How-To: Wear Leopard + Cheetah Prints as Neutrals
We all did it. Myself included. When we began wearing animal prints, we only matched them with solid colors, especially black.
But these patterns are actually considered neutral. Why? Leopard and cheetah prints are a combination of the two most basic neutral colors, black and brown, which means that they wear well with nearly any other color, print, or pattern.
In a way, leopard and cheetah prints are classic--having been worn by women for many decades in everything from hats to shoes.
That said, you don’t want to look like this lady! So how does it really work?
The Nitty-Gritty
The shorter you are, the smaller the animal print should be. And if there’s an area on your body that you don’t want to emphasize--like large breasts--keep an animal print there small or avoid it in that area completely.
Pops of color like orange or hot pink work like a charm with animal prints. Other colors that look good with leopard: Olive green, red-orange, mustard, chambray blue, red.
Gold jewelry compliments leopard and cheetah prints well. But keep your accessories on the simple side--like a necklace and a few stacked bracelets. These animal prints make a statement and are busy by nature. Too much jewelry on top of it sends your outfit into visual overload!
While we’re seeing it on some runways, avoid wearing different kinds of leopard or cheetah prints together in the same outfit. However, they look great with other patterns. Here’s how to do it.
What Level of Leopard is Right for You?
Subtle
Keep the prints in belts, shoes and other accents. Also keep the rest of your outfit neutral or somewhat monochrome.
Moderate
Make a little more of a statement with a scarf or bag. More muted animal prints in dresses and jumpsuits may be attractive to you. And an animal print shirt underneath a blazer is a great work-appropriate way to wear this pattern.
Bold
Nothing makes a statement more than head-to-toe cheetah print dress or suit.
Need personalized advice on how to work patterns and color into your wardrobe? Let’s chat about how I can help. Book a consultation below. They are always free!
