Ways to Wear... Leopard Print

There's nothing to add a touch of miaou to a look than a dash of leopard print.

Wear it... in matching accessories


Leopard enjoyed a long run of popularity from the 20s through to the 60s primarily as an accent, often as a collar revers with matching pillbox hat and muff or purse. As worn by (L-R) Marilyn as Lorelei in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, an advert, Dita von Teese, Carole Lombard in Twentieth Century.

Wear it... with unexpected colours


Leopard with black and red is a rockabilly classic, but don't be limited. Try pairing leopard print with Dita's forest green, Casey's pastel pink, turquoise, navy blue, teal, and create an entirely different look each time.

Wear it... for the Beach


Elizabeth Taylor, Elaine Stewart and many others rocked the leopard print swimwear. For Luna does fabulous vintage style swimsuits - one-piece and bikini - in leopard print.

Wear it... Top to toe


Not for the faint hearted, the total immersion look is a bold one. Accessorise minimally and let the print do all the talking. Photo from LIFE magazine, 1953.

Wear it... Demure


Demure leopard print may seem like an oxymoron, but with care, leopard can fit right into a ladylike look. Right: A dash of leopard print gives a bit of miaou to a demure ensemble (see also Casey's pairing of pastel pink eyelet with leopard print, above). Left: Even full-on leopard can be taken out of the vamp zone by toning down the look with an early 60s silhouette and a softer, lower-contrast print.