Khloe Kardashian has been quoted on her love of the leopard print, and we gotta say, who can blame her? I know the vibrant big-cat pattern gets overused in bodycon silhouettes and ankle-breaking stilettos. But set aside those visions of TV street walkers in leopard-print dresses, and think about leopard print done right. Gianvito Rossi Vandée leopard-print suede boat shoes, for example. Now that’s the stuff of true fashion enthusiasts.
Certainly you can procure leopard-print bodycon if you went looking. A quick search on Amazon or Google Shopping will show you the worst of it. But you can also find a full selection of leopard-print dresses you can wear to classy occasions. Read on for the dos and don’ts of shopping for and styling leopard print dresses.
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Don’t buy short and tight
You can work with a short, tight leopard print dress — say, by adding a classy blazer blazer over the top. But the style workarounds required for bodycon can be too limiting to support a reasonable cost per wear. You’re better off buying a piece that’s more versatile off the rack.
Look for loose or structured silhouettes with midi or maxi lengths. A-lines, sheath dresses, or shift dresses are usually good options. Avoid anything that’s clingy.
Read next: How to style a midi dress
Do opt for leopard accents
A black dress with leopard trim is a style sweet spot. The big cat detail nods to your wild side, without overpowering the entire look.
Do accessorize with neutrals
Treat the leopard print as your statement piece for that outfit. You know the drill with statement pieces: Surround them with neutral and subtle accents. An understated pair of shoes and simple handbag are ideal choices. Those toned-down pieces transform a big-cat dress from aggressive to intentional and stylish.
Neutral colors that pair brilliantly with leopard print include black, camel, chocolate, cream, and olive.
Don’t go vampy with your makeup
Keep your makeup light and feminine. A cat-eye and red lipstick will only compete with your dress, and not in a good way.
Try this exercise to test the impact: Put on a slinky leopard-print dress and bright red lipstick. Check your look. Then wipe away the bright red and replace it with a matte natural tone. The second option has a softer, less aggressive tone. If you let the dress do the talking, it creates a more balanced and sophisticated look.
Do wear layers
A soft cardigan, structured blazer, or your tried-and-true denim jacket can soften any busy print, including leopard.
Don’t add too much texture or volume
Aggressive textural choices can flash with leopard print. Avoid leather, sequins, shiny satins, ruching, pleats, etc. Opt for matte fabrics that hang simply without gathers, bows, or excessive embellishments. The simpler, the better.
Do add a belt
Sometimes you only need a simple black or brown belt to tone down a leopard-print dress — and accentuate your waist at the same time.
Read next: How to style a shirt dress
Wearable leopard-print dresses
Now for the inspiration you’ve been waiting for: Animal prints that won’t brand you as a club girl looking for some fun.
Leopards can be modest, too
The takeaway? You can stay classy in spots! Steer clear of leopard dresses that are thin and tight and you’re probably in the clear. Midis and A-lines can be particularly chic, but a pretty slip dress can be elegant, too.