The use of animal prints as an everyday addition to one’s wardrobe is a concept that is often polarized. Some love getting the chance to incorporate a fun pattern into their outfits while others hold the pattern to a certain degree of “trashiness.”
Despite these opposing opinions, animal prints, particularly leopard print, have begun to slither their way into mainstream fashion.
Fashion icons and influencers have recently been sporting the pattern in their outfits captured by the press, rapidly pushing this style into media outlets.
Before leopard print became a part of mainstream culture, animal prints were associated with royalty and aristocracy, according to Rouge Magazine.
In the 1930s celebrities, including actress Maureen O’Sullivan from the 1932 film “Tarzan,” began to implement leopard print into their wardrobe, taking control of the trend and showing the world that animal prints were no longer a symbol of unattainable wealth.
In the 1960s animal print took the world by storm, and as technology advanced, mass production of clothing created and quicker and easier way to reproduce the look.
During this time Jacqueline “Jackie” Kennedy was also seen rocking a leopard print fur coat, which caused a spike in popularity along with the death of roughly 250,000 leopards, according to a Racked article.
Once the 90s and early 2000s hit, leopard print began to take on a new association— trashiness. With the help of reality TV stars such as “Jersey Shore’s” Snooki, leopard print took on a whole new light.
It wasn’t until recently that leopard print began to revert to this timeless and high-class look, rather than the sleazy association many had before.
So what is leopard print— trashy or timeless?
When considering this question, one will come to realize that this debate is rooted in classism. Leopard print began holding popularity in groups that were not deemed “high-class” to the general public, causing the pattern to strongly represent a sleazy nature.
The association of leopard print with high-class individuals and tawdry characters ebbs and flows, showing the sheer power fashion holds in society’s collective psyche.
It doesn’t matter if people see the pattern as chic or sleazy. Being bound by these associations will take away the ability to wear what makes you happy and allow you to express yourself.
Wearing leopard print in an everyday outfit is surprisingly easy. Some even consider leopard print to be a neutral pattern — flattering on all and easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Leopard print often matches best with blacks and reds as well as gold jewelry. Adding black in the form of leather can create a more street-style look; while adding red to your leopard look can form a “femme fatale” persona.
Some fun outfit ideas incorporating leopard print include leopard pants with an oversized leather jacket, a leopard turtleneck with a black miniskirt and loafers, or a black dress, red tights and some leopard flats or heels.
No matter how leopard print is styled, incorporating it into your closet is a fun way to add some depth and interest to your outfit, no matter the association it may have.
