TREND
GONE WILD
AS LEOPARD PRINT EXPERIENCES A RESURGENCE , EMBRACE THIS BOLD NEUTRAL FOR FALL .
BY ASHLEY RYAN
Make a statement with the chic By Anthropologie LEOPARD PULL-ON PANTS , ideal for creating a dynamic look with a wide leg and vibrant red-orange piping down the sides , $ 118 , with advance order at The Terrain Pop-Up ! Newport Beach , Fashion Island . ( 949-720-9946 ; anthropologie . com )
Leopard print has reemerged with a roar , trending not only thanks to its inclusion on runways and in designer fashion , but also due to its popularity on social media .
“ Leopard never really goes away ,” says Newport Beach-based Amanda Weil , a self-proclaimed “ soul stylist ” who helps her clients transform their wardrobe and showcase their inner essence with her Style Awakenings process . “… It ’ s fun , it ’ s playful — it ’ s great because you can go super bold with it or you can do just a minimal accent . So that means everyone really gets to play with this trend .”
Those looking to add spots in a bold way can opt for a Dolce & Gabbana trench coat or a midi dress , like one from Michael Kors . Or consider a maxi skirt paired with a white tank top or T-shirt for a more subtle look that remains tasteful . Weil says it ’ s important to remember that not every fashion movement is one you have to incorporate into your attire , but fashionistas should also keep in mind that there are a number of ways to embrace the trend .
“ The easiest way to add leopard is through accessories ,” she says . “ Whether that ’ s shoes — there ’ s some really cute sneakers , great slides , great heels — or maybe a belt or even a [ hand ] bag or a scarf . Or you can play with a jacket or a blazer that maybe has a leopard lapel .”
Jewelry is another subtle yet elegant way to introduce this trend into your outfits . “ Some fun earrings or a big , chunky necklace are really going to be the easiest way to have a taste where you don ’ t feel overwhelmed ,” she adds . “ When people want to dip their toes in either print mixing or playing with a print , I always say start with your accessories .”
Although many consider leopard to be tacky and still others consider it a daring print , Weil notes that she considers it to be more of a neutral tone . “ People always think I ’ m crazy , but I think that leopard is like a black or a tan — it ’ s a neutral . So you can stay more neutral in your whole vibe and pare it back to always look great ,” she says .
Because of its tendency toward an achromatic base , she suggests pairing it with vibrant jewel tones , like green , purple or — her personal favorite — cherry red . “ It ’ s a bold print , so you want to match that intensity ,” Weil explains .
To stay on trend while dressing up , she says to be mindful of what you ’ re wearing the leopard with . “ Maybe do a silhouette of a beautiful silk leopard blouse and then pair it with a wide-leg or trouserstyle jean and a black or red kitten heel so you ’ re still coming across as very sophisticated and elegant ,” Weil suggests .
Whether you settle on a head-totoe ensemble or nuanced touches through accessories , Weil says the resurgence of this print is going to be huge this fall , so embrace your wild side and elevate your style with spotted ensembles .
22 NEWPORTBEACHMAGAZINE . COM