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.

According to The Guardian there are four main camps when it comes to boots this Autumn: knee-high, ’80s ankle, western, and hiking.

Refinery29 rounds up 15 pairs of hiking boots that can be worn off the mountain.

There’s also no shortage of other lace-up boots on the market this season.

There are plenty of fun rain boot options out there too.

If black booties are your thing, then have a peek at these.

Or if you’re eager to try the on-trend white boot, browse these 30 options.

Fab Links from Our Members

Wearing multiple necklaces is one way to wear a maximal look. Joy saw lots of good ideas in this blog post.

Everything eventually comes back and Vildy liked this article on how to wear a skirt suit. She adds: “Jess Cartner-Morley best says what I always struggle to explain about ironic outfits or items, i.e. ‘if the joke revolves around finding people who aren’t as cool as you are intrinsically hilarious, doesn’t that make you a bit of a twat?'”

Lucy loves ‘how it’s made’ videos, and found this one featuring Dr. Martens being hand-made in their only factory in the UK fun viewing.

MsMaven graduated from law school in 1977, just as John T. Molloy’s The Woman’s Dress for Success Book came out. Here’s an article about whether Molloy’s advice is still good. She adds: “when I went to be sworn in at the federal district court, I swear the majority of women there were wearing a navy blazer and gray flannel skirt, and hair cut in a chin-length bob. It was weird. Well, I had the same outfit and haircut.”

Fashintern found this article about why 3 brides didn’t wear make-up on their wedding day interesting. Where is the line between personal choice and societal pressure, in make-up or fashion, she wonders.

Beth Ann loves this video of the dancers from Ballet Nacional de España doing a show for Spanish fashion designer Oteyza. “It’s delicious to see how the clothing moves, and the dancers create a sense of esprit de corps, drawing the eye and the audience in, rather than executing the rapid fire now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t of traditional runway shows.”

Shopping with my clients to refresh Autumn and Winter wardrobes is in full swing, and so far we like what we see. The trends are unfolding and we’re making discerning decisions about how to add that next layer of fabness to our wardrobes. Here are some winners in an assortment of price points, items and colours. 

1. Boden Tilda Crew Neck and V-Neck Sweaters

These are AMAZING simple and versatile pullovers across two necklines. Crisp, polished, and one-up-from-basic with the fun button detailing on the cuffs that showcase a contrast colour. They look fabulous UNtucked and semi-tucked. The buttons on the cuff are a little stiff, but will ease up over time. Lots of lovely colours. They layer well under blazers, jackets and coats, are gently fluid and look professional. Good quality. Fabric is cotton rich, machine washable and feels scrumptious against the skin. The Winter white with the navy cuff contrast in the crew neck is mine.

2. White House Black Market Big Skirts

These Modern Retro skirts are dramatic and gorgeous. They have worked on all of my clients who enjoy this type of silhouette. They look best with a short fitted top, or tucked top. It’s a LOT of skirt, so be prepared to make a statement. Runs a size big.

3. Sanctuary Sneaker Chino Pants

Full-length bootcuts are back with a vengeance, and these are AMAZING. The fabric has heft, drapes well, and is a little soft and stretchy. The rise is a fab mid length, and the hems can be shortened. The cut is forgiving and works on a variety of curvier and straighter body types. I committed to these in toffee, and am wearing them with my white SAS sneakers. A very fresh look for most of us.

4. Sanctuary Faux Suede Leggings

If you like to wear leggings, try these. They are comfy, soft, thick, and have length for taller gals. They look more unique than regular spandex leggings. The faux suede has quite a luxe look to it. The brown is a very cool tone.

5. Pilcro High Rise Relaxed Jeans

This is one of the more current silhouettes of jeans with their cropped roomier hems and high rise. They have worked on straighter and curvier body types. Forgiving, good fit, comfortable and great quality. They do not stretch out. The one pair has fun orange piping down the side.

6. Naturalizer Blair Bootie

A simple and extremely comfortable modern classic bootie that works with most pairs of pants and jeans is not to be underestimated. Clean, crisp, polished and smart casual. Comes in wide widths. Might be a little wide on the ankle in larger sizes, but not too bad. These earned a place in my wardrobe in white, and my feet are in love with how they feel with the addition of a good sock. That one inch heel is the bomb, and will work well with my new sneaker chino bootcuts. The toe boxes are pointier and longer in person. I predict these to become instant workhorses, and I’m wearing them right now! The regular width works well for low-volume feet and long toes.

