Here’s how to wear one of the year’s biggest trending prints of the year.
Leopard is arguably the only animal print that remains timeless. It simultaneously demands attention while also being regarded as neutral.
The print has been trending all year and doesn’t appear to be slowing down, with eBay reporting a 380% increase in searches for “leopard print coat” between July and October 2024.
Historically associated with the roaring decadents of the 1920s, Christian Dior was the first designer to wear leopard print on the catwalk in 1947, proclaiming, “If you’re fair and sweet, don’t wear it!”
From then on, leopard print has been associated with glamorous bombshells, from Marilyn Monroe to Joan Collins to Kate Moss.
As the uniform of the ultra-stylish, here are five ways to style the trending print this winter.
1. Monochrome and jeans
If you’re inclined to take a more pared-back approach to the trend, luckily, leopard’s neutral tones make it an easy print to style with your wardrobe basics.
“I adore a statement coat. The key to doing it well is to keep the outfit very simple,” says fashion influencer and podcaster Ami Charlize.
“I always wear solid colours that compliment the colour and tone of the coat. At the end of the day, the statement coat is always going to steal the show so the outfit underneath should support in doing that.”
Celebrities love the leopard print statement jacket, a winter staple.
“Ganni and Barbour make a great leopard print coat that’s a more subtle statement piece,” Charlize notes. “Something like this styled with basics like a white tee and blue jeans can make for a model-off-duty look.”
This ensemble looks effortlessly chic when paired with a simple white T-shirt or black roll-neck, straight-leg jeans, and heeled black boots.
2. Loud and proud
Leopard print uniquely attracts attention while remaining neutral; it makes a statement about the feline fabric.
In many ways, the print is made for the maximalists. Mix and match different leopard print pieces and cut up the outfit with monochromatic neutrals such as black boots or a bright belt.
3. Accents and accessories
The beauty of leopard print is that it can work in both small and large prints. From large spots sprawling scarves to smaller cheetah-like dots embellishing boots, accessories are a great way to integrate the trend into your winter ensemble.
“The leopard Adidas sneakers are a great way to add flair to a basic outfit,” suggests Charlize. “You can get creative with leopard accents through claw clips, bags, or even leopard print scarves tied onto your bag.”
A leopard scarf, leather biker jacket, and boots take an edgier approach to the trend, whereas a leopard handbag, cream knit, and tailored trousers channel ‘quiet luxury.’
4. Evening dress
Investing in a dress is not a waste for a more innovative leopard look; printed basics will remain in your wardrobe for years.
A leopard-print dress is a sophisticated but sexy winter staple. Pair it with black tights, ballet pumps, a tailored jacket or knee-high boots, and a long-length coat.
5. Paired with red
Once regarded as the epitome of ‘OTT’ fashion, red and leopard has made an elevated comeback in 2024. “Leopard is a bold pattern and red is a striking color, so a specific balance must be maintained,” explains Charlize.
With red’s sophisticated counterpart, burgundy, trending this winter, pairing rich, warm tones with leopard is an easy way to style the print.
“If you’re doing leopard and red, it’s going to look most balanced with a red top or coat and leopard trousers or skirt,” suggests Charlize.
This winter, pair a red accessory with a white top, leopard-print jeans, and trainers for a stylish look.
