Leopard. It’s everywhere. And I mean everywhere!
It’s been around for a while—and at this point, I don’t see it as a trend, but I look at it as a neo-neutral. I mean, come on—look at the colors—brown, black, tan—even white is thrown into the mix. All neutral colors—how can you not love a leopard print?
Hey girlfriend–don’t get your knickers in a twist. I’m not gonna wear YOUR skin. I’m all about the fake! Just take a look at my hair!
Now—mind you, I’m not big on “prints” in my clothing. Floral prints remind me of tablecloths or grandma’s curtains. Other prints are just way “too-too” for me. Other than plaids and stripes, I’m a solids girl.
Many women will think this is a “darling” dress–but for me it’s just too busy and reminds me of…
…this floral tablecloth that I have. I happen to like this floral print because you can’t notice the stains!
Ohhhh…I do have a pair of gold and black brocade fancy pants that I absolutely love. In fact, I purchased them before this past Christmas and they are now in my collection of festive holiday wear.
My festive Old Navy fancy pants–about as wild as I get!
I’ll stick to a basic, simple, classic color scheme and let textures and a couple of accessories add that something extra! And believe me, I’m not much of an accessory person so I really do keep it simple!
I keep it simple. Solid colors and a fun accessory like this yellow necklace. That’s enough for me.
It’s a safe bet to say that there are a number of women like me. You love wearing great clothes that are classic and timeless, but you want you clothes to be a reflection of your personality. You prefer subtle rather than “in-your-face”.
But I gotta admit—I’ve got a soft spot for the leopard print. I love it—and sometimes, I think this wonderful animal print can be overkill. But then again, it all depends how you wear it, what your taste is and what your style is.
If you’re more on the tame side, you want just a splash. If you’re on the wild side—more is more!
I’m on the tame side and for me, and those like me, simpler the better.
I’ve seen a plethora of leopard jackets and coats online but many are offered from online companies that I would be cautious to purchase from and many are sold on eBay. The fact is, I would want to see what I’m purchasing IRL when it comes to buying a leopard print jacket. It’s on my list of things to buy but since it is a trendy item, I don’t want to spend a ton of money. I’ve been searching, in vain, for a while. And even with the January sales going on now, the elusive Leopard print jacket/coat I’m searching for remains a dream.
I LOVE this coat from Fashion Nova but would be hesitant to order–sizes could run very small, IMHO. But, if I did have a leopard coat, this is what I have in mind.
Let’s take a look of what’s out there and a look at how we tame fashionistas can wear Leopard.
I went to King of Prussia Mall yesterday in search of, perhaps, one item that would satisfy my desire for a leopard accessory. Here’s what I saw..
I stopped by Chico’s to see if any of the military jackets I saw online were in store. None were. But I saw these leopard-print jeans I have to admit that they are really adorable but I like the leggings I ordered much better.
H & M was well-stocked on this little leopard print clutch. It looked cheap–if you’re gonna do leopard, make sure it doesn’t look cheap.
Next stop–Old Navy. These are marked $19.99 but are on sale for $4.99. At $4.99 these look tacky –the “gold” tie just makes the slippers look worse.
Another sale item–leopard ballet flats. No. The cut of the shoe is awful. Had there been room for toe cleavage and the toe area narrower, these would not be that bad.
Honest opinion here. I LOVED these gloves at Forever 21. At $5.00 and IRL, they looked much pricier. They were “one-size fits all”. That one size must be for toddlers because I couldn’t even get the gloves on my hand. Too bad because these were great!
Last of all, I spotted a cute pair of leopard print heels at DSW. If I was back in an office environment, these would have come home with me!
Gotta say, I dig these shoes!
So–did I end up getting anything? Yes! I purchased a very thin leopard belt at Old Navy. The belt was $3.99. I also picked up a fake leopard “collar” at Forever 21. The collar was $7.00 in a twofer. I think I’ll send the second one to Oona!
The faux leopard collar. Chippy is confused–he thinks its a toy for him. But it’s mine!
There is a reinforced slit at one end and the other end slides through. A great buy–and two for seven bucks! This is very well made for the low price!
I added the very thin leopard print belt to my collection of leopard accessories. My leopard print trimmed gloves and the wider belt from Nine West–that belt is about ten years old!
So–how does one wear this leopard print in a tame fashion?
Here’s the fabulous leopard collar one end pulled through and…
…pulled over to the side. I’m wearing this with a black shirt and black leggings. Sticking to an all-black or all dark brown color palette with this collar really showcases the fun of the collar while allowing the rest of the outfit to stay away from the competition!
Plaid may be my favorite color, but hands down, THIS is my all-time favorite skirt! Purchased at J. Crew Factory in 2016, this skirt can be worn in all seasons! A more polished office look when keeping the top simple and lady like pointy-toed heels. If choosing to wear a brown shirt or sweater–keep with the same color shoes!
