How To Rock Fall’s Wildest Print Trend

Last February, we saw a variety of print trends taking over fall 2016 fashion month. There were plaids and stripes, and even psychedelic optical prints. However, it was pretty clear that one wild child, in particular, reigned over print paradise: leopard. Gracing the runways of Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Givenchy (just to name a few), this animal print was dubbed by Vogue as fall’s most powerful trend.

With that said, autumn has finally arrived, and it’s clear that leopard is having its moment in the streets as well. It’s popping up everywhere, from ready-to-wear to accessories of all sorts and tricking down to the mass market—all in fall’s leading silhouettes.

As powerful as it may be, however, leopard should be handled (erm, styled) with care. It has the potential to go very wrong—even tacky—if overdone.

Still, we’re definitely all in for the resurgence of leopard-print everything, so we’re here to make things a little bit easier for you. Below, we show you how to incorporate leopard into your everyday fall wardrobes, whether you’re running to the bodega for that hungover egg-and-cheese or getting ready to kill it at the office—the right way.

Click through the gallery to read on.

Photographer: Tory Rust

Stylist: Jenna Igneri

Hair: Andrita Renee

Makeup: Jenny Smith

Makeup Assistant: Julia Sohn

Nails: Riwako KobayashiPhoto Assistant: Daniel Marcella

For the OfficeWork appropriate doesn’t have to mean boring. While you may need to “tone it down” a bit at the office, a chic blouse or statement accessory in leopard can certainly spice up your work look without overdoing it.

On Jimena:BCBG, Jaimie Dress, $498, similar styles available at BCBG; Topshop, Animal Foil Print Jumper, $68, available at Topshop; BCBG, Runway Phionna Loafer, $328, available at BCBG; Clare V., Alistair, $485, available at Clare V.; R.J. Graziano, Gold Electro-Plated Metal Collar, $55, similar styles available at R.J. Graziano; Jennifer Fisher, CL Flow Cuff, $975, available at Jennifer Fisher.

Mika:FRAME, Le Velvet Mod Blazer In Spruce, $575, similar styles available at Neiman Marcus; FRAME, Le Velvet Pant In Spruce, $375, available at Neiman Marcus; Topshop, Satin Animal Print Pyjama Shirt, $68, available at Topshop; Charlotte Olympia, Bogart Bag, $2,995, similar styles available at Charlotte Olympia; Coach, High Vamp Loafer With Studs, $395, available at Coach; R.J. Graziano, Ball Collar, similar styles available at R.J. Graziano; RumbaTime, Soho Metallic, $60, available at RumbaTime.

For a Night of DebaucheryWhen it comes to a night out on town that will run late into the after-hours, there’s no reason to keep your look tame. Pair your favorite leopard print pieces, like a pony hair moto jacket or an intricate cami, with the loudest items in your wardrobe. From studded to glitzy and iridescent, anything goes.

On Jimena:Isabel Marant, Eston Leopard-Print Calf Hair Biker Jacket, $3,220, available at Net-A-Porter; BCBG, Runway Lorinda Sweater, $198, available at BCBG; Paige, Verdugo in Black Fog Luxe Coating, $219, available at Paige; Alexander Wang, Attica Studded Leather Tote, $1,295, available at Nordstrom; Alexander Wang, Elise Studded Suede Heel, $895, available at Alexander Wang; Jennifer Fisher, Reverse Molten Choker, $645, available at Jennifer Fisher; Alexis Bittar, Thin Collar Necklace, $195, similar styles available at Alexis Bittar; Alexis Bittar, Liquid Gold Leather Wrapped Bondage Cuff Bracelet, $595, available at Alexis Bittar.

On Mika:

Zara, Short Faux Fur Jacket, $149, available at Zara; Topshop, Leopard Satin Crop Top, $35, available at Topshop; Ganni, Passion Leather Skirt, $257, available at My Theresa; Rebecca Minkoff, Mini M.A.C. Crossbody, $195, available at Rebecca Minkoff; Charlotte Olympia, Celeste, $925, similar styles available at Charlotte Olympia; Laruicci, Crystal Delight Ring, $98, available at Laruicci.

