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Leopard print has been around since about 6,000 B.C. according to this CNN article. In fact, in the 18th and 19th centuries, women wore real leopard fur which denoted their wealthy status. Nowadays, leopard doesn’t scream wealth, just sophistication with an edge. If you don’t believe me, keep reading and you will!
I’m rather obsessed with leopard print lately and it’s on they way to knocking my favorite print (stripes!) out of first place in my closet. Can you believe it? I have a dress, a skirt, and shoes so far. How much is too much do you think? I’m going to tell you – it’s never too much! Below are my top 10 choices to perk up your closet. Some are good for flirting with the pattern, and others are going all in.
1. Ann Taylor – Spotted Wrap Skirt | 2. Nordstrom – Treasure & Bond Blouson Tank Midi Dress | 3. Belk – Ellen Tracy – Flounce Sleeve Wrap Dress | 4. Reformation – Marcy Top | 5. Nordstrom – CC Corso Como® Denice Pump | 6. J.Crew Factory – Calf hair crossbody bag | 7. Vici – Dash Pleated Leopard Midi Skirt | 8. New York & Company – Leopard-Print Fit and Flare Dress | 9. Nordstrom – Leith – Satin Midi Skirt | 10. Nordstrom Rack – Karen Walker – Buccaneer 47mm Sunglasses
This little number caught my eye due to the tulip hemline. It’s unexpected and a nice departure from a normal pencil skirt. I also like the way the waist looks a bit like a belt. I would pair this with a black shirt like they have, a white one, or possibly a pink shirt if you’re feeling bold.
This dress is phenomenal. I own it, having bought it during the Nordstrom sale a few weeks back, and I am congratulating myself on the purchase. It’s more of a long skirt rather than a midi on me (I’m 5’0″ for those wondering), and it has pockets! This will transition nicely into winter by either layering a black turtleneck underneath or throwing a black cardigan on top.
This is for those of us who are fully into the trend. I didn’t know this existed until my sister got it and I saw her wearing it. It is adorable. The pop of pink in the dress is so different from most I see. I love the way it also mixes all different leopard prints into one party ready dress. I would even wear this to work, but I do work in a creative office.
Full disclosure here – I always want to buy something from Reformation, but it’s usually terribly expensive and I’m not sure it’s made for shorties like me. However, I stumbled across this shirt, on sale might I add! This would be a perfect shirt for under a blazer for a buttoned up office, or with jeans like here. The tie around the neck along with the slight puff to the sleeves make it a sort of sophisticated girly.
If you don’t want to plunge into the trend this heel is a great entry point. The stripe of black across breaks up the print so even if you’re worried about it being too much, don’t worry, it’s not. The kitten heel on the shoe gives it a lady like vibe. This would look great in the office, even if you work in a law firm, but is equally cool with jeans and a moto jacket.
Another entry for the dipping the toe into the leopard print pool is this crossbody bag. It looks very expensive and high end, but guess what? It’s from JCrew Factor and only $46.50 right now! This is a great purse for fall – I can see it now nestled up against a fluffy white sweater with jeans and Hunter boots traipsing through the apple orchard.
Technically this might not be a true leopard print – it’s not the usual color, but that’s why I’m a fan of it. This reminds me of the skirt I’m wearing in the first picture that seems to no longer be available at the Loft, so I chose this one instead. I love the pleats on it and how it looks like it will be a great twirl skirt. It would be perfect for date night, work, or even running around town in some white kicks.
How cute is this fit and flare dress? It’s from one of my goto stores for dresses – New York and Company. I can usually find a cute dress or two when they’re having sales. They do great sales. This will be darling with a biker jacket and black over the knee boots. It will toughen up the otherwise frilly dress.
I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve been seeing the same satin leopard print skirt everywhere. I do like the skirt, but I also have this thing where I hate being the same as everyone else. Enter this Leith skirt. This is definitely not for the wallflower. It’s going to get you loads of attention. It might be a bit much for work, especially if you’re in a law firm, but it’s great for a night on the town. Black heels and a black bodysuit will complete the look.
Last are these Karen Walker sunnies with just a hint of the print on them. The arrows are a very cool touch that I’ve never seen before. Sometimes you don’t feel like covering yourself in head to toe leopard, but you want a little pop. These are perfect for that. Plus, you can wear them every day and feel your inner cat rwar.
And that ends the roundup of my favorites for fall. What do you guys think? Are there any you can’t live without? What’s caught your eye? Let me know!
I am really into animal print going into fall. I’m glad you said “it’s never too much.” 😉 I’ve already purchased shoes in animal print and I have some tops too. I really love the Ann Taylor skirt in your number 1 spot. And you look so lovely in animal print, Tori!
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Ahh! I can’t wait to see how you style your animal print shoes and tops. I’ll have to keep an eye on your blog and insta for it. I can totally see you in that Ann Taylor skirt. And thank you. <3
My favorite is number 7 it is flirty and would be fun to twirl and flutter when you walk.
Oh yeah, that one does look like it would be a lot of fun! And flirty. 😉