Fashion Details:
Jewelry:
There is one animal print that never goes out of style. Do you know which one it is? It’s leopard…I gave it away in the title of my post! Leopard print is as classic as a white button down blouse. I’ve been wearing leopard print since I was in college! The key to wearing leopard print is moderation. Leopard print is a strong, fierce print that needs to be worn in a balanced fashion. Strategically placing a leopard print item in your outfit is how to properly wear it.
How to Wear Leopard Print 3 Ways
You aren’t going to walk out of the house in head to toe leopard, because you’d look insane! Therefore, think of it as building the outfit around the leopard piece and not the other way around. Wearing it can be as subtle as a leopard print pair of flats. I’ve been rocking my flats for years (aka they are old) , but this pair here are a great flat.
Featured Item – Leopard Print Cardigan
The main leopard print item I’m featuring today is J.Crew’s leopard print cardigan, it’s an amazing piece to have in your wardrobe. The print is classic and will always be in style. The cardigan is a bit oversized which makes it great to layer up when it’s chilly out. In addition, this is truly a year-round sweater that you will have for years.
In terms of sizing I would buy your true size or go down a size. I was torn between the small and extra small. If you plan on wearing it buttoned up then get your true size, which would be a small for me. I know I probably won’t wear it buttoned up ever, because I never button cardigans, so I went with the extra small.
The three looks that I am featuring (centered around the leopard print cardigan ) are a weekend look, a workday look and a date night look. Besides, being able to take one piece from your wardrobe and wear it multiple ways is the best way to get your money’s worth out of items.
Today I’m showing you how to wear a leopard print so you look classic and stylish and not like an animal at the zoo 🙂
Weekend Look
Dressing on the weekends has always been a struggle for me. I put a ton of effort into my work clothes because I’m in them 90% of the time. Which means I focus less on my weekend clothes. Therefore, I find that I’m either overdressed or under dressed and it drives me up the wall.
The look I’ve created is the right balance of ‘dressed’ and one that I can wear at the grocery store or brunching downtown. Layering is key in Chicago right now. One day it’s 60 and the next its 35 and they all feel the same :). I’ve paired the leopard cardigan with a chambray shirt up top. My chambray shirt is from J.Crew Factory (i’m wearing a medium and its runs tts)
On the bottom I have on my favorite Everlane Denim. If you don’t have a pair of them yet, I want to know why not? Because they are amazing…the fit is perfect and they are only $68!! And I’ve slipped on my loafers and saddle bag to round out the outfit.
My stand out piece in this outfit is the leopard print cardigan, and I keep all other pieces plain and simple. By keeping the majority of the outfit in solid colors I’ve highlighted the leopard piece and let it stand out. Therefore, the full look is balanced and fun!
Workday Look
Yes, you can wear leopard in the office. Think of leopard print as a neutral print, meaning it can be worn pretty much anywhere. There are plenty of office dress codes out there and it varies based on the industry.
While my office environment is business casual, I like to take it up a notch. I tend to wear dresses vs. pants and love to look polished. I actually love getting dressed for work, and you can see why in this post here.
For an office-friendly look I’ve paired the leopard print cardigan with an a-line dress. I’m wearing this one and it’s one of my favorites, but I love this one too. Since this leopard print cardigan is longer I am wearing a dress that is more fitted.
The full look comes together when the outfit is balanced. Meaning the top and bottom flow seamlessly together. In this look its straight lines and a fitted top and bottom. You can also add a solid black belt to create a defined waist. Some great belt options include this one and this belt.
With this outfit you are ready to rock that meeting and head out after work for cocktails!
Date Night Look
Yes you can wear a cardigan on a date night and still look hot. This leopard print cardigan is an ideal piece for a date night as it’s so stylish. Wear this cardigan as part of your outfit or a lightweight coat on a chilly spring night.
I’m sticking with an all black theme in this outfit and letting the leopard print cardigan be the stand out piece. In my Currently Loving Post last week you heard about leopard being a neutral and this outfit is the perfect example of it.
When you think of neutrals you immediately think beige, black, grey and white.
Because those are very basic colors that can be mixed and matched with any other colors, patterns or textures. For a leopard print you can pair it with beige, black, grey and white…so wouldn’t that make leopard the new neutral? I think so! In addition, leopard is the one animal print that has been around for years and has no intention of going away.
For this look I’m wearing a simple black blouse. You can wear this top to work and on the weekends. I love a blouse like this to be slightly oversized. It hangs nicely on the body and provides a feminine look.
I’ve paired it all with black denim. This is my go to pair of jeans that I wear pretty much everyday. They are the Everlane Authentic Stretch High Rise Denim and they are only $68! I am wearing the regular length, which on me appear to be ankle length (I’m 5’9 for reference). What I love about them is they suck you in without being to tight and are super comfy. In addition, they are very comfy and that is why I have the dark blue wash too.
Since it’s date night the look is finished off with heels (mine are old, but I have this pair and love them because they are insanely comfortable) and a clutch. Although mine is old, but I found some similar ones at all price points (splurge, middle of the road and budget). Because a classic clutch never goes out of style and it is the perfect accessory to make your outfit a nighttime look.
There it is, 3 ways to wear a leopard print cardigan and look amazing in each outfit.
I absolutely love buying pieces that can be worn multiple ways. It’s the best way to shop and get your money’s worth out of each item.
Comments
Comments are closed