Does wearing leopard print give you the right to be trendy?
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Have you noticed?
Leopard print has made a comeback in fashion in recent years. It can be seen on the catwalks as well as on the backs of fashionistas on the street.
But does that make it trendy? Is leopard print back in fashion?
These are the questions I asked myself.
In this article, I will try to answer them. I will start by briefly telling its story and then try to shed some light on its fashion effect. Finally, we will see how to wear leopard print. Because for such a controversial pattern, it would be good to know whether or not it gives you the right to be trendy.
A brief history of a wild print
In 1925, American actress Marian Nixon posed on Hollywood Boulevard wearing a leopard fur coat with the animal on a leash by her side… It happened again in 1950 with Eartha Kitt, who posed under the same conditions: an animal fur coat on her back and a feline at her feet.
If the history of the print in fashion starts on questionable grounds, its popularity has nevertheless fluctuated over time. The feline print has taken various directions. Many celebrities have appropriated the spotted print, associating it with both class and rebellion depending on the era. It has appeared on the catwalks as well as in the pop or punk culture of the 80s.
Leopard print is not new. But while it has long been associated with fur, it is different today. Designers and fashion houses are gradually moving away from this industry to make room for faux fur and more environmentally friendly fashion innovations.
From the catwalks to the thrift stores: when leopard goes wild
Leopard print is everywhere. It can be found with top designers, on the catwalks or after fashion shows, as well as on Vinted and in thrift stores. And it is precisely because it is an ambivalent piece that has a vintage yet chic character that everyone can make it their own.
History has shown us that the feline print is obsessive. And no matter its style, class or gender, leopard print is captivating. And it’s not for nothing. So if it hasn’t aged a bit, it’s for a reason. And that reason is explained by the relationship we have with it.
Our connection to this garment is closely linked to the animal itself. The leopard is a powerful and fierce feline. It fascinates as much as it scares. As such, wearing leopard print would provoke the same effect: a feline connection, an animal that would give us the power to feel confident.
This feeling of confidence when putting on a leopard print shirt, jacket or skirt has given credit to labels that have appropriated the piece to transform it into an increasingly eccentric creation. During fashion shows, the spotted print showcases increasingly original looks, as seen with Versace, which did not hesitate to twist the traditional camel leopard print into a flashy version tinted with fluorescent yellow. It’s a matter of personal taste: you either love it or you don’t.
I personally prefer these vintage pieces that we enjoy finding in the depths of a thrift store and that tell a story. These authentic leopard pieces in natural shades of beige, brown and camel.
So, what category does leopard print fall into?
What label do we give to this animal print? Is it a rock, punk, vintage or classic pattern?
Is leopard print a basic or a delicate piece that we take care to pair well to do it justice?
Well, after looking for answers, many agree that leopard print is unique, that’s a fact, but above all, it is a timeless basic that is easy to wear.
No matter its form, whether sophisticated, luxurious, rebellious or sexy, leopard print allegedly goes well with everything as long as you don’t fall into the trap of oversophistication by opting for a fancy and colorful design. But otherwise, the feline print pairs perfectly with light shades like beige or white, as well as with black, which it balances out, or denim, which it sophisticates. It also goes well with red as much as green.
And when it comes to mix and match, you can also dare to layer prints by combining leopard with floral patterns or checks. However, be careful not to match opposing shades too much, otherwise you risk a combination that is in bad taste and too exaggerated.
So, to answer the question from the beginning of the paragraph: leopard print is an eternal independent. It doesn’t like to be put in a category, let alone be labeled.
I think the best advice we can give you for wearing leopard print is not to confine it to one style. Dare to mix it with the aesthetic that matters to you. Leopard print will always find a place in your outfit because it goes well with everything. Pay homage to it, it’s worth it ;)
So, is wearing leopard print trendy after all?
Without surprises, the answer is a resounding yes. Wearing leopard print gives you the right to be trendy because it is a timeless piece that has stood the test of time with a story behind it. It is a print with character, a symbol of power and fierceness that softens with a good balance of style.
You won’t be disappointed with the multiple combinations you can create with this feline print. And to prove that it is definitely trendy, here is a selection of a few pieces. It will give you inspiration for your future outfits.
You can remember that you are already going to have fun!
The leopard print blouse: the vintage touch
This is the piece that makes me think of vintage fashion. Because you can find it in a multitude of shapes and cuts. This makes it an essential piece that is hard to do without. It goes extremely well with a belted denim, a pair of boots, and a fitted blazer. But I also like to wear it with a small knitted sweater to put over it, just revealing the collar of the shirt.
The leopard print skirt: the warm one
The leopard print skirt is very elegant because it falls to mid-calf and is flowy. In this case, it brings a retro touch to the outfit. With a black turtleneck, for example, a pair of leather ankle boots, and an autumn hat like a beret, it’s the perfect autumn look.
However, it can also be worn during the warmer months with a pair of open sandals and a casual top.
The jacket: a wardrobe staple
Whatever its form: fitted jacket, blazer, or even faux fur coat. The leopard print jacket is a must-have for autumn or winter. Its warm shades warm hearts and add roundness to the outfit. But it is also a year-round piece that can be adapted to your desires and the temperatures.
If you can find one in a thrift store, it’s the best. Because it definitely brings an authentic vintage touch to the outfit.
Leopard print booties: the ones to keep preciously
Ah, leopard print booties, it must be admitted that they have something unique about them. And it’s the kind of piece that divides: you either love it or hate it.
As for me, I love them. I think they are the accessory that definitely enhances an outfit. I like to wear them with a good basic black or gray pair of jeans to accentuate the rock’n’roll yet chic touch. However, they also go well with a little leather skirt, but always in a dark shade to balance out the eccentricity of the boots. A biker jacket or a beige trench coat also works very well!
I hope this article has convinced you to wear leopard print. And even better, I hope it has helped you understand how this timeless piece can add character to your outfit.
💡 And if, like me, you love wearing patterns, Pauline tells you how paisley print became a fashion trend. Or how to wear patchwork to be trendy.
Featured image: © Sandra Semburg
