goldenpig

51 Comments

• rute replied 11 years ago

  eh eh my hubby don't love leopard print but he does love my leopard heels!
  I do not think it ages! That was when leopard print was out, only old ladies wore, but now it's so fashion, it's daring, trendy, chic!
  Try to start by wearing it with moderation, that leopard skirt looks lovely with a black blouse!
  The scarf is perfect to wear with jeans and flats!

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• bj1111 replied 11 years ago

  i have a hate-hate relationship with leopard for me...i can see maryk and others rocking it so i wonder why i am so hesitant. perhaps i have the same association. it could also be dose dependent. i do think it ages me and more importantly, it's just not my style. now zebra...that is a whole 'nother animal.

• Atlantia replied 11 years ago

  I really love cooler leopard prints, but don't really care for the traditional warmer ones. I agree that for whatever reason, really big leopard jackets and blouses can seem like they're targeted for older ladies. But it really is all in how you style it. And, if I must be honest, my grandma is a seriously stylish lady, and I would have no problem shopping her closet if we were the same size.
  I agree with bj that zebra is THE animal print.

  ETA: I own several pairs of leopard print undies, and every time I pull them out, my boyfriend says something along the lines of "what's with the animal print?" so I'm guessing he doesn't like it. But whether he liked an outfit or not would not change my opinion of whether to wear it. In fact, he really hates my favorite sweater.

• Suz replied 11 years ago

  I have similar feelings about leopard print, Natalie. In the past I have associated it with a certain kind of older woman...or with a very...um...*tarty* and *tacky* style.

  Yet I find I really enjoy it now in small doses, especially in certain combinations. And I do think that taking it away from its traditional warm tones can give it a very different feel. There are also more or less abstract prints, which can make a difference.

  My husband pretty much does not like it. I got leopard print wedges and he is a "nay" on those. I wear them anyway. He doesn't seem to mind my leopard print scarf, although he did raise an eyebrow the first time I wore it. On the other hand he loves my purply-grey and blue-black leopard print pants. The print is pretty quiet and abstract on those and does not scream "animal print!!!!!"

  With Jessica's outfits, I'm not sure it is the print so much as the cut of the coat and sweater in combination on her body type that ages...plus the colour combo. Know what I am saying?

  The upshot of all this is that for myself, man repelling or not, I prefer it in small doses. If a fairly realistic print I like it best for accessories. If a more abstract, and in a different colour range (i.e. blues) I like it for clothing, too, but I would tend to buy pieces that could be "quieted down" by other items worn. Having said that, I love that leopard print skirt!!

• Mochi replied 11 years ago

  I feel like leopard got a bad rap somewhere along the line. If the coat itself is cut in a youthful, modern way, it seems unfair to make it "old." But really, what can we do? We just have our associations. I like what Jessica is wearing (and she's young, pretty and super tall, so if she can't pull it off, who can?)

  All I have is one leopard-print J. Crew sweater, but it's darker and more low contrast. I don't therefore think my husband has an opinion on the pattern at all.

• TraceyLiz65 replied 11 years ago

  My husband doesn't like the faux fur thing, but seems fine with all animal prints...I prefer to wear it in smaller doses. I think Jessica's jacket is vintage and not to my taste at all... I have worn touches of leopard for most of my adult life, and hope I continue to do so...

  My Day 1 of the copycat challenge I put together 4 different looks using leopard, which is on my blog...

• Kim replied 11 years ago

  Since both my daughters have a decent amount of leopard print in their young and trendy wardrobes I'm going to say it's on trend and not aging at all. HOWEVER...It did used to be for "older" ladies (cause before faux fur who could really afford a leopard coat but rich older ladies??) I feel the same way about mink and fur stoles and most fur coats now. It's in your head and you have associated a certain thing with a certain age.

  And if I remember right does your Mom wear (lots of) leopard? And I remember you don't want to dress like your mother. That's probably influencing you too.

