A few weeks ago, I was seeking fashion advice on a leopard-print coat I was contemplating buying. The response was overwhelmingly positive (some even insisted that leopard print is a neutral and, as such, a wardrobe investment that cannot be faltered), but coming to terms with its newfound chicness can be difficult as the motif is so rooted in pop culture. Let's face it, it wasn't all that long ago that leopard print was considered tacky (hello, Janice from Friends or Kat from EastEnders), but in 2024 it has undergone a fashionable renaissance, and is now being widely embraced by the fashion crowd.
You need only glance at the feeds of Instagram's most achingly cool influencers (think Camille Charriere, Valeria Sobalera, even Alexa Chung) and you'll spot leopard print dresses, skirts and plenty of coats inspired by the way leopard print cropped up on the autumn/winter 2024 runways, cementing it as a print trend worth considering.
Indeed, the classic print has been given a serious rebranding, and it's considered a totally accessible aesthetic. It's perfectly normal to see people walking down the street in a leopard top and jeans, as it can be what you want it to be: elegant, grown-up, eccentric… You can clash it with other prints (here's looking at you, Sara Brown) or pair it with minimalist staples for a pop of personality. Yep, this is leopard print for the postmodern age.
From dresses and jeans to tops and skirts, there's a leopard look for everyone. I've scoured my favourite Instagram feeds to find my favourite outfits to spark your style imagination. As for the next six months? Take your cues from the runway imagery I've also collated for you for ease.
HOW TO WEAR LEOPARD PRINT: ON THE RUNWAY
Style Notes: Leopard print made five appearances in the Nina Ricci SS'24 collection, covering everything from sheer bralettes to billowing blouses.
Style Notes: Leopard-print dresses were the order of the day at Celine (and we're expecting the maxi length style to catch on in a big way).
Style Notes: A leopard-print skirt paired with leopard-print knit co-ord? I love it, Dior.
Style Notes: Take the maximalist approach by wearing your leopard-print trousers with a matching top akin to ROTATE.
Style Notes: The message at MSGM is clear: leopard coats are a staple, especially worn as a pop of colour over an all black 'fit.
HOW TO WEAR LEOPARD PRINT: OUTFIT INSPIRATION
1. Dresses
Style Notes: Now this is how to do a leopard-print dress in 2024. Note the long sleeves, calf-grazing length and minimal accessories.
Style Notes: Karina gives her leopard dress a cold-weather spin with black leather boots and a matching blazer.
Shop the Trend:
I love the darker print on this dress.
You'll wear this all year round.
The perfect event dress.
2. Tops
Style Notes: Ellie creates a striking look just by pairing a cute mini and Mary-Janes with a cropped and boxy leopard-print top, which gives the whole outfit a lift.
Style Notes: Leopard print is statement on its own, but due to its typically neutral hues, it loans itself well to be easily dressed up or down.
Shop the Trend:
This is constantly selling out.
Add some interest to your jeans and a top combo with this chic print.
Wear with matching leopard jeans to fully jump into the trend.
3. Jackets & Coats
Style Notes: Nothing has the power to give your outfits a fashionable seal of approval quite like a leopard coat, as Grece proves. Wear it over simple outfits to give them some oomph.
Style Notes: Lena shows how to make a simple knit and jeans look the fashionable part with a statement coat that won't overpower the rest of your ensemble.
Shop the Trend:
I love the clash of prints in this look.
The puff sleeves are so sweet!
You'll wear this well into next year.
4. Trousers
Style Notes: This ensemble has become a bit of a French-girl fail-safe. It's all about balancing the loud print with androgynous separates. A blazer will do the job nicely.
Style Notes: That, or you can follow Emili's lead and enhance the dressy feel of your leopard trousers by wearing them with a longline coat and sandals.
Shop the Trend:
All of editors love this pair.
Thrown on a bandeau and a boxy blazer for a stylish evening look.
This double leopard denim look is so cool.
5. Skirts
Style Notes: Keep it tonal like Kellie by wearing your leopard skirt with beige and black tops. We love her combination of linen shirting, a bra top and a slinky slip skirt.
Style Notes: You can thank Réalisation for putting leopard skirts on the style map. Lucy still wears hers regularly—proof it's a sound investment.
Shop the Trend:
This can easily be taken from day-to-night.
Maxis will continue to dominate this autumn.
Between the side slit and the a-line silhouette, this leopard skirt is seriously elevated.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.