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Even though Anne and I had a hard time picking our item to style in August, picking for September was a breeze! She off-handedly mentioned leopard, I was already ready to style this leopard cardigan, and we were ready to roll!
J.Crew Sweater (Similar, Similar, Similar)
Everlane Tee (Similar, Similar, Similar)
Everlane Jeans c/o (Similar, Similar, Similar)
Old Navy Mules (Similar, Similar, Similar)
Old Coach Bag (Similar, Similar, Similar)
Emylee Williams Devon Earrings
Styling a Leopard Cardigan
I’ve mentioned before that leopard used to be scary to me, but now? It’s like a neutral. Well, a neutral that also manages to add a little pop to your outfit. But when you’re styling a leopard cardigan though, you need to keep a few things in mind.
It’s a leopard cardigan, it’s going to be the focal point
When you’re going to wear leopard in a larger piece of clothing (your sweater as opposed to your shoes), you have to remember that it’s going to be the focal point of your outfit. Eyes are going to naturally drawn to it (even though I did just claim it’s a neutral), so plan the rest of your outfit accordingly. Don’t try to wear other flashy competing pieces. Let your one leopard cardigan shine over the rest.
It’s still a print
I know, I know, I said it’s a neutral, but it is still a neutral PRINT. So if you want to wear any other print (which I wouldn’t advice, but I can’t stop you), you have to pick a complimenting print. It’s like how stripes and florals go well together. Stripes and leopard also tend to go well together. Personally, I would avoid this all together, but mix wisely. A larger print will go well with a smaller print, and a busy with a less busy. The other trick is that there should be similar (if not the same) colors in both to help carry the flow.
Pick your colors wisely
By this, I mean the colors of the other clothing you’re wearing besides your cardigan. While you may think every color goes with leopard, that’s just wrong. Orange and yellow? Not so much. They’re just too close to the tan that most often appears in leopard prints. I prefer to stick to a more neutral palette when getting dressed, but there are some good colors that go with leopard print. I would suggest look at reds, blues, greens, pinks, and purples. Again though, stay away from oranges and yellows.
The cut of your cardigan should complement the rest of your outfit
Okay, this point goes more to cardigans in general as opposed to leopard cardigans, but it’s still important. Cardigans come in all different cuts, and one cardigan will not look good with every outfit, trust me. You need to make sure that the cut of your cardigan compliments the rest of your outfit and vice versa.
For instance, boxy cut cardigans look great with high-rise skinny jeans and fitted dresses. But I would not suggest them with a bulky skirt or dress.
A longer or slouchy cardigan though will look great with dresses or jeans.
The Jackie cardigans (made popular by Jackie Kennedy) are a thinner, more fitted cardigan that are great for almost any office look, but I wouldn’t put them over a bulky top.
Does that make sense? Like most things, it’s about balancing proportions. If it’s a bulkier sweater, aim for a more fitted outfit.
It’s leopard, you can still have fun!
I think that speaks for itself, right?
Now go see how Anne styled her leopard!
