You could call it the print that just won’t quit. For seasons now, we have seen leopard print all over our stores, and this fall is no exception. I must admit that I love the look and just can’t help myself from adding a little more leopard print to my wardrobe each season. Truthfully, I just looked down to see that I am wearing my leopard pajama pants. My obsession may be worse that I previously thought!
Whether you love leopard a little or, like I do, a lot, it is important to select your leopard items with care and in a way that will support and extend your current wardrobe…not leave you thinking, “I must have been crazy when I bought that leopard blouse!” Here are my rules for selecting the right leopard pieces for my clients. I hope they help you in your leopard selections this fall:
1) The key to a happy leopard-sprinkled wardrobe is to purchase items that are in your preferred color family (black & white, brown & caramel, or even red). Stick to a leopard color scheme that will compliment the wardrobe you already have (exp. if your fall color base is brown, opt for brown-toned leopard prints, not blacks).
2) Remember to choose leopard prints that are in the right scale for your body size. For example, if one of my petite clients really wants a great pair of leopard jeans this fall, I will make sure to select for her a very small pattern that will not overpower her small frame. (The NYDJ below are a great example of this).
3) Don’t forget that a little leopard goes a long way. When wearing a leopard print, select other supportive (not conflicting) pieces to wear. Let the leopard be the all-star of your outfit.
4) Lastly, once you have a little leopard in your closet, you cannot be afraid to wear it! Yes, it may be bold and dramatic, but leoaprd can create so much visual interest and fun in an outfit…if you let it.
Now that you know the rules for wearing leopard, it’s time to shop. Leopard is everywhere this season, so stay true to your budget when purchasing your pieces. If you find something you love that is out of your price range, just keep searching. Leopard is popping up everywhere and at every price-point! Here are some of my favorite leopard finds, so far, this season.
Leopard Clutch, $43.00
Photo Courtesy: Karmaloop
Leopard NYDJ, $120.00
Photo Courtesy: Nordstrom
Leopard Blouse, $24.50
Photo Courtesy: Wet Seal
Leopard Wedges, $79.50
Photo Courtesy: Ann Taylor Loft
Leopard Blazer, $198
Photo Courtesy: Neiman Marcus
Photo Courtesy: H&M