  I have a lot of leopard in my wardrobe. (So much so my friends have a lot of fun finding me things like leopard chairs, and fly swatters and pots and pans! LOL) I've fallen in love with the print this time around. I find it versatile and fun, so I go with that. I have a faux leopard coat too, that I wear when I'm in a cheeky mood.

  Maybe some day I'll be that old lady wearing leopard that the younger ones associate with "old lady style", but heck I'm gonna have fun doing it! LOL I'll know I"ve crossed over to "old lady" land when I start wear it all at once, instead of a bit of leopard well placed to pop an outfit...

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• Janet replied 11 years ago

  You know, I've heard these biases about leopard print here, and I never thought about it until it came up here. I suppose I never had any strong opinions or associations with leopard print, other than my BFF who has always hated anything animal print ever since we were kids. Come to think of it, I prefer an animal print in black and white or grey tones myself, so zebra is more my style, but it's not so easy to find.

  I agree with Mochi that the cut of that coat is more responsible for the "mature" feeling in that first JQ outfit than the print. That is a classic old-school cut from the 40s that immediately brings my grandmother to mind -- in fact there is a beautiful coat of my grandmother's in my basement closet with that cut (it's two sizes too big for me so I have no idea what to do with it).

  I have never asked my husband what he thinks of leopard. I know he likes my Matisse booties and my leopard print Docs, so I guess he doesn't have those negative associations either.

• Claudia replied 11 years ago

  It is all in how leopard print is done in the outfit. I think Jessica's example you posted (she is in her 20's?) leopard coat and red/pink outfit is not so great. I agree it ages her and is all a bit too much the way the items she is wearing are all styled together, the overall effect.

  But look at Angie's client Karen, who is in her 70's and in every outfit wearing a leopard print item she looks fresh, chic, age appropriate -- really AGELESS -- and very stylishly current:

  http://youlookfab.com/2012/06/.....im-jacket/

  http://youlookfab.com/2011/10/.....dge-at-70/

  Jessica could wear any of these outfits that Karen is wearing and look youthful and hip, too.

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• replied 11 years ago

  I love leopard print in smaller doses (shoes, scarves, blouses). I only have one leopard print item and that's a pair of ballet flats.

  Every single instance of Angie's Karen wearing leopard is wonderful...especially the skirt with the white button down and denim jacket. Hmm, if I can find a leopard skirt in time, that just may be my Thanksgiving day outfit. :-)

  Maybe if Jessica didn't pair the coat with all that red, I"d like the outfit better. But in the photo, the coat is wearing her.

  ETA:
  Goldenpig: it sounds like you're in the process of finding your tolerance level for animal print. You like some looks, but not others. I think that's natural with any item that can overwhelm: sequins, brocade, etc. Once you try on what you've ordered, I bet you'll have an idea of how it works for you.

• Suz replied 11 years ago

  FAB examples, Claudia! It's not the print - it is how the garment is cut and how it is worn.

  Karen looks amazing in each and every one of these. Of course we know her stylist has impeccable taste. ;-)

  Here's another non-aging example (IMO).

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• Claudia replied 11 years ago

  Suz, great example. AP blogger looks amazing here with how she styled this coat. Love it!

• Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

  I consider animal print classic and think it's going to be around for a long, long time. I do find I prefer it in smaller doses as well although I have a blazer in all over animal print. I agree that it's all in the styling and what modern elements you pair it with. I don't find it aging on man repelling, but then I have a very tolerant man!

• Suz replied 11 years ago

  Yeah. If Shannon were wearing it, her husband would say, "Oh, it's the sexy man-repeller look!" ;-)

• nancylee replied 11 years ago

  I've enjoyed reading this post since I also have reservations about leopard print. I think it looks fab in small doses...and worn the right way....but I still struggle with images of Mrs. Robinson from "The Graduate." As an over-50 YLFer I really worry that it might age me.

  I do admire it on others, though. Angie's client Karen is a great example of how to wear it well. I sometimes even feel tempted to give it a try, but I always hold off. I think it's just not my style.

