Style Fall’s Maximalist Leopard Print Trend Like a Neutral
Here's how fashion transforms the bold pattern into a minimalist outfit staple.
You may have noticed the resurgence of the leopard print trend running wild this season, but the feral style has been making its way across catwalks for decades. Ask any fashion fan to trace the trend back through time, and they’ll likely wax poetic about Christian Dior’s legendary leopard-print silk chiffon evening gown, which the designer (a known leopard print fan) debuted in 1947, or Alaïa’s risqué leopard-print bodysuit, which supermodel Naomi Cambell famously wore during the house's Fall 1991 runway show.
Fast forward to the present day, and designers are still championing fresh ways to wear the perennial pattern. During the Fall 2024 fashion month circuit, leopard prints appeared throughout countless collections and alongside other trending animal-inspired fashion prints like feather-embellished dresses, faux fur coats, and textured (faux) snakeskin boots. Michael Kors favored the spotted design by way of ladylike evening coats. Isabel Marant designed the wild cat motif on a pair of relaxed pants with a nonchalant chocolate brown leather bomber jacket. Meanwhile, Marni embraced a head-to-toe feline look with a leopard-print cape and matching kitten heels.
Michael Kors, Isabel Marant, and Marni put their own distinctive spin on the leopard print trend.
Leopard print style inspiration also exists beyond the runways, a favorite amongst the fashion set, and plenty of street style snapshots prove it. We’ve gathered ten streamlined outfits to help you tame this spirited print and adapt it to your style ethos.
The “More Is More” Approach
There's nothing quite like an empowering statement coat covered in leopard print.
Channel your inner mob wife with a statement leopard-print coat that belongs in Carmela Soprano’s closet. Balance the outfit with a cozy neutral sweater dress and ladylike kitten heels.
The Straightforward Path
Your don’t have to overthink a leopard-print look. Tone it down with a printed T-shirt and a laidback jean look.
There’s no denying that leopard print is bold, but there are ways to tone it down if you’d prefer a more subdued look. Coordinate a laid-back leopard print top with neutral wardrobe essentials, like a wool-blend coat and a pair of gray high-waisted jeans.
Welcome to the Wild Side
They say you’re not supposed to mix two animal prints in one outfit, but where's the fun in playing by the rules?
Combining two seemingly clashing animal prints—in this case, a leopard-print cardigan and a snake-print skirt—can actually warrant a repeat-worthy look. Balance out prints and proportions with a plain button-down shirt.
For the Party Animal
Introducing your new late-night look care of a slinky leopard print dress.
A satin leopard print maxi dress will be the backbone of your going-out outfits. It’s the kind of sultry statement-making number that practically styles itself. All you’ll need to do is throw on a black blazer, slide into a pair of strappy heels, and sling a rich-looking handbag across your arm.
Hike up the Hemlines
Incorporate fall staples, like a leather jacket, to make shorts seasonally appropriate for autumn.
When fall temperatures are borderline warm, style an edgy leather jacket with a matching mini skirt or shorts with an abbreviated hemline. To bring this all-black outfit to life, enhance your look with a spirited leopard-print accessory (or two).
The Diaphanous Dress Code
Play into naked dressing with a transparent top.
The sheer trend is swiftly making its way into fall. To wear this barely-there style in a way that’s suitable for the season, try a long-sleeved leopard-print top tucked into a pair of utilitarian cargo pants. And if you need an extra layer, suit up with a black collared jacket and cat-eye glasses to give off an effortlessly cool mood.
The Baggier, the Better
Say so long to skinny jeans, and let this roomy silhouette take over your wardrobe instead.
Baggy jeans have officially topped the denim trends charts—and this style shows no signs of slowing down. Take on the loose-fitting look with billowing bottoms coated in leopard prints, and while you’re at it, double up on the trends with a barn jacket (which just so happens to be the fashion crowd’s latest outerwear obsession).
Buttoned Up
It’s that time of the year again to wrap yourself in a snug layer.
Nothing says autumn quite like a cozy cardigan. For a fullproof outfit formula, pair a cashmere leopard print style with a black mini dress and a glossy leather belt adorned with gold hardware.
One Step at a Time
For all you minimalists out there, we’ve got you covered.
The best way to ease into the leopard print trend is through a few animated accessories. If you’re not comfortable dressing in head-to-toe leopard print, showcase the pattern with a handbag instead. Ace the assignment with a buttery-yellow fall dress, a floor-length double-breasted coat, and staple black pumps.
Copy and Paste
A celeb-approved outfit formula that you’ll want to wear all-season long.
Like Hailey Bieber, this fashion week attendee took a page from the same style playbook. The A-lister co-signed the leopard-coat-and-jeans combo with cherry red Adidas Sambas and a black T-shirt, but this look styled with a white collared shirt and boots is a great work outfit option.
add in
