It’s that time again for Signature Style with my chic friends, Cindy Hattersley and Sarah London and this month we are bringing you leopard! Leopard print is a classic and has never gone out of style. Some say it’s a neutral, but I think it adds a bit of punctuation to an outfit and instant style. Do you have leopard in your closet? Well if not, it’s time to add some!
My first memories of leopard are from a leopard print boxy tote bag with tortoise shell looking ring handles my mom had in the 1960’s. On a train trip with her to Chicago when I was five, my coloring books were stored in it during trip. I later used the same bag in the early 80’s to tote my college books to class. It was vintage by then, and super cool, and I sadly wore it to pieces. This bag reminded me of it, with the color and texture of my moms!
I’ve always been attracted to leopard due to its cool factor and rock n’ roll vibe. When I think of leopard, people like Debbie Harry come to mind. I’m not opposed to a little cool in my wardrobe and right now, after the past few years, I want my clothes to be anything but boring. I have a wardrobe full of solids, and yet a lot of patterned pieces and accessories that add a little punk feel and youthful spirit to my mix. I think everyone needs that with your basics.
How to wear leopard:
- Choose a leopard print in an investment piece, like a nice handbag, coat, boot or shoe that can mix into your wardrobe in many different ways over years. Plan on keeping it long-term, so buy well.
- Leopard in a silk blouse or cashmere sweater adds a fun pop of chic to basics.
- Consider leopard in better quality materials and skip it in looks like leggings, tight dresses and stretchy lycras which can look ‘cheap’ and feel more cheesy than chic.
- Be choosy about the leopard print you add. Let it punctuate an outfit.
- Head to toe leopard is a lot, unless you want Alexis Carrington vibes or a big statement look. That said, you can mix leopard prints of different sizes, for a whimsical feel.
- Some of the best foils for leopard are red, pink, black, white and surprisingly floral.
I am fortunate to own a leopard coat I bought a few years ago from Emerson Fry. It’s probably my most favorite piece of clothing and I have get more compliments on it than anything. It’s my go-to when I want to feel stylish and stand out, like when I wore it to a blogger conference.
It gives me confidence, and makes my solids look cool. The heavy linen works in most months here in California so I wear it all year long. Cost was around $350 and I’ve worn it more times than I can count. It was made in Brooklyn (yay), and it still looks like new. I know I have many years more to wear it. Emerson Fry still makes the exact coat, which is a testament to its longevity!
Definitely shop second hand for a leopard look. Vintage leopard coats are the coolest thing on the planet and if you can find one or something that looks like one, you’re lucky. Kate Moss created her signature style from her vintage leopard coat and she has so many..These are just a few..
I was lucky to have been gifted a vintage faux leopard short jacket from my friend Contessa and I just adore it. I have worn it casual, layered over a sweater with jeans, over a leopard dress, and with white jeans and so many ways..
Online there are so many of these vintage coats to be found like this one at ThredUp, and also check your local thrift and consignment. I also found this gem by The Great, their ‘vintage’ leopard coat.
More leopard coats here, and I love this one by Stand – just marked down, below left, and this by Bernardo, right also on sale…
Other options are adding a great accessory like this MZ Wallace tote, or a cute pair of sneakers like these high tops at Madewell, and this Gigi NY Crossbody.
I like this Claire V. Leopard bag top photo (like my mom’s), which is a classic and will always give you look a bit of style. I have a green version from them and they also have a smaller cross-body version below..
I also love the look of these slides by Birdies. People love these shoes and they are highly rated for comfort.
A leopard dress or two in the closet are nice to have in your rotation. I do own a few leopard dresses. One that is versatile and I wear so much is this T-shirt dress from Jenni Kayne. The leopard is so small it’s basically a neutral, but it’s a great basic to go anywhere. My only gripe is that the viscose wrinkles easily, but otherwise, I love the style and I can dress it up or down.
I also just bought this fun leopard shirt dress from H&M. They have a lot of leopard now. I bought this to wear as a top, a tunic, and a swim coverup as well as a dress.. The stores have a lot of this shirt dress, but it looks gone from the website! The material is the same as this dress, also cute in leopard.
Where do you stand on leopard and animal prints? I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts and I can’t wait to read Cindy and Sarah’s blogs today about leopard! Stop by their blogs at:
Thanks for being here!
Kim
You might also like the post, ‘Reloving What You Own- Signature Style.’
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Kim I just love that Emerson Fry coat. I have almost purchased it I don’t know how many times. I am always trying to snag one on Ebay or someplace like that. I love that Claire V bag too. I have been tempted by that one som many times. You really have some great styling ideas here. Leopard looks so good on you! Well, what doesn’t?!!
Cindy I so enjoyed your different outfits. You’re so good with leopard..Great tips for styling and love the pieces. Yes look on Ebay etc for this coat. So far, I’ve seen it selling for more than new, which is crazy. xx
I adore your coat! Such an incredible and wise purchase. I adore the one Elizabeth gifted to you too .. both perfect with Jeans that you wear so well! You have incredible style and always share the loveliest pieces 🤍
Hi Sarah! I love your coat you got too. What a find.Your post was excellent and so many good leopard styling ideas. xo
Hi Kim, are you familiar with the Coronation Street character Bet Lynch? She featured in the show (she was a barmaid in the Rovers Return) for over a quarter of a century. Well, that’s who I used to picture whenever I heard the words ‘leopard print’. Here’s an idea of her style: https://www.google.com/search?q=bette+lynch&rlz=1C1CHZN_enCA934CA934&sxsrf=APq-WBvUzC-WCo0aTxR8Mw34npD33Y6hug:1644965970119&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi8o8Pi54L2AhWDkIkEHYtkCPkQ_AUoAXoECAIQAw&biw=1229&bih=571&dpr=1.56
She was a great character, but suffice it to say that it’s only in recent years that I’ve come around to the leopard print look! I have only 2 pieces – a scarf, and a pair of black ankle boots with leopard just on the back of the heel. I think I’m following the rules so far!
