Here's how to style leopard print, the cool-girl way

New Photo - Here's how to style leopard print, the cool-girl way
Here's how to style leopard print, the cool-girl way


At the -core: No, leopard print isn't a neutral but that's not a bad thing

Contrary to popular belief, a leopard does change its spots  in fashion, that is. See how to style the print today.
By Ella Sangster

Jacquemus SS24 | COURTESY JACQUEMUS

THE LEOPARD'S OUT of the bag. From the emergence of the Mob Wife aesthetic to the Indie Sleaze revival and the never-ending reign of adidas and Wales Bonner's latest sneaker collab-2024 is shaping up to be a big year for (if not, the year of) leopard print.


Like baggy jeans and slip dresses, leopard print is one of those trends that moves in and out of the zeitgeist every few years. Since it first gained popularity in the 1920s, the spotted print has been imbued with a myriad of meanings, taking on new symbolism with each trend arrival. It's been associated with glamour, power, elegance and rock-n-roll, as well as a variety of pop-culture icons from The Flinstones to controversial Big Cat Rescue founder, Carole Baskin. But regardless of its ever-changing entry points, one thing's consistent (they say a leopard doesn't change its spots): When the big cat comes back, it does so in a big way.

Rabanne AW24 | COURTESY RABANNE

adidas x Wales Bonner | COURTESY ADIDAS

Zimmermann AW24 | COURTESY OF ZIMMERMANN

Leopard print last graced the runways and red carpets of the 2010s, with its at-times "trashy" mis-mash stylings, influenced by both Indie Sleaze explosion and '90s pop-culture (think Scary Spice, Lil Kim and Gianni Versace's head-to-toe spots). The decade's take, though, was a little more pared back though with the Tumblr grunge aesthetic seeing It-girls dress-down daring leopard pieces with simple shirts or plain jeans.

Now the print is back on racks in a whole new way, following sartorial endorsements from Jacquemus, Zimmermann, Celine, Rabanne and more.

As BAZAAR Australia's Market Editor, Ewan Bell explains: "I think we're in a big period of 'ironic fashion' which allows you to wear things in an ambiguous way-leaving everyone wondering whether you're serious or being ironic. And that's kind of the beauty of it. You know your outfit is a success if you get people thinking."

And nothing gets people talking quite like a statement print.

Related: It's time to raid your grandpa's closet-in the name of fashion, of course

RACHPOOT / BAUER-GRIFFIN / GETTY IMAGES

While leopard print has re-emerged as a means to elevate otherwise-minimal looks this season ( la Kendall Jenner), Bell says that he wouldn't exactly call leopard print a neutral.

"I think it will definitely always be the hero texture or piece in any outfit," he says. "But that doesn't mean that you can only accompany it with neutral pieces in a look, like an all-black dress."

He adds: "Leopard looks great with other bright colours and textures. All red for instance is quite classic, or lime green and lemon yellow could be a daring and very modern look. If you're game, mix it with other patterns and textures; glomesh/metallic embellishments, polkadot, or faux croc skin for the double animal pattern."


Celine SS24 | HEDI SLIMANE

How to style leopard print in 2024?

The leopard trend's countless iterations mean there are many archives to dip into for styling inspiration. But how do you make it modern-or do you even need to?

"Leopard print is always going to be a statement! There's nothing understated about it. In my humble opinion, it is always done best when it is done big! A big faux fur leopard coat is the ultimate way to embrace the trend. The ultimate 'Mob wife' look," says Bell, adding, "But it's not always easy to launch all the way into a dramatic leopard moment."

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 30: Dua Lipa is seen arriving for a pre-Met Gala dinner hosted by Anna Wintour in SoHo on April 30, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)

If you're hoping to soft launch your leopard phase, Bell recommends starting small, perhaps with a leopard print fluffy hat, beret or baseball cap.

Alternatively, opt for a printed scarf, wrap-which Bell says is a, "good way to amp up an all-black look-or even denim!" You could even start from the bottom up with a leopard print shoe. "A good pump/slingback or a boot, maybe," says Bell. "So chic for a dressy evening look and great with shiny leather or metallic tones, too."

And if you're not quite ready to don leopard print in your everyday attire, a spotted bikini is another way to ease into the style.

If all else fails, try embracing leopard print accents to find the spot that suits you. "Look for pieces with Leopard print trim-ie the collar of a jacket, or lining in a jacket that is visible at times," Bell recommends.


The post Here's how to style leopard print, the cool-girl way appeared first on Harper's Bazaar Australia.


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