• dizzys replied 11 years ago

  Animal print is a throw back to the 1950's sex kitten Hollywood persona. The trend seems to have stuck, but I am not crazy about it. Less is WAY more for me.

• modgrl replied 11 years ago

  I think the key is leopard in small doses - shoes, bag, belt, scarf, layered blouse. I don't like it when it is huge and the centerpiece of an outfit. When worn that way, it is too much for me. I'm looking at a little cropped animal jacket, if I get it, I will wear it by itself, not with other leopard print items.

  I remember your fur jacket deliberations from last year - and some people suggested if you love it, wear what you want, but I got the feeling that the leopard fur jacket was just too outrageous for your conservative husband. I think the scarf and skirt you bought are really nice. They can add just the right amount of punch to an outfit without taking over. I'm not really a fan of poncho's so no comment on that. I have that skirt in a different print (the rachel roy knock off) and it is a really nice thick soft stretch fabric. I think it's something I would have liked wearing when I was pregnant, it is comfy and stretchy, but still has structure and class.

• Diana replied 11 years ago

  Personally I like it but only in small doses. So, accessories for me. Although in high school I had a leopard print skirt that was awesome so it's possible I just haven't found the right piece. I also am pretty particular about the colors in my leopard (and other) prints. I like my leopard to be golden toned and quite saturated rather than brown toned. I also don't like leopard prints with a lot of white or beige. On me, the less saturated leopards wash me out and make me look older, whereas the more saturated, gold-based ones work with my skin tone and look vibrant. (Unless we're talking about snow leopard, that's different obviously).

  I have no idea what fiance thinks of it. I'll have to ask him later.

  By the way, leopards are my favorite animal!

  ETA: I think fur coats are always going to read as a little bit "old lady". Or, more specifically, "rich old lady." It's just the nature of the beast (pun sort of intended.)

• Lisa replied 11 years ago

  My DH is not a fan of animal prints. I don't own any myself but if I were to purchase one, I would stick to accessories so the print is in smaller doses.

• Sara L. replied 11 years ago

  I can appreciate large doses of leopard such as skirts and blouses on others, but I don't like them on me. I have some smaller leopard print items like ballet flats, pumps, and scarves and that's enough for me.

  I don't associate it with old ladies, but with really tacky hoochy type outfits. I went dancing with my husband a couple months ago and every other girl at the bar was wearing teeny tiny denim shorts, cowboy boots and a low-cut leopard print top. One girl even had a leopard print tattoo on her leg that went from thigh to ankle.

• Aziraphale replied 11 years ago

  Haven't read the other responses, so this is my initial gut reaction.

  Is it aging? Not necessarily. As evidenced by the ladies on this forum, it can be done elegantly, adding a pop of pattern to a solid outfit. My preference if for just a little leopard, like on a belt or purse. To my eye this is more chic than, say, a leopard top or coat, although I think those could probably be pulled off in the right outfit combination. Never say never, right? But the more leopard you've got, the more you risk going into Peg Bundy territory.

  Is it man-repelling? In my experience, yeah kinda. I think they associate it with old ladies. Or possibly it's the hoochie factor. Either way, many guys I know haaaaate it. However, a leopard belt, shoes, or purse would probably go under the man-radar.

• Mo replied 11 years ago

  I do think it is a man repeller, certainly for my man. And I also can see the Peg Bundy type tacky associations when overdone or not done well. But I also see that it can be elegant and ladylike if done right. Just not by me! :P

• Mo replied 11 years ago

  Ha Elisabeth!! Cross posted the same things!

• Aziraphale replied 11 years ago

  Wow, Mo, we're on a level this morning!

• replied 11 years ago

  No, I don't think so Natalie. It is about the garment's design more that anything, I would say. I'm off to see what everyone else said!

• N-Marie replied 11 years ago

  While I wouldn't say I have a poison eye for it, it's not something I wear (on clothing). My husband dislikes it strongly and finds it aging, so that's probably a contributing factor. So IMO, yes, it's bit man-repelling (for some men, that is). But I agree with others that I've seen it done elegantly.

