Introduction
Often
the reserve of our female counterparts, leopard print is leading the
pack this season as part of the wider animal print trend.
Though
it has been around for a while, animal print emphasises menswear’s
ever-broadening horizons and continual move in a bolder and braver
direction. Long gone are the days of monochrome monotony – a walk down
the high street is now an experience awash with colour and pattern.
Look One: Casual Statement
Our
acclimatisation to print over the past few seasons may have reduced its
statement-making impact somewhat, but leopard print offers a fresh take
that can help effortlessly separate your look from the crowd.
Something
as simple as a tee with an all-over print is all you need to really
make your casual ensembles pop this season – and that is exactly what we
build our outfit around in this first look.
Allow
the print to stand out by combining with pieces that don’t distract too
much. A pair of grey minimal chinos and dark burgundy desert boots
anchors the tee, whilst the layering of an on trend biker jacket over
the top is ideal for dealing with the transitioning weather:
Look Two: Casual Accent
If
making a statement isn’t your style, or you simply want to build up to a
bolder print by experimenting with subtler detailing, then utilising
leopard in an accent role is the way to go.
A
printed pocket on a plain tee or a pair of socks glinting out between
your trousers and trainers will inject a sense of life and personality
into any look, without drawing too much attention.
We
opt for both within this outfit – with some timeless navy chinos
sandwiched between the two. A denim jacket is a year-round staple well
worth investing in, and here we layer it over the tee.
Complete
this casual ensemble with some minimalist trainers and an of-the-moment
backpack, for a look that is perfect whether you’re on campus or simply
running off-duty errands:
Look Three: Statement Footwear
Leopard
print Derbies were a feature at the Burberry Prorsum AW13 showcase and
footwear is shaping up to be a key way to wear the print. Put a casual
spin on the trend with some retro runners that feature a printed panel.
With
the dressed down feel, light jeans are a great option and a wash that
continues to be underused – allowing you to stand out amongst a sea of
indigo. Take your first tentative steps into the world of pattern mixing
with a sparsely printed motif shirt, before layering up with an
off-duty staple, the sweatshirt.
By
confining the leopard print to a smaller panel, it doesn’t grab the
attention like a pair of full print Derbies or loafers would, yet the
detailing still makes a statement in a more subtle, understated way:
Look Four: Unexpected Formality
Bring
some unexpected formality to leopard print with a contrast sleeve
blazer. Certainly not suitable for the office or a formal event, but at
smart-casual affairs or when you want to dress up with an edge, a flash
of leopard is an unexpected way to mix it up.
With
a white shirt and black trousers setting the foundation, the look above
is simple, effective and ready to support the boldness of the blazer
and accessories. Although patent leather shoes work extremely well
within this outfit – patent double monks are even better.
Accessorise
the look to give it an edge. A collar chain and/or half-spiked belt are
unusual accessories that bring character to the look and emphasise the
pattern’s rock ‘n’ roll connotations:
Final Word
It’s
highly likely that leopard print is going to polarise opinion; the
trend nowadays have been seen mostly on youths and can sometimes be seen
as razz because of how the are worn but common, there are healthier
ways to rock this trend and still come out looking daper
But now it is time for your view:
Will you be taking a walk on the wild side and trying out some leopard print?
Or is it simply not for you?
Do any of the looks above suit your style?
How would you wear leopard print?
Let us know in the comments section below…
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