Is leopard print aging? Man-repelling? - YouLookFab Forum

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Is leopard print aging? Man-repelling?

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I kind of have a love-hate relationship with leopard print. On the one hand I have several items with leopard print (heels, ballet flats, pussy bow blouse, belt) and think it's a cool pattern and a great finishing accent, but on the other hand I kind of equate it with "old lady fashion", especially in big doses like a big coat or boxy tunic or sweater. And I'm wondering if others feel the same way...is leopard print (esp if more than just an accent piece) aging? For example, look at these two WIW's from Jessica Quirk. While I like the look of #1 (leopard and red definitely appeals to my retro bombshell side), I feel like she looks at least 10 years older in #1 than in #2. And while I could see myself wearing outfit #1, it also seems like it would be the type of outfit that a fashionable nursing home patient might like to wear! I think that even though they can be just as loud, stripes and dots seem like more youthful patterns than leopard to me.

And is leopard man-repelling? My DH really hates animal print and faux fur. I actually bought a pair of leopard print and faux fur jackets last winter (#22 and #25 here: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-fur-vests), but ended up returning both because DH absolutely loathed them. Do any guys actually like leopard print, or does the pattern swing between Victoria's Secret and Coldwater Creek for most guys?

I don't know why I'm so ambivalent about leopard. I'm especially scratching my head, because I just placed an order from Target for several leopard print pieces...a scarf (just like Jessica's, because it looks so versatile), a leopard print ponte skirt (hoping it will be stretchy enough to use it for maternity), and a leopard print ruana (I thought it would be a great nursing cover). I feel like maybe grey leopard print is a bit more subtle and fashion forward than traditional tan leopard. Ha, so ironic that I'm putting down leopard print while simultaneously buying it!

So, what are your thoughts on leopard print? Love it or hate it? I'm on the fence!

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Dressing

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rute

Veteran

eh eh my hubby don't love leopard print but he does love my leopard heels!
I do not think it ages! That was when leopard print was out, only old ladies wore, but now it's so fashion, it's daring, trendy, chic!
Try to start by wearing it with moderation, that leopard skirt looks lovely with a black blouse!
The scarf is perfect to wear with jeans and flats!

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bj1111

Veteran

i have a hate-hate relationship with leopard for me...i can see maryk and others rocking it so i wonder why i am so hesitant. perhaps i have the same association. it could also be dose dependent. i do think it ages me and more importantly, it's just not my style. now zebra...that is a whole 'nother animal.

Atlantia

Veteran

I really love cooler leopard prints, but don't really care for the traditional warmer ones. I agree that for whatever reason, really big leopard jackets and blouses can seem like they're targeted for older ladies. But it really is all in how you style it. And, if I must be honest, my grandma is a seriously stylish lady, and I would have no problem shopping her closet if we were the same size.
I agree with bj that zebra is THE animal print.

ETA: I own several pairs of leopard print undies, and every time I pull them out, my boyfriend says something along the lines of "what's with the animal print?" so I'm guessing he doesn't like it. But whether he liked an outfit or not would not change my opinion of whether to wear it. In fact, he really hates my favorite sweater.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I have similar feelings about leopard print, Natalie. In the past I have associated it with a certain kind of older woman...or with a very...um...*tarty* and *tacky* style.

Yet I find I really enjoy it now in small doses, especially in certain combinations. And I do think that taking it away from its traditional warm tones can give it a very different feel. There are also more or less abstract prints, which can make a difference.

My husband pretty much does not like it. I got leopard print wedges and he is a "nay" on those. I wear them anyway. He doesn't seem to mind my leopard print scarf, although he did raise an eyebrow the first time I wore it. On the other hand he loves my purply-grey and blue-black leopard print pants. The print is pretty quiet and abstract on those and does not scream "animal print!!!!!"

With Jessica's outfits, I'm not sure it is the print so much as the cut of the coat and sweater in combination on her body type that ages...plus the colour combo. Know what I am saying?

The upshot of all this is that for myself, man repelling or not, I prefer it in small doses. If a fairly realistic print I like it best for accessories. If a more abstract, and in a different colour range (i.e. blues) I like it for clothing, too, but I would tend to buy pieces that could be "quieted down" by other items worn. Having said that, I love that leopard print skirt!!

Mochi

Veteran

I feel like leopard got a bad rap somewhere along the line. If the coat itself is cut in a youthful, modern way, it seems unfair to make it "old." But really, what can we do? We just have our associations. I like what Jessica is wearing (and she's young, pretty and super tall, so if she can't pull it off, who can?)

All I have is one leopard-print J. Crew sweater, but it's darker and more low contrast. I don't therefore think my husband has an opinion on the pattern at all.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

My husband doesn't like the faux fur thing, but seems fine with all animal prints...I prefer to wear it in smaller doses. I think Jessica's jacket is vintage and not to my taste at all... I have worn touches of leopard for most of my adult life, and hope I continue to do so...

My Day 1 of the copycat challenge I put together 4 different looks using leopard, which is on my blog...

