By mid-summer I tend to start fantasizing about my fall wardrobe. Even though I am still wearing dresses, skirts and rompers, I can’t wait to put on jeans, boots, and big sweaters. So now that September has arrived, it’s finally time to talk fall trends. I’ve been keeping lots of lists, but Leopard is the first trend I want to cover because many of these pieces are transitional and can be worn right now.
I am not a big fan of animal prints in general but leopard (and occasionally cheetah) can be very chic when worn sparingly and with the right coordinating pieces. It’s a tricky trend because it can look cheap depending on the quality of the fabric and the actual design of the print. So while you need to spend a little more on these pieces, you don’t need many of them to incorporate the leopard trend into your wardrobe. One leopard accessory and one piece of clothing can be worn in many different ways throughout the season. To get you started I chose a few pieces that are available online now:
1. Botkier ‘Maddie’ Suede Crossbody Bag $345 – The color, shape and fabric of this bag are completely unexpected and yet so versatile. On the weekends, I would wear it with jeans, biker boots and a crisp white shirt. At night it would look great with wide leg jeans, or pants, and a tweed box jacket (maybe one in black and white with a hint of gold to bring out the yellow of the bag). Buy it at saksfifthavenue.com.
2. Tarnish Asymmetrical Animal Print Fedora $75 – You are too cool if you can wear this hat well. Be forewarned – you must look good in fedoras to get away with this one. But if you do, this is an accessory with attitude that will immediately dress up your drab, black winter coats. But it at nordstrom.com.
3. Anlo ‘Jordan’ Dress $260 – A darker version of the leopard print looks great on all skin colors and this is the perfect transitional weight. Wear it now with sandals and later with low motorcycle boots and a cropped jacket. Buy it at nordstrom.com.
4. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Leopard Print Faux Fur Coat $545 – Despite what may seem like a large price tag, this is a great print at a great price and something you will have forever. Buy it at saksfifthavenue.com.
5. See by Chloe Printed Silk Dress $390 – The subtle color and sparse print of this dress make it so sophisticated. Another great transition piece, you can wear it now with nude strappy heels and later with boots and a blazer. For a more casual look this fall, I would put this on with my biker boots and a black boyfriend sweater so it just peeks out the bottom like a skirt. Buy it at net-a-porter.com.
6. AKA New York Cocoon Top $238 – The only leopard top you will ever need. Wear it as a shell under a blazer with wide-leg bottoms, or with black skinny jeans and sky-high suede booties. Buy it at shopbop.com.
7. Ann Taylor Perfect Leopard Flat $158 – Super cute leopard flats never go out of style and can instantly make a boring outfit fun. When you’re feeling uninspired and black seems like the only color in your closet, put this print on your feet and just look like you made an effort. Buy them at anntaylor.com.
8. Tolani Leopard Print Scarf $99 – Just like the flats, this scarf can instantly dress up an outfit. All the the black, grey and brown in your wardrobe will pair perfectly with this pretty piece and you will get a lot of mileage out of a small investment. Buy it at singer22.com.
There are many leopard options out there but we hope this helps inspire you to shop for a few great pieces for fall.
xoxo Melina
