We see animal print every season, but this year it’s on steroids. The plush and furry leopard coat or jacket is a Trendy Classic with a high longevity factor, although it’s having a fashion moment in 2018. One of countless ways to wear animal print, the leopard topper makes a loud and strong statement. It’s an acquired taste and one I enjoy seeing because it reminds me of the ‘60s and ‘70s (a few of my favourite fashion eras).
Here are four ways to wear a leopard topper with neutrals that are easy to pull together. The leopard prints are earth-toned, but feel free to create a similar look with leopard prints in other neutrals or non-neutrals.
1. Stripes & Jeans
Leopard print and stripes are classic patterns that work well together, especially when the palette of the patterns are similar. The repetition of the black in the leopard print and stripe creates a cohesive statement. It’s further complemented with black footwear. Tucking or semi-tucking a top to showcase a high rise is a trendy statement, but you can leave the top untucked. Wear full-length or cropped jeans in a silhouette of your choice.
2. Pattern-Mixed
This outfit takes pattern mixing a step further and is not for everyone. It combines the leopard print and stripe we saw in the first example, and adds a floral. The black across all three patterns AND the footwear unites the items, gives the eye a chance to rest, and creates a combination that is just cohesive enough. The tucked top, shorter coat and heels elongate the silhouette.
The remarkable part about this outfit is how it combines four Modern Classics to create a funky, arty, chic and creative vibe. It’s all about HOW you put items together that makes the difference.
3. Column of Colour
Columns of colour are an easy go-to way to create a long lean line and calm down the hectic pattern of a topper. Here, the column is black, but it can be just about any colour. It’s nice to see a skirt in the mix, but jeans and pants work as well. The topper is more of a jacket, which is better than a coat. That way you don’t need to remove the jacket indoors, which would take the punch out of the look.
4. High-Waisted Jeans & Black
Combine a high-waisted pair of full-length or cropped jeans with a tucked or semi-tucked top. Repeat the black in the shoes. Layer the leopard top over the lot and Bob’s your uncle, it’s that easy. Add jewelley, bag, watch, headgear and eyewear as desired.
I bought a new leopard coat from Boden which is not as high contrast as the ones you see here. I can easily put the first look together, which appeals to me most since I adore the pattern mix. I have options across blue, faded blue and black jeans. I’ll change the footwear to white, add pearls, and either a light blue or tomato red bag to make the outfit more to my taste. I adore the rendition with the floral skirt, and would like to add something like that to my wardrobe too. In the meantime, here are the exact items from my wardrobe to create the look.
