Wearing Leopard

Leopard is one of those patterns where a little goes a long way. It’s a timeless print that remains as modern and dramatic, as it was in the 1920s. Who could forget the sultry Ann Bancroft seducing Dustin Hoffman wearing her leopard coat? Or the elegant Audrey Hepburn wearing a leopard hat in Charade with Cary Grant?


I’ve been collecting leopard accessories for over 30 years. It always feels sophisticated and adds a touch of edginess to every outfit.

This is my favorite  Leopard clutch by Claire V. The size is perfect to tuck into a tote so it’s great for daytime or evening. Orange is not my best color, but I don’t wear it near my face, so it works.

Claire V leopard clutch

I like a leopard print to have texture. I do have one silk blouse in a leopard print, but it’s not my favorite.

Leopard Handbag from Chico's

This leopard bag from Chico’s has a chain shoulder strap I use if I need to be hands-free

wearing Leopard flats with denim and a classic white shirtI wear these Leopard flats by Sam Edelman often enough to think I should buy a second pair. They’re perfect to dress up a simple white shirt and blue jeans.

wearing Leopard belt on simple jeans

This leopard belt is ancient, and fun to accent simple outfits. (similar)

Leopard is available at all price points. That said, avoid cheap fabric or poor workmanship. Loose threads and stiff fabrics are out for me.

I spotted this Claire V Simple Tote in leopard

Do you have a favorite type of leopard?

Thanks for reading and have a great day.

 

 

31 Comments

  1. I own nothing in the leopard print…it is a great print and I can see why you are attracted to it! The belt and bag are fun touches.

  2. Jennifer, I love your style! There is something I would like to mention and that is most of gals over 50 or 60 are in no place to afford some of the items you mention. My husband and I are nearing retirement and I would feel so selfish in spending $200 or $300 on a clutch. Am I missing out on where to find bargains? Keep up the good work!

    1. Hi Terri! I understand completely what you mean. However, I do have readers that are still working and can afford many of the items I show. My goal is to share items at all price points so women can see what is available and be inspired to dress in what they love. Retirement means different things to people but we all deserve to feel fabulous with how we look. Thanks for reading.

    1. Thanks, Andrea, I’m really thrilled with it.

  3. I love leopard. Your pieces are fun! I bought a faux leopard coat this fall and get all kids of compliments when I wear it. xo

    1. I had a leopard swing coat years ago, I’m sorry I ever got rid of! xx

  4. Leopord print, to me it’s fashion fun and timeless. However my mother, my father, my brother, long past boyfriends, boss, ex-husband and present boyfriend ALL detest leopard prints. They feel it makes a woman (or man) look cheap, not well educated or desperate. So sadly, I have one piece and never seem to enjoy it when I do wear it. Anyone else have this happen to them?

    1. Hi Pandora! What matters is if you like it! If it’s a quality piece you love, wear it with confidence, know it is sending that message. If we dressed ton please everyone, we would never be able to leave the house because opinions are so varied.

  5. Love all the leopard options. I’ve been trying to add more in my wardrobe so I’ll be looking at your suggestions.

    Rena

    1. It’s so easy to add just a touch! I adore it.

  6. LOVE leopard. I agree about the texture. I prefer calf hair if it is affordable. I have some leopard flats like that from Gentle Souls. I need a new pair as well. They are looking a little ragged!!

    1. That’s why I need to buy another pair of these flats…they are beginning to look a little ragged to me! A ragged leopard is not pretty 🙂

  7. Here’s to leopard accents! Love the small tote that looks like an envelope. I still remember my favorite coat as an elementary school kid that was brown faux suede with a leopard collar – was sad to outgrow it. Now I’m enjoying a pair of leopard print reading glasses.

    1. Leopard reading glasses are a fabulous idea!! I will look for some, thanks for the suggestion, Ann.

      1. I’ve found the best selection of readers at Michaels Stores, believe it or not! Decent quality and fun patterns.

      2. I would have never thought to look at Michaels!

  8. It’s amazing how leopard has grown into my closet over these last couple of years! I look at it as a neutral way to spice up a basic outfit!!
    Love these!!
    jodie

  9. Love the complete outfit. Where did you get the white tee?

    1. Chico’s gave it to me at a blogging convention last year. It says “Hello I’m Fabulous”

  10. Claire V Simple Tote may I ask where you found it on a super sale? I’ve been wanting a Claire V Leopard Clutch but don’t live near near any stores or malls.

    1. It was on a 2-day sale through ShopBop. I will post the next sale they have for you.

  11. Linda McGilvray says:

    Hi, I need to let you know that when I click on any of the items you are showing, Skimlinks pops up..and they said to notify you. Other than that, I love your blog.

    1. I’m glad you’re enjoying my blog!! Skimlinks has a mind of its own. Today’s links should take you to shop the items.

  12. After seeing your clutches…I want one! They add such a nice pop! Leopard accessories are the best.

      1. Lillian Plummer says:

        Rather like a touch of leopard just not too much. Great post. The belt particularly nice.

      2. I love just a touch too!

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