Leopard, a print that works like a neutral
This is what sets it apart from every other print. Its shades (beige, camel, brown, black) are exactly those of a neutral wardrobe. A leopard pump therefore goes with jeans, camel trousers, a navy coat, a black dress or a floral print, where a colourful print would impose its own constraints.
In practice, a leopard pair often replaces two pairs: it plays the role of the brown shoe and that of the statement accessory.
How to wear it without a style misstep
Just one rule to remember: leopard should be the only patterned piece in the outfit. Everything else should be plain. That is the only condition, and it is enough.
From there, two approaches work.
As a focal point: the rest of the outfit is plain and understated (raw denim jeans, black jumper, camel coat) and the leopard shoe draws all the attention. This is the simplest and most effective way to wear it.
As a colour echo: pick up one of the tones of the print in another part of the outfit, a camel jumper or a brown belt for example. The whole look then appears deliberately put together.
What to avoid: pairing leopard with another print, or multiplying leopard pieces, shoes and bag together for example. One piece, not two.
The materials of our leopard styles
Leopard suede is our most frequent finish. Suede gives the print a deep matte quality and a far more subtle result than shiny leather. The trade-off: like all suede, it needs waterproofing before the first wear and marks more easily.
Printed leather on a smooth base gives a crisper result and is much easier to clean, a real advantage for everyday wear in winter.
In both cases, one specific care point: on a print, never use a coloured cream. It evens out the pattern and partly erases it. Use a colourless product only. Find our shoe care products.
Frequently asked questions
How do I wear leopard shoes without a style misstep?
Leopard should be the only patterned piece in the outfit: everything else plain. You can either let it take all the attention against an understated base, or pick up one of its tones (camel, brown) in another part of the outfit.
Is leopard a difficult print to wear?
Less than you might think, because its shades are those of a neutral wardrobe: beige, camel, brown, black. It goes with jeans, camel trousers or a black dress as easily as plain brown.
How do I care for leopard print leather?
Never use a coloured cream, which evens out and partly erases the pattern: colourless products only. On leopard suede, waterproof before the first wear and dry-brush to revive the velvety finish.