7. Boden Hengrave Coat

A lightweight but WARM coat that is a simple, practical and versatile “throw-on-and-go” style. It’s a gentle cocoon shape with a tailored sleeve that does not run narrow. The funnel neck is excellent for long necks, but can be folded down for shorter necks. The shoulder width is snug, so it might not work well on broad shoulders unless you size up. I adore the smart casual but polished vibe of the aesthetic. As good with high heels as it is with sneakers. Beautifully made, and fun lining. The leopard print skews both cool and warm. It earned a place in my wardrobe as my nod to the animal print trend.

8. Zara Textured Cape Coat

First, fast fashion giant Zara is more sustainable than you might think. This is a lightweight but WARM coat that is in a chic and fun cape silhouette. Modern Retro and dressy. It’s a beautiful soft shade of tan with a hint of blush. The faux fur collar is best on long necks, but can be removed. An excellent topper for over chunky knits and voluminous sleeves. Flattering colour with shades of blonde hair. It may or may not have earned a place in my wardrobe.

North Carolina-based Sarah Slusher (24) works in social media for a cosmetics company, and documents her outfits over at Stylish Sassy & Classy. She loves a good Summer dress (and has quite the collection), embraces colour year round, and enjoys wearing white bottoms. Our blogger also likes interesting footwear and is somewhat of a bag aficionado.

“My style has grown up a lot over the past few years. As a young adult, we go through a lot of changes and I have come to realize in life and in clothing that I would rather have less, but have quality. I would describe my style as classic and colorful and appropriate for all shades and ages. My best piece of advice for all women is that your smile is your best accessory, your happiness will outshine any outfit.”

Summer tops in this warm shade of pink can be hard to find, and the colour works so well with Sarah’s skintone. She’s paired the ruffle-sleeved, high-low hemline top with white skinny jeans for a polished casual look. The black floral embroidered mules are on-trend, and a clever touch because they pick up the colour of the top and our blogger’s small crossbody bag. Together with the ruffled sleeves they also add textural and visual interest. Soft pink lipstick and gold bracelets are all that’s needed to finish off the look.

The pattern on this frilly asymmetrical dress looks like an abstract work of art. The high neckline and subtle waist definition provide structure. While the magical diagonal lines created by the ruffle detailing add movement to the look. Sarah is a fan of sporting pastels year round, and is wearing block heel sandals in a blush that matches the blush in her dress. She added a structured tote in a slightly darker shade of blush that complements the other pink tones. Apricot lippy, a gold watch and ring complete this colourful dressy outfit.

Yellow was one of Sarah’s favourite colours this Summer, and this crochet lace top in mustard is a stunner for sure. The off-the-shoulder style adds an alluring touch, while emphasizing our blogger’s shoulder line and providing light arm coverage. Pairing the top with dark-wash skinnies and ankle-strap espadrilles gives the outfit a boho-lite vibe. At the same time, the ornate lace detailing dresses up the look. Rolling the jeans showcases the shoe. Sarah’s black shoulder bag comes out to play again and echoes the colour of the sandals. A gold bracelet and two dainty gold chain necklaces are the accessories of choice.

A sweater dress is an easy throw-on-and-go option for Fall and Winter. This fab grey number hits Sarah just below the knee, fab that midis are reigning supreme. The vertical rib knit creates a long, lean line. The subtle flutter sleeves add the slightest touch of drama. Our blogger’s black suede booties with chunky block heel and the quilted bag provide textural interest. The white bag also picks up the white in her lightweight plaid scarf, which is the perfect accessory for the cooler days that are coming.

Sarah’s love of white bottoms and pastels come together in this casual chic Winter look. Light grey and white makes an elegant colour combo year round, but I find it especially eye-catching in Winter. Our blogger is wearing white skinny jeans and light grey poncho with fun pink and white tipping. The white and grey striped tee peeking out from under the poncho adds a preppy playful touch. Tucking the jeans into faux-suede over-the-knee boots gives the look an equestrian vibe. Sarah’s white and grey checked bag with cognac trim works beautifully with the colour palette. Sarah’s pink lipstick and happy smile finish things off to perfection.

Our blogger’s faux-suede dress in a striking shade of red is undoubtedly the star of the show. The texture-rich frock with subtle waist definition is a great length on 5’6” Sarah. She dresses it down with a cheeky cropped denim jacket that creates great proportions. Combining the outfit with a leopard print scarf in cool-toned colours is an unexpected touch, and provides extra oomph. Adding grey ankle booties with whipstitch details and swirl perforations is a nice nod to the Wild West trend we are seeing everywhere for Fall 2018, and adds soft edge to the outfit. Sarah finishes off the look with gold bracelets, her trusted black bag, and a darker lipstick that complements the dress.

What do you think of Sarah’s elegant, polished style and use of colour? Let us know in the comments, and then head on over to her blog to browse the rest of her wonderful outfits.