As someone who has lived long enough to see leopard print in at least three of its iterations, I’m always ready and raring to see the next leopard print evolution to sink my teeth into.
So far in fashion history, we’ve seen its cosmopolitan uprising in 1960s London (becoming the height of glamour a la Eartha Kitt), through to a symbol of rebellion and promiscuity in the 70s, all the way to the 90s where leopard print became synonymous with feminism and ‘girl power’ as the Spice Girls coined it. Leopard print’s versatility is the reason many see it a neutral and a staple. Including myself.
For decades, leopard print has skyrocketed in all its adaptations because of what it stands for. It’s about embracing style, glamour, femininity and power. We’re always waiting for leopard print’s next comeback – and for AW24, it’s all about the leopard print skirt. Last week alone, Google reported a +965% increase in searches for leopard print skirts, which is huge.
Here are our favourites to buy now, regret never…
Ever since we saw Maria Grazia Chiuri’s leopard print collection for Dior AW24, we haven’t stopped thinking about leopard print mini skirts. And by the looks of it, Prada and Celine haven’t either. With celebs like J-Lo pairing an animal mini with a matching jacket and Rhianna going full Mob Wife with a longline coat and stilettos (obviously), no wonder leopard skirts are trending.
For AW24 it’s all about wearing them mini with tights, and knee-high boots. Dare to make a statement? Tap into the red trend and pair your leopard print mini skirt with a ruby-red cardigan.
Let’s go back to 2019, where the leopard print midi skirt revolution started. The Cut published an article titled ‘It’s almost summer. Do you know where your leopard-print midi skirt is?’, putting the spotlight on the viral Realisation Par satin midi. From then, an Instagram page arrived under the name of @leopardmidiskirt. While satirically highlighting the style’s popularity, it proves the versatility of it.
For an AW24 take on the trend, channel the Rockstar’s Girlfriend aesthetic a la Kate Moss and pair your midi with a classic band tee, leather jacket and knee-length boots.
One thing we love about leopard print is you can dress it up or down. Leopard print is the perfect party print, and there’s no harm in adding a little bit of sparkle to it – did anyone see Kendall Jenner single-handedly end casual leopard print with the Bottega Veneta sequin dress? Obsessed.
Go for a gilded finish when celebrating this party season and work the room in a leopard print sequin midi skirt.
Looking for more autumn animal print inspiration? Here are the latest leopard print pieces our Fashion Writers are lusting after:
The Leopard Print Ruffle Dress
The Leopard Print Blouse
The Leopard Print Skirt
The Leopard Print Bag
