Yes, Leopard Print Shoes Are a Neutral—Let Me Prove It To You

Controversial? I don’t think so.

Brooke Ely Danielson#039;s avatar
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Published In Buying Guides
leopard print shoes
(Image credit: Brooke Ely Danielson)

I consider leopard print shoes a neutral accessory. Controversial? I don’t think so. My closet is filled with leopard print shoes. From heels, loafers, and ballet flats to Mary Janes and boots, leopard print has been a constant in my shoe rotation for years. When I think about leopard print, I think: bold, rich, strong, and—somehow—neutral. I like it with stripes, love it with florals, and trust it to work with the most minimalistic of looks.

Brooke Ely Danielson styles mid heeled sandals in leopard print with an olive coat and jeans

(Image credit: Brooke Ely Danielson)

With fall in the air, I've started shifting my looks ever so slightly, incorporating light knits, more denim, layers, and trench coats. This subtle shift leaves an opening for leopard print shoes—a little something extra, if you will. I’ve been focusing on light layers, balancing my looks with striped shirts, floral skirts, light knits, and my favorite trench coats. All of these looks are anchored by my leopard block heels, ballet flats, and Mary Janes.

Leopard Print Heels

Brooke Ely Danielson styles mid heeled leopard print sandals with a striped button-down and olive cargo pants

(Image credit: Brooke Ely Danielson)

Leopard Print Mary Janes

Brooke Ely Danielson styles leopard print flats with a striped button down and merlot pants

(Image credit: Brooke Ely Danielson)

Leopard Print Flats

Brooke Ely Danielson wears a black blazer, light jeans and sheer leopard flats

(Image credit: Brooke Ely Danielson)
Brooke Ely Danielson
Brooke Ely Danielson
Contributing Editor

Brooke has held editorial positions at Shape, Glamour, and Vogue, as well as contributed to In Style, Well + Good, Mind Body Green and Aspen Magazine. Brooke has also consulted for several brands, including Aztech Mountain and Tory Burch. Brooke has also made on-air appearances on the TODAY show, Fox5 among other media outlets while in her role as the Fashion Lifestyle Director at Shape magazine. She runs the Substack 12 Seeds.