Whether you're just leopard-curious and considering dipping your paw in, or you consider animal print to be a 'neutral' there's no denying the love of leopard is back in full swing (insert Jane of the Jungle pun here).
The early months of the year saw the term ‘mob wife aesthetic’ trending on TikTok. For those of us who have hoarded our collections of vintage faux fur and leopard print rejoiced at the return of a ‘more is more,’ glam aesthetic.
But did it ever really disappear?
The popularity of Leopard print (and animal print in general), ebbs and flows every few seasons and seemingly has done since the 1950’s and it’s clear that it has been a favourite with the fashion icons, throughout the decades.
Favoured by all of the most beloved icons spanning from rock ’n roll royalty, to actual royalty leopard is the perfect print when wanting to add a little ‘x’ factor to your look.
The easiest way to incorporate leopard into your look (and perfect for those among us who may not feeling trepidatious about rocking the full head to toe print) is to let one leopard printed piece ‘hero’ the outfit and then pair it back with black, white or denim, amplifying the impact of your ‘hero’ piece and simplifying the overall vibe.
The Isa Pussy Bow Blouse teamed with your fave denim and a neutral trench or under a black suit, allows the printed piece to shine during the work day. Team it with jewel toned velvet, add an element of sparkle and you’re ready for a night out.
The ‘fashion peacock’ urge to go all out and rock the print head to toe or even clash multiple iterations of the design feels like a natural one for myself personally. One leopard print pattern head to toe, keeps the vibe sophisticated and allows the wearer to bring in some pops of colour via layering or accessories.
However, if clashing prints is the order of the day, I would employ a ‘rule of three’ in order to have a sense of balance. Three different prints or textures always looks more intentional than two and less chaotic than four...and bonus points for variation in the scale of each print.
Whether you choose just a splash of print to amplify your look à la the nanny named Fran OR you like to take it to It’s extreme with a menagerie of different prints, it is clear that an investment in high quality, leopard pieces (that are made to last the distance), is a sound one.
But for all my fellow wannabe Carmella’s and Karen Hills out there… grab your leopard print silk blouse, throw on that vintage fur and pile on your gold jewels because now’s your time to shine <3
