? For fall? Groundbreaking.

I know, I know… It’s the fall equivalent to the famous line from the movie The Devil Wears Prada… “Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.”

But if you know anything about me, or if you’ve been reading here for any amount of time, you know the following: (1) I like to march to the beat of my own drum, and (2) I like to bring you fresh original content. Nothing boring or typical or standard around here!

The same goes with how I’m going to cover how to wear animal print with you! I recently had fun playing dress up and coming up with all sorts of fun ideas for how to wear leopard this fall. Some are maybe over the top, while some are more approachable and relatable. But my hope is that you can pick up at least a little nugget of fall style inspiration from each of the eight ideas!

Editor’s note: You’ll see that I use the terms “leopard print and animal print interchangeably. Certainly, there are different types of animal prints (cheetah, leopard, zebra, etc). But leopard print is by far the most common. So, I’ll use that term, but just know that you can certainly swap out leopard print for another animal print of your choosing.

So, keep scrolling as I endeavor to answer your questions about animal print and give you some practical ideas for how to wear it…

Answering 3 Common Questions about Leopard Print

Before we jump into my tips and examples of how I’m wearing leopard this season, let’s take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about wearing leopard print – or any animal print for that matter!

Why is animal print so popular?

Trends come and go, but it seems that animal print is always in style. Why is that so?

Let’s start with a historical perspective… Historically, actual animal prints were expensive and exotic, thus thought to be a sign or wealth and status.Beyond that, from a pragmatic standpoint, leopard acts much like a neutral – but way more interesting. So, it’s versatility make it a go-to print.

Is animal print tacky or classy?

There’s been a train of thought by some that animal print is garish or tacky or trashy. Indeed, animal print has a bit of a contradictory reputation. Is it high end and classy as discussed above? Or is it trash, as some might contend? I’m firmly in the classy when done right camp!

Animal print is indeed a departure from the minimalism that some people embrace. Animal print is certainly inherently bold and loud. It’s a print that will make you stand out in a sea of solids and neutrals.

Where leopard print can go wrong is when it’s overly done or done with cheap fabrics. But never fear – there are plenty of ways to wear it in a classy, refined, sophisticated way – which we will examine below.

What colors go with leopard print?

Leopard itself is bold. So, I say go bold with your color pairings! Here are some guidelines for how to mix colors with animal print.

1 – Red pairs well with the neutral tones of leopard print.

This results in a :go big or go home: look! This combo is a head-turning look for sure!

2 – Jewel tones bring a sophisticated air to animal print.

I love using magenta, teal, turquoise, jade, and other jewel tones to really elevate the look of leopard!

3 – Warm tones pair perfectly for the autumnal season.

Think rust, burnt orange, burgundy, merlot. All of these colors look fabulous with leopard in the fall.

8 Ways to Wear Animal Print

1 – Play with print with a purse

Maybe a leopard outfit is not within your wheelhouse. But you would like to incorporate the print. Well, then pick up a classic animal print tote. You can carry this day after day this season and beyond.

2 – Accent with animal print

Again, if you are just wading into the trend, start small. Accent with leopard by wearing a pair of leopard shoes or sporting an animal print scarf.

3 – Dress it down with denim

Take note, ladies: this might become your fall uniform! Denim shirt + slim black pants + an animal accent. A tote bag, a crossbody bag, or a scarf will do the trick!

Editor’s note: I really love the longer length of this denim shirt! It’s great for us taller gals or just for those who want to cover our backside. Plus, it’s exceedingly soft! Five stars.

4 – Polish your professional look with a jacket

Do you have a sheath dress you just love to wear to work? Well spice it up with a leopard moto jacket this fall!

5 – Top it off with a trench

Spoiler alert: this cheetah print trench is ridiculously chic! Wear it over a dress, wear it with a jeans and tee, wear it with pants, or a number of other ways. But whichever way you choose to wear it, trust me – rainy days have never looked so chic!

6 – Consider the color of the print

Bored with traditional leopard print? Well, good news! There are color variations of animal print this season. For instance, I’m in love with this blue take on animal print.

7 – Dare to double up on prints

If you’re feeling playful, try mixing animal print with another print! I’d suggest starting with either a floral print or a stripe print. I’ve been playing around with this floral twist-front dress and this multi-colored striped sweater.

8 – Go all out for animal print

Fair warning: this is a bold move that’s not for the faint of heart! But if you are the type to live out loud, go for it! From dress to bag to shoes, you can create the animal print equivalent of a monochromatic look.

Shop for Animal Print

Okay – have I convinced you of ways to wear animal print this fall? If so, let’s shop!

In Closing

Now I want to know…

Which leopard look is your favorite?

1, 2, 3, 4 or 5? Cast your vote in the comments! I’d love to hear.

And which way(s) are you most likely to wear leopard this fall? My only hope is that fall temperatures arrive in short order here in Houston!

Thank you to Chico’s!

A huge thanks to Chico’s for sponsoring this content. Brand collaborations like this one allow us to operate this website, social media channels, and our overall brand.

For the record, I am very particular about the brands with which I partner… In order for me to undertake a brand collaboration, I ensure that three criteria are met: (a) the brand is one which I am already a fan and customer, (b) the brand is one which I believe you all, my valued community, will enjoy, and (c) the campaign objectives align with my brand, my aesthetic, and my personal and professional values.

It means the world when you support the brands that support me!