I love your Emerson Fry coat, but I like the Contessa’s short coat even more, it’s so chic. You are so lucky to have such a generous friend. For myself I prefer a leopard print that is more golden brown, although that might change if and when my hair turns grey.
I haven’t commented much lately, but still loving all your posts!
Patricia, Wow! Since I am not familiar with Coronation Street I didn’t have that visual that you did, but I see how that could be a deterrent to thinking leopard is chic! LOL. I was so lucky Contessa gave that jacket to me. It’s very special I know. I think the golden brown is the prettiest too..but you’re right the silvery prints could be lovely on those with grey hair! Thanks so much for your note! No worries. xo
What a fun post, Kim! I love leopard. And all animal prints. Your two leopard coats and dresses are fabulous. You’re always so stylish. I love the tote similar to the one your mom carried. She must have been super stylish too. Looking in vintage stores for leopard print is great tip. It’s definitely a way to up ones cool-factor. I’d better go assess my closet. xo
Juliet thanks! It was a lot of fun. I wish I had a photo of that leopard tote of moms. Yes vintage stores are such a good source! xo
YOU LOOK FABULOUS IN LEOPARD!
I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED IT…………….I DONOT THINK MY MOTHER HAD ANY BUT MY AUNTS DID!I take that BACK MY MOTHER HAD A SCARF THAT I LOVED TO LOOK AT IN HER DRAWERS…….I can remember always opening her drawers and walking into her closet……..I LOVE IT!
THE DESIGNER’s BACK IN THE DAY USED IT A LOT TOO……TONY DUQUETTE being one.
THAT COAT IS A SMASH ON YOU!
WEAR IT TO DEATH is ALL I HAVE TO SAY!
I AM SITTING HERE WITH THAT LEOPARD SHAWL AND A LEOPARD PILLOW AT MY COMPUTER!ALL I NEED NOW IS A REAL LEOPARD!
XOXO
Aww I love that a you have memories of your mom’s drawers and peeking into them! I did that too as a kid. Idon’t think my mom wore leopard, but had that tote! I will wear it so much! I need a photo of you at your desk with that shawl and pillow. Love it. xo
You and Cindy have purr-fected the leopard look (sorry for the corny remark). Both of you had great ideas and looks but my lament to Cindy is that the background of most is a yellow tone, or I called it camel. Consequently, I’ve started looking for cream grounds which look better now that I am silver. So….I’m jumping over to buy that Emerson Fry coat and will splurge. As you say, on a cost per wearing basis, the cost doesn’t seem so dear. I just have to figure out size. If you can offer any help with that, I would appreciate but they also have details to help with the decision. Thanks for a fun post. Long live animal prints!
Wren Lol you crack me up! You’re also so right that most of these prints have a honey tone to them. I think the coat will be more neutral and pretty with your hair! You have to let me know what you think when you get it. It’s my favorite and I’ve had it so many years.. Yes I think if you think ho many times you wear it, it pays off in the end! So for size, I bought a 6. They run slightly large and I am 135 and 5’4. I feel like it’s roomy, buy not too big, the perfect size. I hope that helps! xo
Hi Kim,
You have so many great leopard pieces. That coat is fabulous! You look good in everything. My mom always wore leopard, we used to tease her that it was her trademark. So, I grew up with it and have always loved it. I’ve got a lot of fun leopard in my wardrobe, from tennis shoes, flats, booties, handbags, a few sweaters to several coats scarves and dresses. It never goes out of style and definitely adds a punch to solids. In home decor I think it looks wonderful with bright florals, as you mentioned. Super fun and unexpected.
I’m looking forward to seeing what Sarah and Cindy have for us today!
Xo Heidi
Heidi anyone would look good in this coat I think. You have a lot of great leopard pieces in your mix and they all are so chic. I love that you’ve collected them over time. I’m glad you like this post. I should have had you share some of your looks! xo
Kim, you look so darn cute…as usual! I love leopard!
Thanks Kelley! I know I love it too! Hope you’re doing well. Great to hear from you. xo
Sooo many cute things, Kim!! Especially love the EF coat, I wish they weren’t out of it in my size!! Very fun post!!
xo
Tracy
Thanks Tracy! Just keep checking back they have different sizes off and on all the time. I would click the notify me box. I think they wait for fabrics to come in as they are small batch! xo
Hi Kim, Thanks for giving me your height and weight for the size 6. I think I should go for a 4 but also have a call in to the company. Judging from the interest shown by your readers, you should be getting a commission for helping with sales or at least acknowledgement of some kind for showing the coat on your blog! I hope you don’t mind being copied…..you may find yourself having twins, triplets, etc. with your same look!
Wren I am super happy to help and if you’re my twin, them I’m honored ! The company might help. I think they have sizing on the website. Also they pay me a small commission if people buy off my link, so don’t worry. You’re so sweet. xo