First things first: animal prints are not a trend. They're as timeless as the Little Black Dress--just ask Catherine Deneuve--and should be treated as such. That means when you wear leopard, you're going for elegance and simplicity, not in-your-face sexuality. Keep reading to find out the Dos and Don'ts of wearing animal prints.
DON'T: Leopard print already has inherently sexy connotations--don't venture into overkill territory by adding a trench coat, which also calls to mind some pretty revealing thoughts (having a reputation as a cougar doesn't help the look much, either!). Double leopard print is an obvious no-no, so pick one piece only and play that up. It's also best to avoid pairing animal prints with red or hot pink shoes (a common and terrible mistake!), lace, sequins, rhinestones, or anything else that makes it feel like a late 80s costume. Too much cleavage is similarly damaging to your look--again, there's enough sex appeal in the fabric itself! Repeat after me: LESS IS MORE!
Mixing prints and patterns: When does it all become, well, too much?
DO: Treat leopard with total sophistication. Scarlett Johansson showed up at a press conference earlier this week in this chiffon bow-tie blouse with a simple pencil skirt and black Louboutins and I think she nailed it. Her hairdo is simple, her accessories are minimal, and her entire look is elegant. She turns leopard print from something vampy into something that wouldn't look out of place at the office. Black is the best compliment (but brown or tan can work well, too) and the key is to play up that one piece while letting everything else take a back seat. And you can never go wrong in an all black outfit and one leopard accessory!
Check out this season's trends Do's and Don'ts with celebrity designer, Michael Kors.
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