11 Accessible Ways to Wear Leopard Print

Arrreee you ready for some LEOPARD print!? 

Full disclosure, I definitely meant to get this post up earlier today, but, you know–life. (I know you understand, right? 😂) 

I’m really excited, because over on Instagram stories at 4pm CST, I’m doing a little styling session in collaboration with some other blogger friends I know you’ll love following: Natalie, Conni, Rebecca and Caitlin. 

(If you missed our first round of “styling lessons” we, all shared 5 ways to style a black turtleneck, which you can watch on my story highlights here! Today we doing it again, and this week’s topic is….Leopard!) 

How it works: Head to Instagram stories to watch the try on videos–everything I’m wearing, along with the photos of each outfit, are linked below for you to shop and reference whenever you would like! After you watch mine, you can go watch everyone else’s for FOUR X the inspiration. That’s literally like…over 20+ leopard outfits for you to copy! 🙌🏻

Now, I want to preface that the looks I’m about to show you are of course, meant to be taken literally (and you can feel free to copy them verbatim) but overall, just like everything I wear–they’re meant to be style “recipes” – you can make them your own and make substitutions that work for you. I hope these encourage you to think outside of the box when it comes to getting dressed. Ask yourself, “what OTHER pants would work for this look? What swap could I make to make it work for X occasion?” or “Could I swap that for a skirt?” and so on. 

Above all, I hope this little style lesson gives you some fun ideas and makes you more confident about wearing one of my favorite prints–leopard print! 🙌🏻

DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO READ THIS POST–PLEASE READ–I’VE GOTTEN A LOT OF QUESTIONS!

**First section–you will find everything I’m wearing in these photos by item category. I’m listing them upfront so you can refer back to this list for sizing, descriptions, etc, and that allows me to talk more about styling tips under each outfit photo.

Second section: You can also keep scrolling down to see items linked with each outfit photo!** 

Key pieces worn in this post: 

*Please refer to this section in regards to item details, sizing, etc, as those details are not provided below each outfit photo to avoid being redundant!*

 

Tops: 

Classic white oxford button down: Mine is old, but Everlane makes an identical version. In my experience Everlane is true to size in shirts. If you don’t already own a white oxford, I think it’s one of the most versatile staples you can own–I wear mine in all four seasons and for all occasions. It’s the easiest way to look polished no matter where you’re going! 

Black wrap top: This one is Nordstrom’s 1901 brand. (They make really cute, classic items!) I love this top because it’s super comfy, but it’s also really versatile and flattering. Because of the way it wraps, you can totally adjust the neckline to make it lower cut or higher cut. (At least for me, so keep that in mind–I’m sure that would be harder to do for bustier ladies.) Runs TTS. I got an XS. Comes in lots of colors! Halogen also makes a similar one that is also available in petite and plus! 

Leopard print blouse: J.Crew (TTS–similar here, here and if you want something more subtle, you’ll like this version from Banana!) I also love this version too, which is a little more neutral! 

Cream cashmere mock neck sweater: c/o Everlane. I love this sweater, it’s perfect for transitioning into spring too because it’s so light! For the price, it’s tough to beat! It’s a staple you’ll have for a long time. It runs TTS. 

Bottoms: 

Raw Hem Skinny Jeans: Rag & Bone–I’m SO glad they brought them back! I’ve had these jeans for two years and they were my top-selling jean in 2017! They’re high waisted but not SUPER high (medium rise people will still like them) and very stretchy but they don’t bag out. Maybe they’ve changed the sizing since I bought them years ago but they ran big, so I would size down if you’re on the fence. 

Camel trousers: Leith–only $55! Also come in black! They feel like sweatpants and are a really cute comfy option for work.

HOWEVER, you should know that they are very thin material–so you’ll probably have to be careful about the kind of underwear you wear with them because the lines will show (i.e. you need to wear a thong with them! TMI but I was wearing hanky pankies that were too big for me when I put these on and you could totally see the bunched up lace–but with a normal thong you’ll be fine!) Also I wish they were shorter–I’m 5’6 and they’re full length on me, so these would not work for petite girls unless you got them hemmed. All in all though, they’re a great, comfortable option for very little investment! 

