Archives for October 2020

I come from the school of thought that leopard is a neutral. It pairs with every color, can carry and entire look or is a perfect accent piece. Now, I absolutely understand that not everyone feels this way. It can often be seen as a go-to for tacky-themed Halloween costume. I never let this get me down. I love it and I own it and I own a lot of it. 

I have just about every variation of leopard you can imagine: pants, dresses, tops, scarves, bags, jackets, shoes, etc. If you can wear it, I probably have one in leopard. 

This week, I needed to step up my “fierce” mentality and this was the perfect way to do it. This print is perfect when you want to make a statement of confidence, but want to wear something that isn’t too “out there”. 

Today’s lesson is to pair it with black. If you’re wanting to find more ways to wear leopard or want to invest in more of these pieces, black complimentary items will ensure the look stays grounded.

This leopard jumpsuit – from the target clearance rack – is a LOT when worn by itself. Add a black blazer and some neutral pumps and this could easily pass for a great Friday at the office outfit or a dinner date look.

Similar Jumpsuits can be found here: Asos $26, IVRose $30, SelfieLeslie $76

This is an easy one. A leopard scarf goes with any color. I especially love to pair them with bright-colored coats to add some additional texture. You’d be amazed at how leopard can actually TONE DOWN a brightly colored look.

Leopard Scarves here: Walmart $12, Amazon $13

If you don’t have leopard shoes in your closet, HOW ARE YOU EVEN LIVING?! If you put an outfit together with all solid colors this is when a patterned shoe can elevate a look. Here are a few of my favorites: Old Navy $20, Target $25

I have been obsessed with these leopard joggers since the moment I laid eyes on them. I’ve dressed them up with a gauzy black button down shirt and heels and dressed them down as you see here. A perfect travel item and always brings a million compliments. This pair is Zara from a while back, but here are a few similar options. Labeye $48, Amazon $18

The key to a great leopard item is to make sure the print doesn’t feel oversized or cartoon-like. Too-big spots can come across feeling “cheap” and for a pattern that is already perceived from some of the population as tacky, you want to be cautious.

This top is a great example of more two dimensional interpretation of leopard. The high-low is dramatic, so I kept the bottom-half simple. Faux Leather leggings and black pumps help put an exclamation point on this edgy outfit without being too far out in left field.

Here are a few leopard tops to add to your wardrobe. Venus $44, Amazon $17, Amazon $20 (plus sizes!)

Moral of the story…..

Can you be more dramatic with your leopard outfits than I was? ABSOLUTELY. I hope this week’s article reminds you, though, that leopard can work with just about any item in your wardrobe. Have fun with it and remember… Leopard is a neutral!

It’s hard to think of a wardrobe item that could be considered more classic than a white button down shirt. And before we dive in, let’s address a quick debate. Is it button down shirt? Or button up shirt? 

I would also consider a classic white shirt to be the only clothing item that can stand alone as a Halloween costume. Think Tom Cruise in Risky Business – a white dress shirt plus tube socks and sunglasses and you are good to go!

I’ve owned a lot of white dress shirts over the years. For the longest time I struggled to find one that was tapered properly for my narrow frame. I just felt like it would swallow me whole. Then I did find some that were more feminine cut, but then it felt like it lost its chrispness.

So, thanks to my trial and error I have finally determined that the ideal white button down shirt for women is one that is proportional but not fitted. This way it’s still feels and looks classic but isn’t completely unflattering.

The one I am wearing here is from the company UNTUCKit (UNTUCKit $78). I want to say I first saw them on Shark Tank and kind of guffawed at what a simple concept the brand was – same old shirts the perfect length for not tucking in. Someone gave me a gift card to the site and I treated Kevin to a few men’s shirts and snagged this “Jackie” style for myself. I will say they are in-fact the perfect length to wear without tucking in. I guess they nailed it!

It is also wrinkle-resistant and MACHINE WASHABLE which is a huge adult win. Nothing is more demoralizing than steaming or ironing a garment and then sitting down for two seconds only to undo all of that effort. I don’t think the shirt is perfect in that sense, but it does take a lot more to be so wrinkly it is unwearable.

Side note – your white shirt should also be thick enough that you cannot see a bra or undershirt underneath. That alone will make your vibe look way sloppier and less quality.

Here’s Four Ways To Wear… plus, a bonus look!

This is the easiest way to wear as far as number of pieces involved. Wear your white button down shirt as it’s meant to be worn and pair it with leggings and boots or booties. Because there is very little structure in the top half of this outfit, I went with sock booties to keep my bottom half tight for balance.

I would suggest pairing with a structured purse to, again, add shape where there is none.

A little less dressy than the previous option, but still chic all the same. This time grab skinny jeans and your favorite knee-high boots for the bottom half. Coordinate that with a long line chunky sweater of your choosing. I didn’t happen to have a chunky enough sweater in a bright color or a pattern but I would highly recommend going that direction instead of a neutral.

I am only suggesting that because that is a lot of neutrals for one outfit and you know I can’t be too basic for too long.

OMG This is my favorite one! As you know, I’m already obsessed with these $30 jeans from Target. I did a whole article about how to wear them here if you need a refresher. I tucked in the front of the shirt and let the back hang out so it didn’t feel too stuffy.

I wore nude pumps here, but quite literally ANY shoe will do. Even some slim-line sneakers would work here and still feel appropriate with this top.

And now for something totally different! I saw a cast member from one of my favorite Bravo shows (Summer House – hey, Amanda!) wear a button down shirt like this once and I’ve not forgotten it. Hers was leopard, but still the same effect.

Unbutton the shirt enough to be able to drape it over your shoulders. This will mean the front will be way shorter than normal, so you absolutely MUST pair it with something high waist. Otherwise it will be all weird and baggy where you don’t want it to be.

This is my wildcard look – what do you think? Does it work or does it flop?

BONUS LOOK: Remember this look from my crew neck sweater ideas for game day? Layer your dress shirt with a sweatshirt for a cute and casual style!

Which of these looks would you wear?