For an Afternoon WorkoutWhile working out may entail getting a bit sweaty and red-faced, that’s no excuse for our exercise attire to not be up to par with the rest of our wardrobe. Try incorporating a leopard sports bra or windbreaker into the mix, so you'll feel extra fierce at the gym. Besides, the cuter your workout look is, the more inspired you’ll be to work out. Right?

On Mika:3.1 Phillip Lim, Leopard-Print Windbreaker, $550, available at 3.1 Phillip Lim; Sukishufu, Dutty Wine Black Velvet Racer Back, $113.05, available at Sukishufu; Sukishufu, The Hustle Black Velvet Leatherback Legging, $139.65, available at Sukishufu; Adidas, Pure Boost X Trainer, $120, available at Adidas; Wilfred Free, Emesa Hat, $35, available at Aritzia.

On Jimena:Sukishufu, Dutty Wine Leopard And Yellow Velvet Racer Back, $113.05, available at Sukishufu; Sukishufu, B Boy Black and Leopard Lounge Pants, $170.24, available at Sukishufu; Nike, Air Max Thea Ultra, $130, available at Nike.

For a Weekend BrunchSure, we’re used to wearing warm jewel tones in the fall, but there’s nothing like brightening up a chilly afternoon (especially when skies are gray) with a bit of bold, vibrant color—and leopard, of course. We love the contrast of a leopard blouse against a sunshine yellow coat or pairing a solid, neon sweater over leopard skinnies for a casual yet totally put-together moment.

On Mika:Novis, The Cobble Coat, $1,795, similar styles available at Novis; Equipment, Shirley Sweater, $288, available at Equipment; Rachel Comey, Slim Legion Pant, $345, available at Rachel Comey; B Brian Atwood, Karina Leopard-Print Calf Hair Pumps, $180, available at Lord & Taylor; Karen Walker, Lunar Flowerpatch Rose Pink Sunglasses, $300, available at Karen Walker; R.J. Graziano, Status Link Necklace, $125, available at R.J. Graziano.

On Jimena:Veda, National Leather Jacket With Removable Shearling Collar, $1,200, available at Veda; Novis, The Frost Sweater, $625, similar styles available at Novis; J. Brand, Alana High-Rise Skinny Ankle Jeans, $198, available at Neiman Marcus; Kate Spade, Pine Grove Way Luxe Aleya, $478, available at Kate Spade; Nicholas Kirkwood, Casati Pearl Ankle Boots, $1095, available at Nicholas Kirkwood; Karen Walker, Moon Disco Octagonal 53mm Sunglasses, available at Nordstrom.

For a Hot DateWhile leopard may be a bit more on the wild side than your usual go-to prints, you can easily put a soft, romantic spin on it with the right coordinating pieces. Try pairing a leopard slip with a pastel coat, or letting it be the statement piece over a minimalist black jumpsuit.

On Mika:Alice + Olivia, Montana Double-Breasted Peacoat, $595, available at Alice + Olivia; Mara Hoffman, Wide Leg Burnout Jumpsuit, $498, available at Mara Hoffman; 3.1 Phillip Lim, Hana Saddle Chain Bag, $750, available at 3.1 Phillip Lim; Alexis Bittar, Liquid Gold Hinged Collar Necklace, $395, available at Alexis Bittar.

On Jimena:ASOS, Coat In Pastel Faux Fur, $90.50, available at ASOS;Topshop, Animal Print Bodycon Dress, $110, available at Topshop;Haus Of Topper, CeCe Choker, $400, available at Haus Of Topper.

For a Lazy MorningJust because you’re trying to be cozy doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a little print play, even if your only destination is the laundromat. Try pairing some silk leopard print pajama pants with your favorite cozy sweater for an effortless-yet-put-together lazy look. I mean, pajama dressing outside of the bedroom is a thing, you know.

Tibi, Alpaca Pompom Cropped Pullover, $450, similar styles available at Tibi; Kate Moss x Equipment, Avery Pajama Pant, $255, available at Equipment; Converse, Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top, $50, available at Nike.