How to Look Classy with Leopard Print

by Anna Villaruel
(Seoul, South Korea)

May 15, 2012: Leopard prints are timeless and can be worn all-year-around without looking outdated. It might appear “loud” for fashionistas who appreciate solids but this print can be a great way to step out of the box and add a pop of the unexpected! This trendy but classic statement print is easy to wear and can be worn tastefully.

Let’s take a look at how you can look classy with leopard print..

Courtesy of Celebutopia (left) - Amber Easy Petite Looks (center) - INF Daily (right)

A couple of do’s and don’t’s of wearing leopard print

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when you’re out shopping for leopard print clothes and accessories. For me personally, these are my general do’s and don’ts that help narrow down my search and pick out a leopard print piece that go hand in hand with a Classic fashion persona. These guidelines also create an aesthetically pleasing look.

• Don’t wear more than one piece of leopard print at a time.
• Don’t wear it with other loud pieces if you don’t have the right style and attitude to go with it
• Do invest in a leopard print piece in a neutral to guarantee the flexibility of your closet. Colorized in shades of pink, blue, or yellow are harder to combine
• Do mix and match it with other prints (guidelines apply)
• Do buy a leopard piece that has clean, classic lines. For example, a shift dress or a knee-length pencil skirt. You can be naughty and nice :-)

Leopard print + Neutrals

A sure-fire way to retain your classy look with leopard print is to keep the color combo simple with soothing neutrals such as nudes, browns, black, dark navy blues and olive greens. These versatile colors are usually “emotion-less” and help balance out with the sexy animal print.


Product info: Dress - Blazer - Sandals

Have fun with print and color-mixing

And since the classic leopard print already consists of neutral beige and brown, it can be paired with other colors without looking too much (check out the hottest colors this spring/summertime).

Olivia Palermo (left) adds the unexpected with trendy high heels in pink and purple. No Pants Tuesday (center) combines her casual leopard print top with a floral pencil skirt, giving the ensemble a fun and flirty look. Mana1 (right) injects a pop of color that also ties in with the leopard print with mustard yellow, giving a chic look with finesse.


Courtesy of Celebutopia (left) - No Pants Tuesday (center) - Mana1 (right)
Another outfit example can be seen on Rachel Bilson below. She combined red pants with leopard print pumps. She also had fun with this outfit by print mixing the pumps with a floral blouse.

The reason why this combination works so well is because of the reds in the blouse which tie in with the pants, making it look like a suit. The color scheme flows better with the leopard pumps this way and doesn't look cluttered.


Courtesy of Getty Images

Leopard print + Wardrobe Essentials

Think Wardrobe Essentials and classics like a pair of black pumps, pearl earrings and tailored blazers. In general, these are foolproof pieces that can turn most clothing styles into a chic look – creating a fresh juxtaposition with sleek and trendy.


Product info: Dress - Earrings - Blazer - Purse - Pumps
If you're wearing a fitted leopard-print garment such as a dress or skirt, you'd want to make sure to balance it out with a looser, casual piece to avoid looking tacky. Or if you want to go for a revealing leopard-print piece such as a short skirt or shorts or a tank top, I recommend pairing it with a modest garment like a blouse that provides coverage or a bottom that covers more of your legs.

Take Baby Steps with Leopard-print Accessories

If you’re shy but still want to dip your toes in this attention-grabbing print, then start small by wearing one leopard-print accessory, such as a pair of pumps, clutch purse or a scarf. Try the Little Black Dress with leopard-print purse or a tee-and-jeans outfit with a leopard scarf. Or do a subtle print mix-combo with floral or polkadot clothing with leopard.


Product info: 1. Pumps - 2. Flats - 3. Sunglasses - 4. Purse - 5. Tote bag - 6. Scarf


So what do you lovelies think? Yay or nay to leopard print?