How to wear leopard prints without being too over-the-top

Everyone – from insiders to outsiders, from It girls to influencers – have been telling you that you can wear anything you like and however you like.

We want to stop you (and them) right there – especially with wearing any animal print .

You don’t want to go the way of the wildlings. 

You want to cop the chic women in bygone eras of the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. Why? Because they knew that the leopard is a statement in itself and was best represented with classic styles that purred rather than roared.

ALSO READ: TAKE A LEAF OUT OF JEANETTE AW AND MELISSA KOH’S STYLE BOOKS — ADD THE COOLEST PERSONALISED DETAILS TO YOUR BAG

Sorry, Gigi Hadid dies-hards! She doesn’t get it right all the time but she does this time with the leopard – worn casually with casuals. Slip on some boyfriend jeans, a white top and some prints on your feet for an effortlessly chic outfit.

ALSO READ: THREE EASY STEPS TO MASTER TONAL DRESSING

Note the Michael Kors woman footwear: her boots are in the same shade as her leopard two-piece. Go monochrome with any accessories or outerwear you put on alongside your leopard number. This gives a smooth flow throughout your ensemble.

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Leopard looks good when pared down with black. With dresses, slip on ankle-boots , stilettos or slides – all black.

ALSO READ: STAY ON TREND THIS A/W ’17 WITH THESE FUTURISTIC SILVER ACCESSORIES 

Wear a flirty black see through dress, like Chloe’s Crepe Mini Dress and step into these slides for a sophisticated, classy look. 

Calf leather and velvet slides (price unavailable) from Kate Spade.

ALSO READ: TAKE A LEAF OUT OF JEANETTE AW AND MELISSA KOH’S STYLE BOOKS — ADD THE COOLEST PERSONALISED DETAILS TO YOUR BAG

Going for a hot date? Then match this simple stunner with a dress like Zimmerman’s Flutter Smock mini dress, which is from the same colour palette.

Ponyhair and leather heels, $1,004, from  Gianvito Rossi. 

ALSO READ: THREE EASY STEPS TO MASTER TONAL DRESSING

Dress smart at work with these loafers. Put on some high-waist pants and tuck in a bell-sleeve top for instant class.

Pony hair loafers, $1,230, from Bally. 

ALSO READ: STAY ON TREND THIS A/W ’17 WITH THESE FUTURISTIC SILVER ACCESSORIES

Take a cue from musician Aarika Lee and pair this with a suede maxi dress and simple gold accessories.

Polyester and elastane turban, $29.90, from Topshop. 

ALSO READ: SPICE UP YOUR WORK OUTFIT WITH 9 QUICK FASHION AND BEAUTY ADDITIONS 

Perfect for the on-the-go woman. Throw on a monochromatic black outfit – think black linen pants and a black deep-v blouse.

Twisted Cabas shearling and calfskin bag, $3,400, from Céline.

ALSO READ: TAKE A LEAF OUT OF JEANETTE AW AND MELISSA KOH’S STYLE BOOKS — ADD THE COOLEST PERSONALISED DETAILS TO YOUR BAG 

Turn it into what it is – a power-blazer. Pair this with your black work-fit and black stilettos as you strut your way to the top.

Velvet blazer, $310, from Scotch & Soda.

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Go simple with this statement piece – put on some light blue denim jeans and a nude or light brown top.

Cotton coat, $139, from H&M.

ALSO READ: STAY ON TREND THIS A/W ’17 WITH THESE FUTURISTIC SILVER ACCESSORIES

Step into some sexy black stilettos, a bold red lip and you’re ready for a night of fun.

Silk dress, $2,465, from Saint Laurent.

ALSO READ: TAKE A LEAF OUT OF JEANETTE AW AND MELISSA KOH’S STYLE BOOKS — ADD THE COOLEST PERSONALISED DETAILS TO YOUR BAG

Pair this vintage piece with some black loafers, a nude lip and elegant yet simple loop earrings.

Silk and metallic fibre dress (price unavailable) from Kate Spade.

ALSO READ: THREE EASY STEPS TO MASTER TONAL DRESSING

This is no doubt a statement piece – so avoid wearing any overpowering accessories or shoes. Go simple and try Cartier’s Love bracelet.

Silk dress, $603, from Diane von Furstenberg.   

ALSO READ: STAY ON TREND THIS A/W ’17 WITH THESE FUTURISTIC SILVER ACCESSORIES