Style guide
How to wear leopard print without overdoing it
Short answer
Treat leopard print as a neutral. Start with one piece, such as a coat, tote, scarf or sneakers, and keep the rest of the outfit simple. PureWow suggests a leopard accessory with an all-black outfit and textured fabrics like ribbed knits or cable knits for a multi-print look. When you mix animal prints, choose pieces that share the same colors.
Steps
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Treat it as a neutral
Beige and black spots go with most colors and patterns.
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Start with one piece
A coat, tote, scarf or pair of shoes is enough.
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Keep the base simple
Black basics or classic cuts let the print stand out.
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Add texture, not more print
Ribbed or cable knits go well with a leopard piece.
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Match colors if you mix prints
Choose animal prints that share the same palette.
Treat it as a neutral
In a PureWow guide by Abby Hepworth, leopard is considered a neutral among the fashion set. The article says to treat the beige-and-black spots like a neutral, the way you would with sneakers that go with any color or pattern.
That is the answer to the worry about looking loud: the print behaves like a color, not a statement.
Start with one piece
PureWow says a leopard jacket or coat can be layered over any other wardrobe basic, and that lightweight styles like trench coats or denim offer more versatility than faux fur. For an all-black outfit, the article suggests a single leopard accessory such as a tote, crossbody, headband, sneakers or even socks.
Browse the leopard print collection for a first piece.
Shoes
PureWow calls leopard sneakers especially cool, and lists ballet flats and boots as other options. The article was published in October 2024, so treat the sneaker note as a style pointer, not a rule.
Mixing prints and textures
To mix animal prints, PureWow says to choose variations that include the same colors, and pairing a leopard piece with a black-and-white print works best when the palettes are close. For a multi-print look with less effort, the article pairs one print with a notably textured fabric, including tweed, ribbed knits, fringe, cable knit and sequins.
Stick to casual or classic silhouettes, such as a pleated midi skirt or a draped cardigan, when you combine prints.
Faux fur and winter
In winter, a leopard coat over black knits and dark denim is the simplest version. See the animal print and faux fur style guide for coats and texture, and the sweater trends page for knits to pair.
Shop the look
Start with leopard print, then add jackets and coats, sweaters and knits and shoes.
Shop the edit
FAQ
How do I wear leopard print without looking tacky?
Treat it as a neutral and start with one piece. PureWow suggests a leopard accessory with an all-black outfit.
What colors go with leopard print?
PureWow pairs it with black basics and with other animal prints in matching colors. Neutral tones suit the beige and black spots.
Can I mix leopard with stripes?
PureWow says a black-and-white print works best with a leopard piece when the colors are close. Keep the cuts classic.
What shoes go with leopard print?
Sneakers, ballet flats or boots, per PureWow. Leopard shoes work with plain outfits.
Is leopard print in style?
PureWow, in October 2024, called leopard a neutral among the fashion set. Trends move, so start with one classic piece.
Can I wear leopard print to work?
A scarf, bag or flats are an easy way in. Check your workplace's dress code.
Is faux fur leopard okay?
Yes. PureWow notes that lightweight coats like trenches or denim are more versatile, so a faux fur coat works best as the one statement piece.
How do I wear leopard in winter?
Layer a leopard coat over black knits and dark denim, and keep the rest plain.