Every second winter without fail; the high street explodes in a maelstrom of sequins, shimmer - and leopard print but out of all the fabrics this is the one that seems to scream 'mutton dressed as lamb‘. What to do? This is a look that just refuses to die and time and time again it turns up stamped on everything from dainty clutch bags to chiffon blouses, trousers and long slip dresses. Out of the entire trend this - my friends - is a tricky one. For so long it seemed as if leopard prints was really only the preserve of middle aged barmaids or, well, Rod Stewart.
It would be fair to say that leopard is a tricky look to wear and, it divides fashion fans straight down the middle. On one side are those who can't wait to squeeze themselves into a figure hugging leopard print dress and matching heels. On the other, are those who take one look at a leopard print top and immediately have visions of Bet Lynch thrusting her leopard-print-encased cleavage over the bar of the Rover's Return.
The question you need to ask yourself now is: Are you a leopard-print kind of gal or not? It must be one of the few trends I've never worn in my life, possibly even the only one, and the main reason for this is that I associate leopard print with a tarty
look. Yet this fear is not shared by women in Italy and France, they stride through piazzas and sashay down boulevards in the kind of fake animal ensembles that would bring a blush to my freckled cheek.
For those teetering on the edge of the great pro and anti-leopard divide, there are a few basic rules. First, it always looks better on people with olive skins and dark hair - blondes risk looking a tad too much like a glamour model. Second, less is more, don't go the whole hog. Try a belt, a bag or a headband.
If you're a bit of a scaredy-cat, just opt for a printed scarf. But go wild in bold jeans if you're feline fearless. There are two main strands to the leopard print look: outerwear and eveningwear. A leopard-print coat is a striking thing indeed and a welcome antidote to all those dreary monochrome sacks for sale on the high street each winter.For a smarter look mix with black - it is also more slimming on problem areas. If you want to make a statement go for a stylish classic like a mac or a jacket.
A cardigan is a great way to update a pair of basic black trousers or a skirt. A-line shift dresses not only hide a multitude of sins but look stylish. And it's obvious why leopard print is such a perennial hit on eveningwear. Whether it's printed on chiffon, stretch cotton or picked out in sequins, it screams "sexy" like no other fabric does .
If you think a leopard cannot change its spots, think again. Leopard and tiger prints are clawing their way back into fashion. So why not add a little to your wardrobe - I promise you'll feel like the cat's meow.
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| Illustration by Georgina Heffernan |
Every second winter without fail; the high street explodes in a maelstrom of sequins, shimmer - and leopard print but out of all the fabrics this is the one that seems to scream 'mutton dressed as lamb‘. What to do? This is a look that just refuses to die and time and time again it turns up stamped on everything from dainty clutch bags to chiffon blouses, trousers and long slip dresses. Out of the entire trend this - my friends - is a tricky one. For so long it seemed as if leopard prints was really only the preserve of middle aged barmaids or, well, Rod Stewart.
It would be fair to say that leopard is a tricky look to wear and, it divides fashion fans straight down the middle. On one side are those who can't wait to squeeze themselves into a figure hugging leopard print dress and matching heels. On the other, are those who take one look at a leopard print top and immediately have visions of Bet Lynch thrusting her leopard-print-encased cleavage over the bar of the Rover's Return.
The question you need to ask yourself now is: Are you a leopard-print kind of gal or not? It must be one of the few trends I've never worn in my life, possibly even the only one, and the main reason for this is that I associate leopard print with a tarty
look. Yet this fear is not shared by women in Italy and France, they stride through piazzas and sashay down boulevards in the kind of fake animal ensembles that would bring a blush to my freckled cheek.
For those teetering on the edge of the great pro and anti-leopard divide, there are a few basic rules. First, it always looks better on people with olive skins and dark hair - blondes risk looking a tad too much like a glamour model. Second, less is more, don't go the whole hog. Try a belt, a bag or a headband.
If you think a leopard cannot change its spots, think again. Leopard and tiger prints are clawing their way back into fashion. So why not add a little to your wardrobe - I promise you'll feel like the cat's meow.
*SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE DAILY FASHION, BEAUTY AND CELEBRITY BLOG POSTS.
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