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Home • Fashion

Animal Instincts

Animal Instincts by Alexandra Phanor-Faury The bold, leopard print trend has been prrrowling around for decades now. Though it may not be a completely new trend, this cat-powered print has been experiencing a major resurgence. This Fall, the runways were littered with leopard spots from daring head-to-toe ensembles to subtle accents to satisfy every woman’s needs. Take a cue from our favorite trendsetting starlets on how to amp up your own look with this wild print without looking like cat woman.
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
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01
Jessica White

The heart-shaped neckline of this strapless, body-hugging number is a subtle detail that adds a dash of feminine flair to Jessica White’s sizzling dress.

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02
Queen Latifah

Curvy women should not let their size keep them from flaunting this sexy trend. The Queen shows you how it’s done with a leopard print dress that skims and hugs it in all the right places.

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03
Stuart Weitzman Leopard Pony Skin Court Shoe

These droll-worthy pumps should be on every fashionista’s wish list. Despite covering two huge trends in one, this platform and leopard print shoe still manages to look chic.

Stuart Weitzman Leopard Pony Skin Court Shoe with peep-toe. $551.00
www.shopstyle.com

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04
Halle Berry

Halle Berry radiates in a gorgeous empire waist leopard dress.

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05
Chanel Iman

This catwalk beauty is mesmerizing in this beautiful Zac Posen gown. The non-traditional hue of the leopard spots has a sophisticated appeal.

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06
AK Anne Klein Christa Pump

Show a bit of toe cleavage with this pointy toe shoe. The reasonable heel height will make these your favorite pair.

AK Anne Klein Shoes Christa Pump. $47.95
www.shopstyle.com

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07
Beyonce

Gold and leopard go together like peanut butter and jelly. Beyonce proves just why this duo scores high fashion points with a flirty, ruffled hem, leopard dress accentuated with a long gold necklace, hoop earrings and bracelet.

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08
Serena Williams

Serena Williams shows off her toned arms in a long, leopard print dress.

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09
Whitney Houston

Fashion rules are made to be broken. Definitely not for every woman, unless you’re on stage every night, but Whitney looks amazing in head-to-toe leopard.

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10
Westport Leopard Clutch

Spice up your outfit with just a hint of animal print with this zip clutch.
Westport Exotic Zip Clutch. $68.00
www.shopstyle.com

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11
Rihanna

Jessica Rabbit better watch her back, Rihanna is out to steal the title of sultry vixen in a svelte leopard dress.

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12
Jamelia

Jamelia’s knee length hem keeps this look classy, not trashy.

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13
Leopard Ankle Boot

Leopard ankle boots have been popping up on a bevy of stars feet like Ciara and Rihanna. Don’t let the bold print scare you off, these boots a surprisingly versatile. You can team these babies with everything from black jeans, leggings to skirts and dresses. The one little trick to pulling this look off is keeping the rest of your attire fairly simple.

Leopard Print Bootie with wrap overlay and buckle. $38.00
www.shopstyle.com

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14
Diana Ross

Age ain’t nothing but a number when it comes to wearing this print. Diana Ross exudes confidence in a spaghetti strap dress with train.

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15
Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana makes a memorable entrance in this leopard print gown. This Dolce & Gabbana gown demonstrates that the leopard print can be pretty and feminine.

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16
Angela Simmons

Angela Simmons shows off her grown up style with a tasteful leopard print bustier. We love that the budding fashionista pairs this sex-pot top with an un-fussy, high-waisted, black bandage knee length skirt, t-strap heels and very little accessories to showcase this raw print.

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17
Solange Knowles

Solange’s wide, obi styled leopard belt is the perfect touch to offset her cropped, studded leather jacket, gold link necklace and pleated dress for a good girl gone bad attire.

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18
Leopard Print Stretch Belt

Reveal your inner feline with this textured leopard print stretch belt.
Leopard Print Stretch Belt is a mix of leopard-print faux-pony hair and elastic. $38.00
www.shopstyle.com

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Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon

Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon’s leopard print clutch is nothing short of fabulous against her dress.

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20
Leopard Turnlock Clutch

Betsey Johnson’s leopard-print haircalf clutch is an evening standout with its cheeky lipstick-shaped turnlock. $198.00
www.shopstyle.com

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21
Jazmine Sullivan

Jazmine Sullivan puts a casual spin to this print and nails it. She flirts with the trend by tying her khaki jacket with a leopard belt for a chic safari look.

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22
Animal Print Thin Belt

Give the wide belt a rest and opt for a slim one in this print for a fresh alternative.

Another Line Animal Print Contour Belt with a black resin buckle with goldtone prong. $38.00
www.shopstyle.com

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23
Queen Latifah

Ladies, the easiest and fail-proof way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe is through accessories. Follow Queen Latifah’s lead and invest in a pair of leopard heels to make an impact day and night.

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24
Tory Burch Reva Leopard Print Ballet Flat

You love the Tory Burch Reva ballerina, so update the classic in this funky leopard haircalf print. The mix of the animal print with the signature gold logo detail adds a great dose of decadence to practical flats.
Tory Burch Reva Leopard Print Ballet Flat. $225.00
www.shopstyle.com

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25
Mary J. Blige

The Queen of hip-hop soul isn’t shying away from making a statement. Here, Mary showcases two of winter’s key trends: fur and leopard print. Her long coat is easily modernized thrown over a black jersey asymmetrical, gathered hemmed dress and a wide black belt. Not sure you can pull off this outerwear? Try a more versatile shorter fur peacoat or bomber jacket to make this look your own.

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