How to Wear Leopard Pants
Chloe Sevigny, Mischa Barton, Vanessa Hudgens, and even Lil’ Wayne are in on the trend.
True life: I’m one of those extreme leopard print gals. Belts, shoes, coats, underwear, dresses, you name it — if it comes in leopard print, I own it. So that’s why I was excited about the return of a particular fashion trend… leopard pants.
This isn’t the first time the world has seen leopard print pants. I wasn’t around for their mid-eighties hair band heyday, but I was around to pick up a velvet pair of leopard bellbottoms from Limited Too at the tender age of 10. I LOVED those things — as in, I’d wear them to elementary school at least three times a week. (I’m sure my mother was mortified.) I would seriously roam the playground in leopard pants, with a leopard Lisa Frank trapper keeper, a leopard scrunchie, and one of those awful fuzzy pink sleeveless mock turtlenecks. So fly.
Eventually (and thankfully) I grew out of that pair — but to my delight, leopard jeans are one of this season’s wildest trends to try! A favorite with street style blogs and celebrities, even LMFAO gives a shout-out to these babies in their latest hit, “Sexy and I Know It“.
But as with any new trend, getting a feel for how to style these pants can be a little tricky. Don’t worry, fair readers, we’re here to help.
Tips and Tricks for Rocking Leopard Print Pants
- Remember that leopard print is a neutral. Leopard pants will look great with any solid colored top you might have!
- Because these pants are neutral, don’t be afraid to mix prints with these babies! Stick with simpler prints (like stripes) to be safe, but don’t be afraid to rock plaid or polka dots if you’re feeling really bold!
- Skinny jeans are probably the easiest way to rock this trend, but I’ve seen some cool looking leopard-print harem pants and trousers too.
- Consider the print itself. I bought this pair from Forever 21 because the leopard spots and background are similar shades, which tones down the look of the pant. If you crave a bolder look, check out styles with larger leopard spots or a lighter background.
- Dress them up with heels, a chic top, and chandelier earrings!
- These pants are perfect for casual wear as well, especially if you go for a more toned-down pair. Dress them down with a chunky sweater, Converse All-Stars, and a beanie!
- Try leopard pants out with a graphic tee for a playful, rocker chic look.
- This is obvious, but don’t wear these pants with other leopard pieces or another animal print unless you’re feeling really bold — pairing these prints can look too costume-esque.
- Wear with confidence! I LOVE wearing these pants out because almost everyone comments on them — guys think they’re hilarious and adorable, and girls congratulate me for having enough guts to wear them.
Outfit Inspiration
Campus Casual
Pants, Jacket, Henley, Shoes, Beanie
An outfit like this is perfect for strolling across campus and stomping through leaf piles! Stripes and leopard print are a bold pairing, but tone the look down with a trusty military parka. Finish with basic shoes and a warm beanie!
Out on the Town
If you’re still a bit unsure on this trend, try pairing leopard jeans with a simple black top for a night out. Add a kick-ass pair of heels, glamorous earrings, and red lips to dress the look up!
A Little Bit Rock and Roll
Leggings, T-shirt, Vest, Ring, Combat Boots
Warning: an outfit like this is NOT for the faint of heart, which makes it perfect for daring CF readers! Its ’80s aesthetic is sure to garner plenty of attention, so the trick is to rock the look with confidence. Throw on an oversized concert tee with a pair of leopard leggings or pants, and top with a denim vest. Finish the ensemble with a pair of combat boots and some tough-looking jewelry.
Street Style Chic
Pants, Boots, Sweater, Hat, Scarf
An oversized sweater or boyfriend sweater is another great piece to pair with leopard pants. Tall boots might be too much with printed pants, but mid-calf boots strike the perfect balance. Finish the look with a warm scarf and fun trapper hat.
What Do You Think?
Do you feel more comfortable with this trend after reading this post? Do you have a pair of leopard pants, or are you going to skip this trend? What other trends are you having trouble with? Leave a comment and tell us what you’re thinking!
Posted on on November 10, 2011 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: How To, leopard print, Outfits, Pants, Print
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Melanie
I cannot get the guts to try these on. I feel like my booty would look MASSIVE in these, but girls who can rock it, should.
Julie
I have this thing where I hate animal prints of all kinds. I just think it looks super tacky. Even accessories, like a scarf or shoes, are at the outer edge of my comfort zone. So this is a pass for me. But for those with a wilder flair, go crazy.
PS – massive booties are not a bad thing, love your body I’m sure it’s slammin :)
Stari
Leopard print pants? I think that’s a little wild for an everyday look.. But Id be too scared to wear them out anywhere but seeing these outfits you put together maybe I could try it… Although it does bring flashbacks to when I was 10 and wore leopard print all day all the time. Good outfits, I like ‘em!! :)
Cortney
I’ve been hunting for a pair of leopard print jeans for a month now! I just haven’t found a pair that I really like (I’m looking for grey pair), but when I do I’m going to snap them up and wear them all the time!
Paula*
When I first read the title I thought, “Absolutely not”, but after seeing the outfits you created I’m very intrigued.
Ashley
I’m with Julie on this- I think animal print is cute in small doses (like on the rims of sunglasses or on a scarf), but anymore than that is just overkill for me. I think it’s a little tacky, sorry.
Meg
A few weeks ago I bought leopard pants and had not figured out to wear them. This gave me a lot of super cute ideas to wear them.
Kimberly
Alright, I have to say that I am a huge fan of animal prints, but even with all of the great outfit ideas you provide I still tend to think that leopard print pants are to much. They seem like a really good idea, but one that when you look back at pictures later in life you will say, “what was I thinking!” I love the pattern on other things though, accessories, shirts, or whatever. But I tend to agree with many others here that pants are probably a bit excessive for most people to be able to pull off.
Sarah
Not a big fan. I think they can work if the print is really subtle and the colors are toned down, but I feel like if I were to wear most of these they’d just be something I’d look back on in a photo in a couple years and go, ‘What was I thinking?’
Alex
Agreed that you should never feel bad about a big booty, but please anyone who even remotely thinks of it: don’t wear a Grateful Dead t-shirt if you’ve never listened to the bad =S
Good rule of thumb: if you can’t name at least 5 songs that aren’t radio hits, you should avoid wearing that band’s shirt. I swear to god if I see one more Ramones or CBGB shirt being worn by someone who doesn’t have a clue I’ll scream.
Denny
Ahh, I love animal print so much! But I’m not daring enough to wear it as pants, scarfs and other accessories do it for me!
Jackie
I have found a pair im in love with, only because they are much more toned down!
http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=103&subCategoryId=1236&productId=51056
cvest
thank you alex for saying that ;)
AR
I think they’d be cute if you wore them with a really classic look, and toned down the expected rocker chic vibe. Really cute with a white button down, some bright coral colored loafers (or whatever color) and a skinny patent belt. I would wear them more dressed up than any of the above outfits.
cate
I always wanted leopard pants but I don’t think I could do it but these outfits are adorable. They actually make me want to TRY them. Nothing too dressy and they all just look comfortable, which is a nice change from mostly everything on here.
Rachel
I love animal print, but in small amounts only. Definitely not my kind of trend, but props to those who can rock it.
Jess
Ahh I love the outfit with the dr martens (: