Leopard print suits everyone. here’s how to wear it

More than one billion. This is the number of views accumulated by videos containing the hashtag #leopard track On TikTok. Leopard print, very popular in 2023, is a timeless item that still has a bright future. Attracting both favors and ire, he is divisive and versatile. For if for some it is an allegory of powerful femininity, supposed seduction or rebellious charm, for others it is the characteristic; bimbosthe alliance of vulgar and prose.

A brief history of the leopard print

Its origins date back to the 1940s, before when we talked about leopard, we talked about animal skin. Back then, furs were a symbol of purchasing power and an interest in the exotic that only the very rich could enjoy. But in February 1947, a certain Christian Dior presented his first collection. She made the bold choice, at least for that period, to introduce the feline motif, and other creators followed suit, thereby democratizing print for more women.

The pattern will then descend the catwalks to adorn the coats of glamor icons. It is monopolized by the rebellious souls of the 1970s and 1980s, and thus continues to accompany the eras. Today stars adore it and royal families accept it. From Kim Kardashian to the late Queen of England, he invites himself to everyone’s home. So how to wear this controversial print?

How to wear leopard print for classic style?

Some women, known for their grace and elegance, have had a unique love story with the leopard. Catherine Deneuve made it her personal uniform in the 1960s. She almost always wears it as a mid-calf fur coat with a crocodile bag. Jackie Kennedy also wears it as a coat, which she combines with a black dress. Audrey Hepburn wears it as a beret, Ava Gardner in an ultra-short anus dress, Sophia Loren in a fur hat and Elizabeth Taylor in a scarf tied around the neck or head. Royal women also love it, like Grace Kelly wearing a mustache with thick sunglasses, Elizabeth II in black ankle boots and Lady Diana in her famous bikini top.

To wear this print like an icon, we rely on staple pieces like a coat, suit or beret that we wear with sophisticated accessories. A way to sanctify the iconic image of the leopard print.

How to wear leopard print to be trendy?

On the other side of the dress ball, where the kitty dances, the bold world imposes its icons. On the more whimsical notes of leopard print, the figures decline an invitation to classic elegance. Irreverent and liberated, these women take the leopard out of its luxurious context and transform it into a rebellious symphony. They include, of course, Kate Moss, for whom this print is second skin, but also Alexa Chung, influencers Camille Charrier and Chloé Sevigny, and the Olsen sisters. Wear the pattern with skinny jeans, graphic tees, hoodies, studded ankle boots and Borsalino hats for a style that reflects them. The main thing is to mix it with pieces of other universe.

Leopard is once again heralded as the big trend of 2024, essentially embracing the aesthetics of these subversive icons;indie tenderness. This hedonistic, half-Traditional, half-Bohemian style is inspired by the 2010s. Therefore, the leopard is sometimes unruly, and taming it is an exercise that appeals to creatives.

How to wear leopard print for edgy style?

Since Christian Dior’s New Look fashion show, there have been few creative directors who haven’t used leopard print. For French homes, it is synonymous with elegance and sophistication. Extravagance and glamor for the Italians. In the 2023 and 2024 collections, the leopard is represented in all fashion shows. At Saint Laurent, it gives the body a sensual movement. In Dior, she snuggles up in a fluffy sweater. It adorns the faux fur of Jean Paul Gaultier, Giorgio Armani and Ferragamo. It adorns the fitted jackets of Celine, Bluemarble, Julie de Libran and MSGM, graces the trousers of Ganni, hides in the wool of Undercover. It’s even present on men’s jackets from Dior and androgynous furs from Saint Laurent. Clothing and accessories thus become home to wild creativity that even infects the youth.

To wear the animal print that is so popular on Instagram and TikTok, fashionistas recommend toning it down. “Leopard is neutral” is the phrase from J.Crew’s former artistic director, Jenna Lyons. Users are filming themselves to the sound of this quote, which only reaches a few million uses. The formula suggests that leopard can be considered versatile and easy to match like black, white or grey. You don’t have to try desperately to combine it with beige or black, bright colors and other patterns are also welcome.

And if the leopard is not eccentric, nor necessarily flashy, then you still need to avoid several points. To wear this deer print, blogger Claire Marnette recommends choosing cuts too big rather close to the body. Therefore, coats, sweaters and trousers should be chosen wide, almost too big. Wool and cotton are preferred over fabrics such as lycra, viscose or elastane. And finally, there is no need to put together a 100% leopard look, which risks looking a little rough. For the rest, any liberties are fine to take. As a centerpiece or accessory, leopard crosses eras and styles without ever taking a scratch.