Leopard Midi Skirt: J.Crew–runs TTS–wearing a 0. If you love it, snap it up fast because they’re almost sold out! I also love this non-pleated version that is $59 at Urban! If midi skirts aren’t your thing, you should definitely check out LOFT’s adorable leopard mini! 

Shoes + Accessories: 

White sneakers: Tretorn–I just got these because my Jack Purcells have been through a beating over the past three years and I was in need of some new white sneakers. (Tretorns run TTS as do Jack Purcells, btw). I think they’re so cute–polished, classic, on-trend but not too trendy. Also available at Anthro. I really like their Meg sneaker as well! They are SO comfortable, I don’t think they’ll require any breaking in at all! They feel like slippers! (Also, make sure to get Scotchgard fabric spray to keep them white. I know Scotchgard has bad chemicals in it though 😳if you know of a safe alternative please let me know! It’s just so effective–spray them outside, and remove your shoes before you come in the house!) 

Cap toe pumps: Mine are super old, but this pair is identical and Sam Edelman makes dupe pair too! (I actually just ordered the Sam Edelman’s because this pair is old and beaten up–but they’re too big, so size down 1/2 size if you get that pair!) These are some of my favorite shoes and I think they make everything you pair them with look so French and classy! 

Leopard loafers:  Sam Edelman (30% off!!)–they are SO comfy. No break in! Run TTS. I’ve worn them a TON on the blog, just search “leopard loafers.” I also love them in black–great Gucci dupes! 

Pointed toe pumps: Mine are old Sam Edelman (the oldest shoes in my closet, I’ve worn them for YEARS) but Sam Edelman makes a lot of current versions here! 

Tan booties: Mine are old, but similar here (they’re waterproof! You guys rave about these!) here, and here!

Leopard print scarf: Mango–(super affordable!)–I love Mango’s selection of scarves! Actually, I got this one in Portugal but it’s available online! I wear it all kinds of ways (read how I tie my scarves here) but I love tying it in my hair for a subtle touch of leopard print, plus, it’s a great way to make unwashed hair look adorable! (I do this almost every day when I travel and don’t want to do my hair/want to keep it out of my face!) 

Coat: BB Dakota c/o Shopbop. **But I just found it on major markdown here!! So def see if they have your size there!!** Omg. I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!! I know, it’s not like I’m the kind of girl who buys a lot of faux fur coats, but I’ve been wanting a faux fur coat for a really long time, and I’m so excited I finally pulled the trigger on this one! It’s the prettiest dusty rose color that feels very neutral and subdued with just the right amount of feminine pink. Plus, it was a very decent price–$150! I will own this coat forever and will it down to my granddaughter when it’s “vintage.” WATCH how cute it makes every outfit I pair it with! 

How I styled my Leopard Pieces: 

**If you have questions on sizing of items or want more alternatives, please refer to the above section**

1. Leopard scarf in hair, white oxford, jeans, sneakers 

Okay, I wanted to start off with a very approachable way to wearing leopard, because I know there are a lot of you out there who are probably saying, “that’s all fine and great Jess–you’re a style blogger–but leopard does NOT work for me and I cannot pull it off.” 

But that is so wrong! Anyone can pull off leopard, but if it just feels too out of your comfort zone, that’s okay too! I definitely recommend starting with a small accessory–like a leopard print clutch, or in this case, a scarf tied in your hair! (You could also tie this scarf around your neck for the same effect!) 

I wear scarves like this in my hair A-LOT when I’m traveling–because I never want to spend time styling my hair, often times I go more often without washing it, AND it’s especially great when it’s hot and you need your hair off your face but want to look cute at the same time. See my tutorial on how I tie it on my instagram stories! 

Anyway, you can really wear a scarf in your hair with any outfit, but I wanted to showcase how cute it looks with a classic oxford, skinny jeans, and sneakers. You don’t have to get crazy–the most simple outfit is always elevated with a little leopard print! 

