A quick inventory of my wardrobe would expose that I have at least 10 items of the leopard persuasion, from heels to hats to athleisure—even down to undergarments. I’m what you might call an involuntary leopard lover, as most of these items came into my possession only in the last year. Always one to champion zebra or snake prints over what I once derogatorily considered too ubiquitous for my “unique” taste, I never appreciated leopard print for what it is: a chaotic neutral.

Fast-forward to now. At least in cities like New York and Copenhagen, everywhere you look, you’ll see various forms of leopard print. Sneakers, pants, coats, hats, boots, and tights; spot after spot, it goes on and on. After a recent night out in the concrete jungle—where I thought I’d stand out among the typical nightlife fashion in a new leopard print dress—I quickly realized (as I looked around and matched at least four other women) that this particular animal print is, quite literally, the new black. Animal print is nothing new, to be sure, but this fierce pattern has reached what feels like a peak in popularity, perhaps thanks to a collective post-COVID need to stand out whilst still blending in. Seemingly straightforward and effortless, it takes confidence and ease to rock, earning leopard print a status akin to denim on denim or complete black.

Bags

The best way to get into any new trend, in my opinion, is to start with accessories. Leopard-print handbags are extremely user-friendly and make perfect accents to otherwise classic ’fits—or the cherries-on-top of an already all-leopard ensemble.

Shoes

Coats

This category is for those ready to dive in head-first…which, if you’re considering leopard print, might already be your style. Coats are an investment piece that you’re likely to wear every day, so a statement pattern like this can be daunting, whether you view leopard as a neutral or not. With these, though, no matter how often you wear them, they’ll always elevate your look.

Jackets

For an arguably more youthful take on the trend, try a fun and flirty jacket that can be worn as a layering piece or purely for transitional practicality. Wear yours over a classic white tee with statement jewelry for a vintage-turned-modern feel.

Sweaters

Coziness can also fall into this genre of sexy statement dressing. A leopard-print sweater shows the world that even from your comfy clothes, you demand character and pizzazz. There’s something that gives kooky grandma about a leopard sweater, and I think that’s beautiful.

Tops

For those after a more polished look, these blouses are your ticket in. From sheer to polo to peplum, leopard print transcends any current silhouette trend to keep itself center-stage. Pair these tops with your favorite jeans or an office-appropriate skirt to complete the sophisticated ensemble.

Pants

Cool girls know that a pair of leopard print pants adds an edge to any outfit. At least three friends own a pair of leopard pants—and then, of course, there’s my own pair, too. Wear with a cropped tee or a classic button-down for an elevated, yet effortless look.

Skirts

Dresses

A leopard-print dress essentially means wearing an all-leopard look, so if you go down this route, you have to own it. Maxi, mini or midi, a leopard-print dress might come with some unintended side effects: compliments from strangers, a newfound strut, and daring spontaneity are all possible when using this treatment.