Can Leopard EVER Look Chic? Fun Outfit Ideas, over 40

Here's a question I'm often asked:

Is wearing Leopard print over 40 okay? 

Or, is it tacky and cheap-looking?

This question might seem confusing (and crazy!) to any leopard-lovers out there BUT I completely understand why people ask me this.

Leopard is a statement and sometimes the message can be unclear.

Here in the UK leopard-wearing is often associated with famous TV characters.
In particular; soap opera stars.

Historically, Julie Goodyear played the leopard layered, big-haired Bet Lynch on Coronation Street.
A classic character.

And who could forget Jessie Wallace as Kat Slater on Eastenders?
Trashy and Brash to the max!

Both seriously flawed but lovable characters.
Both overdoing the leopard BIG TIME!!

Maybe characters like these plant seeds of doubt about our old friend leopard print?
Maybe the fear of looking a bit Bet Lynch/Kat Slater puts a few women off.

Fear not!
There are LOADS of modern leopard loving muses who wear the print with style and sass.

Think of Alexa Chung, Kate Moss, Bella Hadid... and many more!

These women are making leopard look classic and edgy without the trashy undertones.

Get onto Pinterest and search for some leopard inspiration.
Yes, there are some tacky ensembles BUT also some super-stylish outfits to get your creative juices flowing.

There 4 simple rules to keep leopard looking chic:

1. Choose Quality Fabrics.

Cheap fabrics look cheap.
That's the bottom line.
Bargain bucket leopard (unless it's a sale bargain or a charity shop find) is never pretty.

2. Avoid Flesh-Flashing!

Want to flash the flesh but keep it classy?
Avoid leopard print.
Bare legs and cleavage in a leopard dress can look cheap.
Having said that, it can also look incredibly sassy and sexy!
So, it depends on the aim of your fashion game, doesn't it?

However, if you want to keep things looking chic: Cover your bits up.

3. Keep it REAL.

Don't panic!
No real fur needed (😮) just realistic colourways.

Sticking to realistic leopard print colours (the classic tan/cream/browns and the black/white/greys) will keep your outfit looking classic and feeling much easier to wear.

Of course, if you're a leopard print aficionado then go for those bold and beautiful leopard print colours!
Blue looks particularly lovely as does red.

I'm no aficionado BUT I do have a red leopard skirt which I wear on repeat... see it HERE and HERE.

4. Keep it simple.

If you're not a hard-core leopard lover then stick to one leopard-print item in your outfit and keep the rest of the look 'basic'.

Simple clean lines.
Plain fabrics.
Neutral colours.

The leopard piece will be the star and your quality basics will be the supporting cast.
Next stop the outfit Oscars!
Hahaha

Today I'm wearing a bold leopard cardigan with a simple outfit.
I picked this cardigan up in a charity shop and it's in a UK 16.
This larger size makes it perfect to create the oversized wrap-effect I was looking for.

Wrapping an oversized cardigan and belting it not only keeps you cosy but it creates a more interesting (and flattering) look than simply letting the cardigan hang.
The double-layered fabric at the front works really well to retain heat without compromising on style.
I didn't even need a coat.

{Disclaimer: I probably DID need a coat but I didn't wear one!}

How do you feel about good-old Leopard print?
Hard to wear?
An everyday essential??
Too tacky or a chic classic?

I'd love to know!

TOP: River Island (old)
WOOL CARDIGAN: Charity shopped
GLOVES: Vintage
BAG: eBay (secondhand)
JEANS: Topshop (old)
LEATHER BOOTS: Duo (older!)
PATENT LEATHER BELT: Oldest of all! Charity shopped over 15 years ago


OTHER LEOPARDY POSTS you might enjoy:

• Easy ways to wear leopard print
• Mixing stripes, ruffles and leopard
• Leopard and leather... What cliché!