Cheryl Shops

One of my favorite coworkers used to say "prints are personal," and they are—I love stripes, plaids, and the occasional tie-dye but have a hard time with florals, paisley, and anything abstract. But when it comes to animal prints, leopard is always a yes in my book. I joke that leopard is a neutral (it's made up of neutral colors, after all), but in my opinion, it's one of the most versatile prints around. Here are my favorite ways to wear it. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Ganni coat | Everlane cashmere turtleneck dress | Cuddl Duds leggings (c/o) | Mango bag | Jimmy Choo youth boots 

Leopard-print coat

I've had this Ganni coat for awhile—I think Ganni makes some of the best leopard prints around—and it makes whatever I'm wearing look that much more chic, in this case simple jeans and a T-shirt. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Ganni leopard coat | T by Alexander Wang tee (similar here) | Old Navy power slim straight jeans | Keebos iPhone case (c/o) | Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals 

Leopard-print dress

I love a leopard-print dress on date night, and it doesn't even have to be the traditional brown-and-black color scheme. Leopard can come in black and white, red and black, shades of blue, or any combination of colors. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Zara dress (similar here) | Banana Republic moto jacket | ASOS shoes (similar here) | Stella & Dot clutch (similar here)

Leopard-print skirt

You should always wear the skirt length that you're most comfortable in, and for me, that's a midi. I've had several leopard-print skirts over the years, but one of my more recent favorites was this all-over-Instagram slip skirt. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Theory blazer (similar here) | Madewell chambray shirt | Gap skirt (similar here) | Allsaints Voltaire tote | Dansko shoes (similar here) | Miansai bracelet 

Leopard-print shirt

Leopard-print tops can take many forms—blouse, sweater, T-shirt—and I've tried them all. My current favorite is this supersoft, somewhat muted top. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Gap jacket | Abercrombie & Fitch cozy top | IRO pants (current version here) | A.P.C. sac demi-lune | Gucci Brixton loafers 

Leopard-print hat

If you're wary of too much animal print, a hat is an easy way to try leopard print without going overboard. Although it should be mentioned that I'm pulling off the double-leopard in this look, as well as pairing it with stripes (one of my favorite pattern mixes). 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Nakedcashmere Makena cardigan | Proenza Schouler tee (similar here) | Isabel Marant Lecce belt | Levi's 501 cropped jeans (also here) | New Balance 574 sneakers | Ganni hat (similar here)

Leopard-print bag

Another great accent piece, a leopard-print bag can add a little excitement to an otherwise subdued outfit. If you want double accessory points, add in a bright color too.  

OUTFIT DETAILS: Banana Republic moto jacket | Everlane air tee | Outrageous Fortune pants | Nordstrom clutch (similar here) | Sam Edelman Kinzey boots (similar here) | Focalook necklace

Leopard-print shoes

I saved the best for last—leopard-print shoes can really make an outfit. They work with neutrals, of course, but I love pairing them with color too, as an unexpected accent. I feel like you can never have enough leopard-print shoes!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Uniqlo teddy coat | Everlane alpaca sweater | Old Navy power slim straight jeans | Isabel Marant Lecce belt | A.P.C. sac demi-lune | New Balance 574 sneakers