Leopard, My Favorite Neutral

Why this enduring print has always had a place in my wardrobe—and how I like to wear it.

I’ve always loved leopard.

Of all the animal prints, it’s the one I return to again and again. A little glamorous, a little unexpected and surprisingly easy to wear, I’ve come to think of leopard almost as a neutral.

The key, for me, is not wearing too much of it at once. I like leopard best when it adds personality to an otherwise simple look—a fabulous shoe, a belt, a bag or one great piece of clothing.

Start Small

If head-to-toe leopard isn’t quite your thing, accessories are the easiest place to begin.

A leopard shoe with black trousers. A belt with jeans and a white shirt. A small bag against an otherwise monochromatic outfit.

Sometimes that little flash of pattern is all an outfit needs.

Let Leopard Be the Statement

When I’m wearing a larger leopard piece—a skirt, jacket or dress—I tend to let it do most of the talking.

Black is an obvious partner, but leopard also looks beautiful with cream, camel, denim and even a strong pop of red.

What I wouldn’t do is surround it with lots of other competing statements. Leopard already brings plenty of personality.

Don’t Save It for Evening

One thing I love about leopard is that it doesn’t have to feel overtly glamorous.

Pair it with denim, a simple knit, a crisp white shirt or a flat shoe and it can work just as easily during the day.

It’s that mix of something bold with something relaxed that makes it feel modern to me.

Make It Your Own

There are plenty of rules about who should wear animal print, how much is appropriate and when you should wear it.

I’ve stopped paying much attention to them.

Style becomes much more interesting when you know what you love and find a way to wear it that feels like you.

And for me, there will probably always be a little leopard in the closet.