Dior used leopard print as early as 1947, and in 1962 Jackie Kennedy wore an Oleg Cassini leopard coat that is reported to have set off a boom in demand for the real thing. Today the faux versions carry the legacy. This is how to wear a leopard print coat so it looks like a neutral.
The Leopard Print Coat: Dior Did It in 1947, Jackie Made It a Scandal
A print with a past
Leopard print carries an unusual amount of history for a pattern. Christian Dior used leopard in his collections as early as 1947, and in 1962 Jackie Kennedy wore a leopard coat by Oleg Cassini. Reports at the time and since suggest the coat inspired a surge in demand for real fur, with an often-quoted estimate of around 250,000 leopards killed, though that number is an estimate and should be treated carefully. After years of beige, the leopard coat is the neutral with a sense of humor. Today the faux versions let you wear it with a clear conscience.
Treat it as a neutral
The secret of leopard is to wear it like a neutral. It goes with black, camel, navy, denim and cream. Pair a leopard coat with plain clothes, and it will lift the whole outfit. Free People, Michael Kors and Apparis do faux fur versions with a vintage feel, while L'AGENCE and Sanctuary make lighter jackets in fabric. Look for a print with warm browns and black rosettes rather than bright orange, which can look cartoonish.
Faux fur that feels real
A good faux fur has a soft pile and a bit of weight. Check the lining, since a well-made coat is lined in satin or a similar slippery fabric. Hold the coat up and brush the fur backwards. If the base looks plastic and shiny, it will not age well. Picture her walking through a hotel lobby in a leopard coat, black trousers and a pair of loafers, and a quiet gold watch. The coat is loud, and everything else is quiet.
Wear it with restraint
One leopard item at a time is the rule. If you wear a leopard coat, keep your accessories plain. A black beanie, black boots and a pair of dark jeans are all it needs. In our fashion dreams she wears a leopard coat to the corner shop in the rain, over pajamas, and looks better than anyone else on the street. Avoid pairing the print with other animal prints, which can look chaotic.
What I would skip
I would skip leopard coats in thin polyester, which shine and crease. I would skip bright, saturated colors if you want it to feel classic. And I would skip very cropped styles unless you wear them with high-waisted trousers. If you are unsure, try on a jacket first and see how it makes you feel before you commit to the full coat.
