With spring break around the corner, it’s time to trade in those patterned scarves and puffy jackets in for bikinis and short shorts. Say au revoir to those highly stressful exams and give a warm embrace to the coarse sand and comforting rays. For those of you (such as myself) who are less fortunate, you’re probably traveling to colder climates where temperatures are lower than the class average of an organic chemistry exam. Hot beaches and flowy sundresses may be far out of reach, but who says that spring break still can’t get a little wild? Now, I’m not talking about that kind of wild, Fashionistas, I’m talking about a little lovely thing called leopard.
If there’s one print that can make a bold statement, it’s the leopard print. The dark brown dots contrast starkly against the tan background despite the neutrality of the color palette. With the oddly shaped splotches, it gives the eyes something to dance around, sucking in anyone’s attention. Leopard is bold and daring so a leopard-printed outfit could easily become a disastrous mess. The key, my Fashionistas, is moderation. Throw out that leopard bodycon dress and don’t even think about keeping that spotted jacket until it comes back into trend because it won’t come back on trend. With any animal print, it’s important to moderate exactly how much of it you wear to prevent an overload of brown and tan spots. You want to use leopard as an accent piece, not pretend to be one.
This Fashionista rocked her leopard print perfectly. In her case, the leopard is the sole focus of her ensemble without actually being in the spotlight. When worn under a rich navy blue, the collared shirt peaks from the edges just enough to grab your attention, but not enough to feel overwhelming. The warm color scheme of the leopard shirt gives a break in the otherwise cool-toned theme of the outfit, adding a little dimension to the overall ensemble. At the same time, her on-trend chain-linked necklace works well to blend into the background just enough as to not detract away from the beautifully-pieced outfit. Now this, is the way to rock leopard. Remember Fashionistas, when it comes to bold patterns and prints, it’s important to use them as accents to your outfit. If you’re going to wear a little leopard, subdue the eye-catching print with solid colors and stay away from mixing patterns. Layering should be your best friend, and printed accessories should be waiting to be used in your arsenal. Leopard print is tricky to work with, but it can be beautifully executed when done right.
If you’re looking for something similar to this Fashionista, pair up this leopard shirt with a pastel-colored sweater for the spring. If you’re not into leopard shirts, you can always try using them as accent jewelry or you can spice up your boring T-shirt and jeans combo with some printed flats. If you want something a little more subtle and subdued, opt for a smaller leopard print! The small print is still bold enough to be noticed and from far away, it adds an interesting dimension and depth to your overall ensemble. From headbands and scarves to high-waisted skirts paired with cut-out tanks, leopard prints can liven up any outfit. Take a walk on the wild side and take on this daring print.
Spotted: Check out this trend from the Francesco Scognamiglio Fall 2013 Ready-to-Wear collection!
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