Why we’re all in love with leopard print
Leopard print has become a covetable, everyday hero. Here’s our guide to wearing it well
How many leopard-print pieces could you click and add to your virtual John Lewis & Partners basket right now? The answer is 470. Copious, right? The appetite for this big cat-inspired pattern proves that it has transitioned from being divisive to inclusive. As stylist, blogger and author Erica Davies says, ‘Leopard has definitely surpassed the status of being a trend and has become an absolute wardrobe classic.‘ And if anyone should know, it’s Erica – she’s written a book all about it: Leopard is a Neutral: A Really Useful Style Guide.
There once was a time when wearing leopard print was limited to a giant furry coat or a pair of tight trousers. These days it takes on myriad guises, from fluffy blue slippers to a pink sweater dress with an abstract pattern, and hundreds of iterations in-between. ‘Where once it was the preserve of Hollywood actresses on the silver screen, or used to denote a “certain type of woman” in film or television, it has now become of those prints that adds a bit of glamour, whether you’re wearing it with denim or as an accessory,’ explains Erica.
A case in point: And/Or’s Mindy keyhole blouse (above) comes with a raised texture, lending elegance to a black pair of jeans and oversized coat – it’s perfect for an evening in the pub.
Opting for a classic print – one that mirrors the beautiful skins of these wild animals – guarantees day to night wearability: you can wear a leopard dress with trainers and a denim jacket, or dress it up with black ankle boots and a leather biker. ‘Celebrities like Kate Moss have given us permission to wear leopard print casually, rather than saving it for best,’ attests Erica. But you’ll also find palettes of greens, pinks, blues and greys lending a playful edge to casual basics like pyjamas, sweatshirts and leggings.
Still on the fence? Erica advises an accessory as an easy starting point (and that applies to any print you’re taken with but cautious about). ‘I’d suggest a pair of trainers, or a bag that will add a bit of pattern interest to a plainer outfit to help build up your confidence,’ she says. ‘And who knows, maybe you will eventually fancy trying something like a dress!’
