My friend Neil says leopard is his favorite color. I don’t blame him, the print is such a standout and a fall staple. Although I wear leopard all year round, I go all the way out come fall with my ferocious prints. I feel like leopard print used to get such a bad reputation because most brands were using it on such dated pieces. NO MORE! For the past few years, designers have embraced leopard and created fabulous frocks, shoes, handbags and accessories to tickle anyone’s fancy.
You know I love a leopard moment. How can we forget this leopard on leopard on leopard look from last year? I’m never one to shy away from a dramatic print moment. If you’ve seen Black Is King, you’ll know that leopard is a total vibe and a whole mood according to Beyonce. When Queen Bey says leopard is in, well, I stan!
I’m making my case for why each of these 7 leopard print pieces for fall are essentials in your wardrobe.
1. Norma Kamali Leopard Print Dress: If one dress could summarize my fall mood, it would be this body-con number from Norma Kamali. It hugs all the right curves and serves as the base for so many different outfits. This is the dress to take you from meetings to martinis. Add a black blazer like this double breasted one from Express for an office ready look. For happy hour, remove the blazer, add a statement necklace like this one from Brinker & Eliza and viola, you’re ready for some social distancing happy hour with your girls or date night with your boo.
2. J.Crew Teddy Sherpa Topcoat: Teddy coats are still en vogue this season but why play it safe with a neutral? Step up the cool factor with this teddy coat in a leopard print. If you’re going to bundle up and cover up your outfits when the temps dip, why not have some fun and make a statement? This coat can be dressed up or down. They elevate jeans, a t-shirt and platform converse shoes and give a little black dress some pizazz.
3. Jewel Badgley Mischka Enya Booties: Too shy to rock a loud leopard? Keep it cute in these velvety black flocked leopard booties. These booties are so sexy. I would totally style them with my faux leather wrap skirt from Eloquii and a chunky cable knit sweater for an easy date night look. Again, I love versatile additions to my closet and these booties definitely check off so many boxes. How cute would they look with skinny jeans, a slinky top and a cardigan or blazer?
4. Giraffe at Home Leopard Throw Blanket: This blanket might not be a closet staple but we’re still in a pandemic and will most likely be spending ample time bundled up on the couch underneath a cozy blanket. Why not step it up a notch with a soft faux fur throw like this one. Leopard can be a neutral and looks pretty good in most spaces.
5. ASOS Leopard Print Tights: Not ready to commit to leopard on leopard on leopard a la Makeda? No problem! These tights are far more fun yet still functional than the boring opaque tights worn under LBDs and skirts in the fall/winter. They elongate your legs and look a lot more chic.
6. Tory Burch Eleonor Should Bag: Come through Tory! I have way too many little black shoulder bags in my closet and don’t need to add yet another one for fall. This leopard print calf hair bag from Tory Burch is a stunner. The gold hardware logo adds a luxurious touch no? This bag would go with so many outfits, including monochromatic neutral tan looks, a colorful red ensemble or a little black dress moment.
7. Brixton Face Mask: Last, but certainly not least, is this leopard print face mask. Let’s face it, we’re going to be wearing masks for the foreseeable future so why not have some fun with some leopard print?
OUTFIT DETAILS: H&M Top and Skirt / Christian Louboutin Kate Pumps / Eric Javits Bey Hat / Staud Bag (sold out) / Bellefixe Hair Ties / Amazon Fashion Sunglasses / The Pink Reef Earrings