Leopard Print in 2024: Will This Trend Ever Go Out of Style?
March 24, 2024When we’re talking about classic prints, we’ll never leave out animal prints –Leopard Print. Although this chic trend has undergone creative rebranding, it still gives off the vibe of a ‘daring style.’ These prints aren’t new to the fashion cycle, but we get to see them more accessible today. There is a suitable look for everyone, from leopard print dresses, skirts, jackets, jeans, and shoes –this applies to men and women alike.
Indeed, styling leopard prints can be a bit tricky. You’ll either incorporate a touch of it to add personality to your outfit or go bold by mix-matching with other patterns. Typically, for an everyday look, pairing with minimalist stable works best. There’s so much to rocking prints in 2024.
This guide contains valuable information on how to wear these prints in 2024. Also, if you’re wondering if this trend will ever become irrelevant, you’ll find answers here. Meanwhile, here’s a quick tour around the classic trend, so you know more about its place in today’s fashion.
What is Leopard Print?
Persian Leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor)
ThunderJag, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Leopard prints clothing and accessories are made from fabrics that look just like the skin of a real leopard. Like faux furs, these prints imitate a real leopard’s skin color and pattern. We currently have animal prints in various colors, print styles, and textures.
Wearing leopard prints speaks so much of a person’s fashion taste and personality. Initially, It was associated with some symbolisms and interpreted from different perspectives. However, it is now widely approved and styled in unique ways.
What are the symbolisms likened to Leopard Prints?
Guglielmo Plüshow (Italian (born Germany) [Young Male Nude Seated on Leopard Skin]
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Museum Accession
Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
However, leopard prints are just replicates of the appearance of real leopards without skinning them. They denote confidence, sexuality, and independence when used in making women’s clothing and accessories. Although men are less likely to be spotted wearing leopard prints, they can still choose non-conformity by sticking to just minimal pieces.
Did leopard prints recently become trendy?
African style girl with vase
Emalikova, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Leopard prints have been with us in a big way in mainstream fashion for over two decades. In the ’80s, animal prints (dominated by leopard prints) and leopard print dresses were popular, especially among women. In that regard, it’s fair to say that animal prints are associated with that era. It was everywhere during that historical period and has resurged repeatedly.
However, we cannot chain this specifically to that era because it is a timeless and evergreen design. We’re blessed to have gotten this fashion inspo from Mother Nature. So, NO! Although leopard prints are timeless, we can trace their emergence from the ’80s through the late ’90s. We’re only enjoying the benefits of fashion being a revolving industry.
Is it still On trend today?
Alex shows off 80’s Leopard Trousers and 80s gold metallic bomber jacket
Yes! Even though we saw a boom in the comeback of leopard prints in 2018, we’re sure that the trend never really left us. It has been available in different design prints, clothing items, and accessories. We’re hoping we see more of this in years to come. Leopard prints never look outdated!
How can you make The Print look chic?
Yves Saint Laurent loafers.
Menswear Market, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Animal prints, when styled inappropriately, can look busy and tacky. It is vital to look for stylish ways to rock leopard prints intentionally. To avoid looking ridiculous, it would be best to keep it minimal by pairing it with wardrobe staples. Try not to go too extra to avoid looking trashy.
Simple yet chic ways to wear prints like this include;
- You can wear a leopard print fur coat on an all-black outfit. This will bring out the chic feminist in you. Also, avoid wearing a complete printed outfit. You don’t want people to think you are a punk, do you?
- If you’re not really into leopard print clothing but want to spice up your OOTD, you can go in with animal print glasses as a statement accessory. This will raise people’s expectations of your next outfit.
- Want a professional look? You can wear a printed blouse with a black, long, high waist pencil skirt and a pair of stiletto heels.
- Are you going to the movies with your friends? You can quickly put on a short, white bodysuit and throw on a leopard kimono jacket. This gives personality to the casual look you want.
- Are you going on a date? You can wear printed trousers with a simple grey or red blouse depending on your mood. Depending on your style or preference, you can also finish it with a low heel.
- Try something different by wearing a leopard print blouse over nice blue baggy jeans with the perfect leather boot. This would look stunning and elegant.
- Do not ever go for a tight leopard mini-dress, no matter the occasion. These prints are daring pieces, and you would want to keep them down by choosing a minimalist composition.
- Stick with just leopard print accessories, such as bags, purses, shoes, pieces of jewelry, hats, and gloves! This would work if you were a bit print-shy but still wanted to rock the trend.
- Keep it very minimal! Do not mix and match too many animal prints.
- Try to avoid pairing leopard prints with too bright colors. Instead, wear them with solid colors to avoid looking vulgar.
Can anyone wear leopard print?
In one word -Absolutely! Anyone can wear leopard prints, including children, teenagers, women, men, and older adults. It all depends on how you wear and accessorize it. It is an absolute beauty and will look gorgeous on anyone who knows how to put the pieces together.
Where can you wear It?
Street soiree.
HelenOnline, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In this case, the print selects the places it goes to! You cannot just wear a leopard print dresses or fur coat anywhere. It is not ideal to do that. Meanwhile, you can wear animal print to dinners, galas, the movies, a simple hangout with your friends, shopping, the office, weddings, on vacation, or a housewarming party, if possible, for a job interview. You need to know how to style it for the right occasion. Styling appropriately would go a long way in looking good in this style of print.
How to wear a leopard print for Men
John Loring in Ken Scott leopard print cotton velvet suit, 1968.
Davidjrmusic at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
People think that leopard prints are for women alone because it oozes off feminity in most designs. However, we’re glad to tell you that it is a myth! Men can rock this trend and look good! Here are some classy ways to do that;
You could wear a printed shirt over long plain pants or trousers as a guy. That being said, simplicity is Key.
You could also do a “to match sprint” by wearing a matching set of leopard print shirts and shorts. Excellent combo for the beach!
You could even wear an animal print shirt as a part of your two-piece suit.
Will this trend ever go out of style?
The short answer is No! You may wonder, why will it stay or what is so special about it? The Truth of the matter is that the beautifully patterned material is at the top of fashion’s most-appreciated print. Why? It is because its potential hasn’t precisely been fully harnessed yet. There are many more chic ways to wear leopard prints that trendsetters have not experimented with. More of these will emerge as the seasons go by.
Also, we don’t think the fashion industry will be done with it anytime soon. It’s overwhelming how much you can get out of just one fabric pattern. We cannot get enough, and neither can the fashion industry. Leopard print is here to stay –that we know for sure!
