Hear Me Out: This Classic Trend Is Going to Dominate the Next Six Months

A few weeks ago, I was seeking fashion advice on a leopard-print coat I was contemplating buying. The response was overwhelmingly positive (some even insisted that leopard print is a neutral and, as such, a wardrobe investment that cannot be faltered), but coming to terms with its newfound chicness can be difficult as the motif is so rooted in pop culture. Let's face it, it wasn't all that long ago that leopard print was considered tacky (hello, Janice from Friends or Kat from EastEnders), but in 2024 it has undergone a fashionable renaissance, and is now being widely embraced by the fashion crowd.

You need only glance at the feeds of Instagram's most achingly cool influencers (think Camille Charriere, Valeria Sobalera, even Alexa Chung) and you'll spot leopard print dresses, skirts and plenty of coats inspired by the way leopard print cropped up on the autumn/winter 2023 and spring/summer 2024 runways, cementing it as a print trend worth considering. 

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(Image credit: @estellepigault )

Indeed, the classic print has been given a serious rebranding, and it's considered a totally accessible aesthetic. It's perfectly normal to see people walking down the street in a leopard top and jeans, as it can be what you want it to be: elegant, grown-up, eccentric… You can clash it with other prints (here's looking at you, Sara Brown) or pair it with minimalist staples for a pop of personality. Yep, this is leopard print for the postmodern age.

From dresses and jeans to tops and skirts, there's a leopard look for everyone. I've scoured my favourite Instagram feeds to find my favourite outfits to spark your style imagination. As for the next six months? Take your cues from the runway imagery I've also collated for you for ease. 

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

HOW TO WEAR LEOPARD PRINT: ON THE RUNWAY

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Nina Ricci )

Style Notes: Leopard print made five appearances in the Nina Ricci SS'24 collection, covering everything from sheer bralettes to billowing blouses. 

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)

Style Notes: Leopard-print dresses were the order of the day at Celine (and we're expecting the maxi length style to catch on in a big way). 

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Dior )

Style Notes: A leopard-print skirt paired with leopard-print knit co-ord? I love it, Dior. 

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(Image credit: Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)

Style Notes: Take the maximalist approach by wearing your leopard-print trousers with a matching top akin to ROTATE.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of MSGM)

Style Notes: The message at MSGM is clear: leopard coats are a staple, especially worn as a pop of colour over an all black 'fit. 

HOW TO WEAR LEOPARD PRINT: OUTFIT INSPIRATION

1. Dresses

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(Image credit: @lenafarl)

Style Notes: Now this is how to do a leopard-print dress in 2024. Note the long sleeves, calf-grazing length and minimal accessories. 

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

Style Notes: Karina gives her leopard dress a cold-weather spin with black leather boots and a matching blazer. 

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2. Tops

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Style Notes: Ellie creates a striking look just by pairing a cute mini and Mary-Janes with a cropped and boxy leopard-print top, which gives the whole outfit a lift.

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(Image credit: @lenafarl )

Style Notes: Leopard print is statement on its own, but due to its typically neutral hues, it loans itself well to be easily dressed up or down.

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3. Jackets & Coats

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(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Style Notes: Nothing has the power to give your outfits a fashionable seal of approval quite like a leopard coat, as Grece proves. Wear it over simple outfits to give them some oomph. 

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(Image credit: @lenafarl )

Style Notes: Lena shows how to make a simple knit and jeans look the fashionable part with a statement coat that won't overpower the rest of your ensemble. 

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4. Trousers

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Style Notes: This ensemble has become a bit of a French-girl fail-safe. It's all about balancing the loud print with androgynous separates. A blazer will do the job nicely.

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev )

Style Notes: That, or you can follow Emili's lead and enhance the dressy feel of your leopard trousers by wearing them with a longline coat and sandals. 

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5. Skirts

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(Image credit: @itsmekellieb)

Style Notes: Keep it tonal like Kellie by wearing your leopard skirt with beige and black tops. We love her combination of linen shirting, a bra top and a slinky slip skirt.

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: You can thank Réalisation for putting leopard skirts on the style map. Lucy still wears hers regularly—proof it's a sound investment. 

Shop the trend:

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Next Up, The Stats Don't Lie: These 6 Designer Bags Are Always Worth the Investment

 

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.