Kim

Veteran

Since both my daughters have a decent amount of leopard print in their young and trendy wardrobes I'm going to say it's on trend and not aging at all. HOWEVER...It did used to be for "older" ladies (cause before faux fur who could really afford a leopard coat but rich older ladies??) I feel the same way about mink and fur stoles and most fur coats now. It's in your head and you have associated a certain thing with a certain age.

And if I remember right does your Mom wear (lots of) leopard? And I remember you don't want to dress like your mother. That's probably influencing you too.

I have a lot of leopard in my wardrobe. (So much so my friends have a lot of fun finding me things like leopard chairs, and fly swatters and pots and pans! LOL) I've fallen in love with the print this time around. I find it versatile and fun, so I go with that. I have a faux leopard coat too, that I wear when I'm in a cheeky mood.

Maybe some day I'll be that old lady wearing leopard that the younger ones associate with "old lady style", but heck I'm gonna have fun doing it! LOL I'll know I"ve crossed over to "old lady" land when I start wear it all at once, instead of a bit of leopard well placed to pop an outfit...

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Janet

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You know, I've heard these biases about leopard print here, and I never thought about it until it came up here. I suppose I never had any strong opinions or associations with leopard print, other than my BFF who has always hated anything animal print ever since we were kids. Come to think of it, I prefer an animal print in black and white or grey tones myself, so zebra is more my style, but it's not so easy to find.

I agree with Mochi that the cut of that coat is more responsible for the "mature" feeling in that first JQ outfit than the print. That is a classic old-school cut from the 40s that immediately brings my grandmother to mind -- in fact there is a beautiful coat of my grandmother's in my basement closet with that cut (it's two sizes too big for me so I have no idea what to do with it).

I have never asked my husband what he thinks of leopard. I know he likes my Matisse booties and my leopard print Docs, so I guess he doesn't have those negative associations either.

Claudia

Veteran

It is all in how leopard print is done in the outfit. I think Jessica's example you posted (she is in her 20's?) leopard coat and red/pink outfit is not so great. I agree it ages her and is all a bit too much the way the items she is wearing are all styled together, the overall effect.

But look at Angie's client Karen, who is in her 70's and in every outfit wearing a leopard print item she looks fresh, chic, age appropriate -- really AGELESS -- and very stylishly current:

http://youlookfab.com/2012/06/.....im-jacket/

http://youlookfab.com/2011/10/.....dge-at-70/

Jessica could wear any of these outfits that Karen is wearing and look youthful and hip, too.

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Anonymous

I love leopard print in smaller doses (shoes, scarves, blouses). I only have one leopard print item and that's a pair of ballet flats.

Every single instance of Angie's Karen wearing leopard is wonderful...especially the skirt with the white button down and denim jacket. Hmm, if I can find a leopard skirt in time, that just may be my Thanksgiving day outfit.

Maybe if Jessica didn't pair the coat with all that red, I"d like the outfit better. But in the photo, the coat is wearing her.

ETA:
Goldenpig: it sounds like you're in the process of finding your tolerance level for animal print. You like some looks, but not others. I think that's natural with any item that can overwhelm: sequins, brocade, etc. Once you try on what you've ordered, I bet you'll have an idea of how it works for you.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

FAB examples, Claudia! It's not the print - it is how the garment is cut and how it is worn.

Karen looks amazing in each and every one of these. Of course we know her stylist has impeccable taste.

Here's another non-aging example (IMO).

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Claudia

Veteran

Suz, great example. AP blogger looks amazing here with how she styled this coat. Love it!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I consider animal print classic and think it's going to be around for a long, long time. I do find I prefer it in smaller doses as well although I have a blazer in all over animal print. I agree that it's all in the styling and what modern elements you pair it with. I don't find it aging on man repelling, but then I have a very tolerant man!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yeah. If Shannon were wearing it, her husband would say, "Oh, it's the sexy man-repeller look!"

nancylee

Veteran

I've enjoyed reading this post since I also have reservations about leopard print. I think it looks fab in small doses...and worn the right way....but I still struggle with images of Mrs. Robinson from "The Graduate." As an over-50 YLFer I really worry that it might age me.

I do admire it on others, though. Angie's client Karen is a great example of how to wear it well. I sometimes even feel tempted to give it a try, but I always hold off. I think it's just not my style.

dizzys

Animal print is a throw back to the 1950's sex kitten Hollywood persona. The trend seems to have stuck, but I am not crazy about it. Less is WAY more for me.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I think the key is leopard in small doses - shoes, bag, belt, scarf, layered blouse. I don't like it when it is huge and the centerpiece of an outfit. When worn that way, it is too much for me. I'm looking at a little cropped animal jacket, if I get it, I will wear it by itself, not with other leopard print items.

I remember your fur jacket deliberations from last year - and some people suggested if you love it, wear what you want, but I got the feeling that the leopard fur jacket was just too outrageous for your conservative husband. I think the scarf and skirt you bought are really nice. They can add just the right amount of punch to an outfit without taking over. I'm not really a fan of poncho's so no comment on that. I have that skirt in a different print (the rachel roy knock off) and it is a really nice thick soft stretch fabric. I think it's something I would have liked wearing when I was pregnant, it is comfy and stretchy, but still has structure and class.

