Autumn is Here: How to Wear Leopard Print Shoes

It's no surprise to anyone that leopard print is quite possibly the biggest fashion trend for this season. I'm certainly seeing it everywhere I turn, and believe it or not, it all started back in the 1920s when leopard fur coats were all the rage (thankfully real fur is a thing of the past). By the 1940s, the print got bolder and was seen in anything from evening wear, to swimwear. In the 60s, eye-catching leopard printed accessories were the ones to bet on, and since then the animal print has remained every woman's secret wardrobe weapon. The print instantly pumps up an outfit and matches well with pretty much anything so what's not to love?! I've worn my fair share of leopard print clothing (check these posts here and here), but shoes were something I've had my eyes on for quite some time and really wanted to try to style. Thankfully, the high street is inundated with offerings of this kind, from court shoes to ankle boots, and here are a few tips on how you too can add some "rawwwr" and personality to any outfit by starting with your footwear.

THE OBVIOUS ONE: BLACK

Let's get the easy one out of the way first, black! It works because leopard prints already have black in them and the dark colour emphasizes the lighter tones making your leopard shoes the star of the outfit. It isn't the most out there of options, and only wearing black with the print can get a bit boring (don't worry I will give you a few more options) but truth be told I wasn't feeling particularly adventurous with it considering it was my first time styling a pair of shoes in the print and I definitely didn't want to get it wrong. When it comes to black, my favourite options would be LBD, skirts and wide-leg pants (because I'm so over skinny jeans).

THE BRIGHT ONE: RED & OTHER BOLD COLOURS

I don't think anything works better together than a nice red lip with something in the print. If the goal is for the outfit to bring traffic to a stop then my bet would be on the main piece of the outfit being red, like pairing a red dress with leopard print shoes. If you're not a daredevil and wants to keep things a little more on the down low, red as the accent colour (like the lip I was talking about) brings some attention to your look but nothing that would be too over the top. Similarly, orange, pink, mustard and alike bold colours work in the same concept.

THE CHIC ONE: NEUTRALS

If you're into classic and timeless outfits, neutral colours like sand, blush, and cream work well when mixed with the print. I'm particularly loving all-neutral outfits recently especially for this transition period into fall, and a leopard print pair of pumps or booties can give a sophisticated ensemble an updated fashion nod. It will instantly make the outfit look more elegant and expensive, ideal for when you want to feel as fabulous and empowered.

THE MIXED ONE: PRINTS

Why not try matching a black-white gingham print shirt tucked in black trousers styled with flat pumps in leopard print for a cool twist on office wear? I'm so glad that the fashion rule about never mixing prints is a thing of the past; striped tees are also a fun option to mix with leopard print and we're bound to at least have one of those in our wardrobes. The key is to mix a minimalist print with leopard and shy away from anything with too much colour that could clash with our animal print.

THE BLUE ONE: DENIM

For an outfit that is classic, casual yet carefree, one of the easiest ways to wear leopard print shoes is to pair them with good old denim. Think denim jackets, front button skirts, your favourite pair of jeans and you've got yourself an outfit that will be incredibly comfortable and right on trend.

Sock Boots: New Look (here)

Shop Leopard Print below:

What do we think of leopard print shoes? Let me know below if this is something you'd wear too!

Thanks for reading beauties!

xoxo