Alternative footwear: 

Now, say, you wore that outfit walking around on Saturday and you need to head out to dinner. All you need to do is change your shoes into a pair of chic cap toe’s, and you’re ready to go! I also want to stress that this, like everything I’m going to share here, is a formula–which means it can be adapted to any setting. Going to work? Change out the jeans for office pants. Want to make it a little sexier for a date? Wear it with a silk camisole! 

Leopard scarf in hair, wrap top, skinny jeans, pumps, faux fur coat 

Everyone is always asking for versatile, casual looks that are great for date nights, and this is one of them! (I’ll have more later on as well!) This wrap top is great (see stories for more detail) because you can kind of position it one way or another to customize how low cut it is. Make it more low cut for date night, or higher cut for a more conservative occasion, like work! The scarf adds just the right amount of pattern, and the shoes add polish! I also love how the raw hem of the jeans adds a little “edge”–(the Juxtaposition rule, remember?!) 

Dress it up with a statement coat! 

You’re going to be seeing this coat a few times, because I love it SO MUCH and I wanted to show how versatile it is. It’s definitely a statement, yes, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be versatile! It’s especially great to reach for on the days where you really just want to feel beautiful and stylish but you’re feeling a bit lazy–because it really does all the work for you. OR, on the contrary, even with the most darling outfit, it really takes things to the next level in the most stylish way! I think the color of the coat is especially perfect with the subtle print of the leopard scarf! 

Wrap top, trousers, leopard loafers

You guys are always asking for more work options, so I wanted to work these pants into a few different looks. They are literally office appropriate sweat pants, so that’s a huge win, obviously. I really like the tan/black combo with the leopard! It creates a seamless color-blocking look, and the leopard pattern isn’t TOO much for the office and it really makes the outfit much more interesting! 

Leopard top, trousers, Pumps 

Same pants, totally different style! Dress these pants up with a pointed toe pump and pair them with a leopard print blouse for a look that kind of reminds me of chic Eliza Thornberry but in a good way. 😜This could easily work with any pair of black work pants too! 

Leopard top, skinny jeans, neutral booties 

One of my favorite looks and how I wear this shirt most often–with jeans and neutral booties! This is great for a casual date night, drinks with girlfriends, and even work if you work in a more casual environment! PLUS…wanna see a magic trick!? 

Alternative…add a cardigan: 

When you think “leopard blouse” you don’t usually think of a cardigan (mine is old, similar here) as a likely pair, but it works so well, and makes the outfit SO much more casual/approachable, and puts a whole new twist on it! You could totally go with a black cardigan as well but I like the neutral on neutral of the sweater + booties. 

Alternative..it’s even better with the faux fur coat! 

Again, the fur coat for the win! How perfect is this for going out with the girls!? I think the leopard blouse and coat are a match made in heaven! Originally I wasn’t sure if it was going to be too much, but I think the color of the coat really softens the combination and makes it more approachable. 

Cream sweater, leopard midi, neutral booties 

Ohhhh how I love midi skirts. I really need to get more of them. Many of you always want “how to wear ankle boots for work” inspiration. So I wanted to play around with this combo. I LOVE it! This outfit is the Juxtaposition Rule at it’s finest–there are so many different styles at play here, and that’s why it works so well! I also think that we tend to gravitate toward pairing black with leopard. But we never think about light neutrals–so I hope this gives you a fresh perspective! (Is it just me, or does wearing white in the winter somehow make it feel less drab??) 

Tip: Whenever you’re wearing something that lacks shape, you really want to make sure you define your waist, which is why I always tuck in my tops into this skirt. Otherwise, you’re one giant rectangle–you always want to emphasize your waist at it’s smallest point. The eye loves symmetry! 

…AND WITH THE COAT! 🤗

I couldn’t NOT throw the coat in here one more time, right!? 😜But really, how amazing does it look with this ensemble? You could totally wear this to work, throw your hair into a topknot, refresh your red lipstick, and throw on this coat, and you’re ready for a night out on the town! It’s the same outfit, but a COMPLETELY different feel! 

That’s it! How did you like this styling session? I hope it helps you get dressed the rest of the week! 🙌🏻

Now, make sure to head over to see my friends Conni, Natalie, Rebecca, Caitlin –give them a follow, and how they styled their favorite leopard items!