A few of fashion’s most valuable players know a thing or two about head-to-toe leopard prints. For example, Giovanna Battaglia wears leopard like it’s her second skin! And don’t even get me started on Caroline Vreeland—her leopard print collection is to die for. However, not everyone feels as confident as these style mavens when it comes to an all-over print. After all, it can be pretty intimidating.
But since animal prints are the new neutrals, it’s time to start prowling the streets wearing your best leopard spots, zebra stripes and snakeskins. For this post, I’m strictly focusing on leopard prints though. Of course, these rules can be applied to any look. As long as it’s fierce, fabulous and fashionable, you’re set to strut.
I’ve pulled some photos from my wild jungle of an Instagram for inspiration on how to wear head-to-toe leopard prints. Stay fierce babes!
Pulling Off Head-to-Toe Leopard Prints Like a Fashion Pro
Stick with the same print
A foolproof way to wear head-to-toe leopard prints is to keep them all in the same style. Naomi Campbell wearing Azzedine Alaia’s 1991 collection is a perfect example. Keeping your entire look in the same style of print helps everything seamlessly blend together. And if you happen to have a leopard print couch to pose on too, all the better! It’s a serious goal of mine to recreate this iconic photo.
Coordinate your accessories
Yes, it still counts as head-to-toe leopard prints if you’re wearing a matching hat, gloves and shoes! Your entire outfit doesn’t have to be leopard. A look I covet is an all-black ensemble with pops of leopard prints here and there. This is a really safe way for animal print newbies to take on the trend-of-the-century. I used to have the cutest leopard print hat that I donated because I hardly ever wore—and now I deeply regret it.
Mix it up with varying prints
I know I said before to keep head-to-toe leopard prints all in the same style. However, if you’re feeling fashionably brave then mixing up prints is a bold choice. Notice how Tyra’s (yes, that’s Tyra Banks on the left) coat is a slightly different tone and pattern from her pants. I’d even try pairing two completely different prints together. For example, an abstract tiger stripe dress with classic leopard pumps. After you start swapping up prints, you won’t be able to stop!
Choose classic pieces over trashy ones
As I’ve mentioned many times before, there’s a fine line between classy & trashy leopard prints. And no one wants to be mistaken for the latter. Ugh! Reading trashy novels, maybe. But wearing trashy clothing? Never. The way Caroline Vreeland (a true style icon) paired this trench-coat-style dress with the thigh high boots looks ferociously on point. Plus, she kept the accessories neutral to break up the head-to-toe leopard prints.
Just be bold & go for it
Ultimately, to wear head-to-toe leopard prints, you need to have the confidence to do it. That’s what is really going to make your outfit stand out. Of course, wearing an entirely spotted look is going to turn heads too but if you’re not owning it, it’s not going to be as fierce as it could. Do you think animal print queen Giovanna Battaglia slumps down the street in her leopard looks? No! So, slap on some red lips, hold your head high & walk like you mean it.
Feature image for ‘Head-to-Toe Leopard Prints’ via Vogue.