In the fall with a different sweater (and different hair)…
…and for a late summer/spring look, a denim jacket (for air conditioned buildings) with a white tee is perfect for casual Friday or a lunch date! The star is still the skirt (and yet, a different head of hair!)
A winter look with tights! See how much I love this skirt? And I keep to a very simple palette!
Chippy loves the taste of fake tanner. He tried to lick it off. No. Chippy. No!
Next are the belts. I like the thinner belt with the combination of a one-color ensemble. I would wear this with my black tee-shirt dress or a simple black knit maxi dress–as long as the dress is one neutral color and the cut of the dress simple.
The thin leopard print belt can break up the monotony of a one-color ensemble without making it look boring!
Same outfit–thicker belt. This belt can also work with jeans and a crisp white shirt or a black sweater or tee. The basic rule is keep it simple and don’t mix any other prints.
And I might add, this belt has held up well over the years!
Next –the gloves!
The cuff on these gloves can be worn turned down…
..for a longer looking line, turned up. I would not wear the leopard collar or a leopard scarf if I’m wearing these gloves. I know–I’m weird but I only like one print at a time!
I forgot a couple of other leopard items I found in my closet!
These shoes I got at a Nordstrom sale a long time ago. I still haven’t worn these out yet!
And sometimes you just can’t pass up a buy at the Dollar Tree!
for a buck, the scarf is too short to wear as a regular scarf so I’ve been styling it to hide my turkey neck! Look! My wig hair matches the colors in the scarf! Still a fun buy and adds something to a plain black sweater!
And–the leopard print leggings from Chico’s!
Hi! Welcome to the sun room!
I love these leggings–but I’m lazy and didn’t straighten out the front seam! These are so comfortable!
In the stock photo on Chico’s website, the model is wearing these with athletic running shoes. Sorry, but they look horrid with running shoes. In fact, I would never wear these leggings while exercising–they are just too cute. However, if not wearing these in an athletic way, stick to a simple black ballet flat and a black top. It looks more classic, timeless and polished.
I just adore these leggings!
Whaddya think? Are you a tame girl? Do you like the leopard for the tame–or are you wild and would shake the leopard print up a bit? What’s your choice??
Leopard is fun..and can turn our tame clothing personality into a bit of a wild child. Hey–you like Van Morrison? I love him..and I love this song about Wild Night! From 1971 when I was 16 and much wilder than I am now!!!
That lighter hair just brightens your face
Thanks Sue!! I think so too. I’m really loving the lighter colors!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
I think you look wonderful in every photo! The leopard items are terrific, as is the lighter hair. Also, are you SURE you gained weight?
Hi Elizabeth. Thank you–the leopard prints are fun but even the more expensive ones can look “cheap” so we need to really look before purchasing. Oh yeah. I gained weight and it’s all in mah belly!!!! All those carbs and the cheese and the really good stuff between November and NYE really took a toll. But I’m watching it now–and still eating what I want on the weekends!!!! XOXOXOXO
The second time I’ve commented – more dark blonde wigs!!! You look gorgeous and, although not “politically correct” in this atmosphere, ten years younger.
LOL!!! Thanks so much Lynn!! I’m waiting for another lighter color wig to be delivered. The snow today may have delayed the delivery. Ohhhhh I’m working on a few blog posts today and one, I’m sure will have the PC police dropping me like water balloons at a five-year old’s birthday party! It’s going to be about the word “empowerment”. One of my posts last week got me into some hot water with a women’s “empowerment” group!!! XOXOXOXO
Oh dear, I so enjpy your posts but sometime something jars. No real fur, great but Foie gras ? apparently a Trumpian favourite too.
Hey Jilly. Call me anything but do not, not now–not ever-never place me in a category with a Trumpian. That is a serious charge! I love you to death–and I love my Foie Gras pate. But to put me in a category with trump is like putting Al Franken in the same category with that filthy president and Roy Moore!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!! Give me thirty lashes with a wet noodle instead!!! XOXOXOXO
Love Love the lighter wig with leopard!!! Looking good dear!!!
😎😎😎😎😎
Thank ya Debe!!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
You and I are on the same Leopard page-in fact, those gloves look almost just like mine. I was in the mood yesterday to get some fabric to make a leopard fur cape but missed Mood’s sale by one day so, I guess later…………………..and I agree, that new hair is fabulous. I would try that one. I may check it out- a little vacay from the grey.