Diana

Veteran

Personally I like it but only in small doses. So, accessories for me. Although in high school I had a leopard print skirt that was awesome so it's possible I just haven't found the right piece. I also am pretty particular about the colors in my leopard (and other) prints. I like my leopard to be golden toned and quite saturated rather than brown toned. I also don't like leopard prints with a lot of white or beige. On me, the less saturated leopards wash me out and make me look older, whereas the more saturated, gold-based ones work with my skin tone and look vibrant. (Unless we're talking about snow leopard, that's different obviously).

I have no idea what fiance thinks of it. I'll have to ask him later.

By the way, leopards are my favorite animal!

ETA: I think fur coats are always going to read as a little bit "old lady". Or, more specifically, "rich old lady." It's just the nature of the beast (pun sort of intended.)

Lisa

Veteran

My DH is not a fan of animal prints. I don't own any myself but if I were to purchase one, I would stick to accessories so the print is in smaller doses.

Sara L.

Veteran

I can appreciate large doses of leopard such as skirts and blouses on others, but I don't like them on me. I have some smaller leopard print items like ballet flats, pumps, and scarves and that's enough for me.

I don't associate it with old ladies, but with really tacky hoochy type outfits. I went dancing with my husband a couple months ago and every other girl at the bar was wearing teeny tiny denim shorts, cowboy boots and a low-cut leopard print top. One girl even had a leopard print tattoo on her leg that went from thigh to ankle.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Haven't read the other responses, so this is my initial gut reaction.

Is it aging? Not necessarily. As evidenced by the ladies on this forum, it can be done elegantly, adding a pop of pattern to a solid outfit. My preference if for just a little leopard, like on a belt or purse. To my eye this is more chic than, say, a leopard top or coat, although I think those could probably be pulled off in the right outfit combination. Never say never, right? But the more leopard you've got, the more you risk going into Peg Bundy territory.

Is it man-repelling? In my experience, yeah kinda. I think they associate it with old ladies. Or possibly it's the hoochie factor. Either way, many guys I know haaaaate it. However, a leopard belt, shoes, or purse would probably go under the man-radar.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I do think it is a man repeller, certainly for my man. And I also can see the Peg Bundy type tacky associations when overdone or not done well. But I also see that it can be elegant and ladylike if done right. Just not by me!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Ha Elisabeth!! Cross posted the same things!

Aziraphale

Veteran

Wow, Mo, we're on a level this morning!

Anonymous

No, I don't think so Natalie. It is about the garment's design more that anything, I would say. I'm off to see what everyone else said!

N-Marie

Veteran

While I wouldn't say I have a poison eye for it, it's not something I wear (on clothing). My husband dislikes it strongly and finds it aging, so that's probably a contributing factor. So IMO, yes, it's bit man-repelling (for some men, that is). But I agree with others that I've seen it done elegantly.

I a bit over 30, FWIW, so I don't think there's necessarily an age-specific rule.

ETA: My toddler is wearing pink leopard PJ pants right now and I find them ADORABLE (as does my husband), so maybe there is an age rule after all

dizzys

Yes, Peg Bundy..... good association guys!

Anonymous

I think it really depends on the garment and how expensive it *looks*. There are a lot of cheap, tacky animal prints available out there right now (leopard Snuggies anyone?).

I never wore leopard prints in the 80's because I was doing the preppy thing full on, and now I'm in love with it. I really have to restrain myself or I'd have a closet full of leopard. My first purchase was a leopard long-sleeved blouse (pre-YLF) that was shiny polyester and REALLY loud. I never felt completely comfortable in it, so I passed it on. I'm glad I tried it again in a scarf and shoes because those worked for me. I also have it in a cotton cardi that has a white background so I can get my leopard fix in summer.

krishnidoux

Veteran

This is a very good question you pose, Natalie.

For leopard prints, DH doesn't like it and made it clear, because he feels it "cheapens" a look. DS isn't a fan either because he feels it stamps the word "cougar" all over my forehead.

As for faux fur, DH doesn't like it either, probably because it vaguely reminds him of bohemian romantics which he despises, and says I'm wearing a chubaca when I have it on. DS doesn't like it because of animal concerns, even if it's faux, then he doesn't see the "logic".

So, here you have it, for the men in my household.

So, are these items man repellent? From what I read here, it looks like it is! Are these aging? I think not in and by themselves; but if paired with other elements they can be reminiscent of another generation, the one who bloomed in the fifties, so that's why we associate it with age. But as Suz points out, if the cut of the garment and the rest of the outfit are modern, then it's not aging.
In the picture 1, JQ is not just wearing leopard print. She's wearing a coat with a cut from the fifties, cigarette pants (also a fifties staple), big sunglasses and gloves. I mean. She's looking for it! I don't care for this particular outfit.

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