Leopard is a neutral

If you follow me on instagram you’ll know that I am a BIG fan of leopard print. I think it’s such an easy way to give your outfit an edge. Whether you choose to go the whole hog with a long silk maxi dress or a faux fur coat or prefer to accessorise with a scarf, handbag or shoes, leopard print is ALWAYS a good idea.

However, I do have a few of my own style rules

• When it comes to dresses I would stick to below the knee (preferably maxi) and would  shy away from anything too short or too tight.
• Leopard print on top is fine, but I would probably avoid leopard print trousers
• I’m a little too conservative for double leopard (although I do think clashing leopard can look amazing if worn the right way) so I probably wouldn’t pair a leopard print dress with leopard print shoes
• I think there is fine line between tasteful and tacky when it comes to the actual print. I don’t really like anything with an orange tone or too big a pattern.

Here are some examples of leopard pieces you WOULDN’T catch me wearing..

Too yellow

Too much, too short

Too loud

And just to prove that I really don’t know what I am talking about, here is an outfit that breaks ALL my personal style rules and yup, she looks AMAZING! But sometimes I think it’s not about the clothes, it’s all about the person wearing them!

I ordered this dress from Zara (£69.99) which arrived last night. I am undecided as to whether I will keep it as I do struggle a bit with this length. I am wearing it here with tan boots and a camel coat, but I think it would probably look better with black boots and a black coat. I also love the way they have styled it above with black strappy heels. It has a lovely shape and a shirred waist and comes with a gorgeous black satin slip which is separate. Watch out it’s really static material (I tried the safety pin trick and it seemed to help a bit but not completely) I am wearing an XS and would say it was true to size. 

Worn with Gucci boots (Vestiaire Collective) and Jaeger Camel coat (not current) *Please forgive the wonky tripod*

Another recent buy was this leopard print shirt which I picked up for £12.99 in the Zara sale. (now sold out but there are some good options below) I love wearing my shirt with an all black outfit, but it would also look great buttoned up under a bright knit or with blue denim and layered gold necklaces.

Worn with Vintage Chanel belt (Vestiaire Collective) and Warehouse black skinnies.

Worn with Miranda Dunn Fur and Chloe Boots

Here are a few of my other leopard print pieces..

My (slightly battered!) Chloe Bag

My old Zara Leopard Print Scarf

My Erdem X HM Leopard Print Coat

A very old coat from Mango. I love pairing leopard with pink and red.

I hope you enjoy my little ‘Leopard Boutique’ – hopefully with something to suit all budgets and all degrees of leopard devotedness!

Love,