Hi Terri! Right??? I love and adore leopard print but in small doses–like a dessert–small bites! OMG!!! That’s right–you can sew. Wow. That would be great if you can find fabric to make a leopard fur cape!!!! And thanks–I do like the lighter hair colors. I’m thinking of going even lighter!!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Loving the look – I think it is because leopard demands simplicity, also your hair is lovely (and you are looking very svelte)
Thanks Juliet. Isn’t it true though? A leopard print–or any animal print should be worn in a very simple way to showcase it. I’m not big on overdoing it! Thank you so much!! XOXOXO!!!!
I am so loving the lighter hair too! I am getting the greys coloured this weekend and I think I’ll get a few caramel highlights thrown in to brighten up the brunette.
I love your take on leopard. Less is more. I have a pair of Izak Mizrahi kicks in leopard print and I always get compliments when I wear them.. usually from the young women I work with. Because leopard + runners= who knew? I bought a long sleeve flared black tee and the back is a leopard print it’s very cute too. Too much leopard can look weirdly eccentric like Edith Prickly ( Andrea Martin) from SCTV back in the 70’s ( check you tube you’ll die laughing!) Lepard and red look great together even leopard and a shot of hot pink! But you really need the right print as it’s easy to go cheap-o with the wrong one. I do love that skirt of yours with the black tights!
Momcat! Just call me Lola Heatherton–I KNOW who Edith Prickly is–in fact SCTV was one of my all-time favorite shows. Sammy Maudlin–best character ever! OMG. That show was epic! But you’re right–too much leopard and one can oddly look like Edith Prickly–I see enough “mature” women on Instagram that have challenged their Ms. Prickly every day!! Yes–Leopard and hot pink! Thanks so much–that skirt is my fave!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
This post is so fun! I love my Sam Edelman heels and flats. Sometimes, I’ll wear my ballet flats with black jeans and a black and white striped t ‘shirt (like your striped rug) that’s about as bold as I’ll go, lol! I have seen a mix of leopard and plaid…which looks fun, but, I’m not going to wear it! 🙂
Hi Renee! OMG. I’ve seen leopard mixed with plaid and it is definitely something I would never attempt to wear. At all! Sam Edelman makes incredibly comfortable shoes. I have two pair of his ballet flats and they are as comfy as slippers!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
I’m not really a prints person either and have never worn leopard as it has always conjured up images of Bet Lynch, google her and you’ll see what I mean. Have to say though that I’m rather taken with your leggings and fur collar. You could covert me yet!
Funny you should post Van Morrison, I spoke to him last week when he came through the airport I work at.
Hi Fiona. LOL–Bet Lynch–I’ve never watched Coronation Street–she looks rather…tarty so I can see why you’ve never worn leopard–that’s why I love it in small doses!!
I love Van Morrison and have since forever–Into The Mystic is one of my favorite songs of all time!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
I love leopard print, too–it really looks great on you!
Thank You Raeleen!! It’s such a versatile print–isn’t it???? XXOXOXO!!!!
The neckwear and the leggings are MY FAVORITE!!!
XO
LOL–Elizabeth!! I knew you would love that neckwear! It’s very chic!! And those leggings are really a big surprise for me!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Animal print is not my thing!!! lol It goes back to the 80s when I would go out with my friends and see women dressed top to toe in animal print. It scarred me for life. ha ha ha. My friends know how much I am not a fan and my BFF threatens every so often to buy me something animal print. I agree with everything you wrote Catherine, only one item of animal print. There are many animal prints items out there that do look tacky. I do like the gloves and the faux fur collar wearing all black. You rock the animal print though 🙂
Pingback: Wearing Leopard For The More Tame, Than Wild Woman! — Atypical 60 – Suman Das Website
Cathe, you have way more leopard than I would have thought at the beginning of this post! I do love a good leopard print myself and have quite a few pieces in the fab print. I do however really want a leopard clutch and a leopard faux fur coat as well. That collar you scored is amazing. And your leggings are super cute. I love all of your leopard pieces in fact! I think my favorite in my collection is my leopard joggers! I never really wear them anywhere except lounging around the house, but they are super soft and comfortable and I once paired them with all leopard as a joke and posted it on IG…now I have to go find the url for you…https://www.instagram.com/p/BTfHkCeAWFo/?taken-by=shelbeeontheedge
Oh and my favorite slipper shoes are the furry leopard slides!
Have a good laugh at that!
And thanks for linking up with me, my friend!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Oh dear God in Heaven. I just saw that pic–I didn’t see it on my IG feed. I honestly started to chuckle. I love you girlfriend!!! I’m thinking of starting a link-up thingy on my blog but I’m petrified that it’ll screw up my pathetic layout or I’ll screw it up on WordPress. I need to research it more because I would love to to that!!!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Great outfits. You look good as a blonde.
Reblogged this on International Badass Activists.
Thanks for sharing all the wonderful leopard print clothing! Can never go wrong with this pattern 🙂
Girl—you are so right!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!!