  I a bit over 30, FWIW, so I don't think there's necessarily an age-specific rule.

  ETA: My toddler is wearing pink leopard PJ pants right now and I find them ADORABLE (as does my husband), so maybe there is an age rule after all :)

• dizzys replied 11 years ago

  Yes, Peg Bundy..... good association guys!

• replied 11 years ago

  I think it really depends on the garment and how expensive it *looks*. There are a lot of cheap, tacky animal prints available out there right now (leopard Snuggies anyone?).

  I never wore leopard prints in the 80's because I was doing the preppy thing full on, and now I'm in love with it. I really have to restrain myself or I'd have a closet full of leopard. My first purchase was a leopard long-sleeved blouse (pre-YLF) that was shiny polyester and REALLY loud. I never felt completely comfortable in it, so I passed it on. I'm glad I tried it again in a scarf and shoes because those worked for me. I also have it in a cotton cardi that has a white background so I can get my leopard fix in summer.

• krishnidoux replied 11 years ago

  This is a very good question you pose, Natalie.

  For leopard prints, DH doesn't like it and made it clear, because he feels it "cheapens" a look. DS isn't a fan either because he feels it stamps the word "cougar" all over my forehead.

  As for faux fur, DH doesn't like it either, probably because it vaguely reminds him of bohemian romantics which he despises, and says I'm wearing a chubaca when I have it on. DS doesn't like it because of animal concerns, even if it's faux, then he doesn't see the "logic".

  So, here you have it, for the men in my household.

  So, are these items man repellent? From what I read here, it looks like it is! Are these aging? I think not in and by themselves; but if paired with other elements they can be reminiscent of another generation, the one who bloomed in the fifties, so that's why we associate it with age. But as Suz points out, if the cut of the garment and the rest of the outfit are modern, then it's not aging.
  In the picture 1, JQ is not just wearing leopard print. She's wearing a coat with a cut from the fifties, cigarette pants (also a fifties staple), big sunglasses and gloves. I mean. She's looking for it! I don't care for this particular outfit.

• Isis replied 11 years ago

  I'm in a minority here in that I like Jessica's leopard outfit. She doesn't look older to me, but the outfit is more classic than the polka dot one....

  But then I love leopard. And I would love Mrs Robinson in The Graduate.

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• Gaylene replied 11 years ago

  I guess I've always thought of animal prints in the same way I've thought of other prints. Some I love (stripes) while others are "meh" (polka dots) while others seem just plain ugly to my eye (bold tartans). But I know that another person would have exactly the opposite reaction to these patterns. And those feelings would apply to men, as well as women, I'd imagine.

  But Jeneva's recent post on style, personality, and body shape makes me wonder if body shape and personality also influences how we choose to wear patterns. For example, a leopard-print, body-con top on an hourglass shape would have a very effect (and set of associations) than drapey, leopard-print shirt on an tall, thin rectangle. The same goes for other patterns: A polka dot dress on a small, dainty figure may appear more child-like than on an angular, tall shape. A curvier woman might be happier showing her love of stripes in her accessories instead of in pants or a dress. Maybe subconsciously we factor these elements into deciding how much of a particular pattern would work with our personalities and body shapes?

  And, I suppose, the men in our lives are also influenced by the vision that they have of us. Associations with starlets, celebrities, and Minnie Mouse might make them less than enthusiastic about some of the current fashion experiments and trends. For example, my husband and my sons absolutely hate the current pattern mixing trend, unless it is very subtle. I doubt that I could ever stand up to their eye-rolling and comments if I was ever inclined to show up in such an outfit.

• JR replied 11 years ago

  I totally get where you are coming from. I think those associations are not shared by younger people though, so to their eyes it doesn't look old or trashy. To me, it still does, but I recognize this as my personal reaction, not an objective evaluation of the person wearing it. Rarely, I even find myself liking it. I will be starting to genuinely like it about the time it goes out of style again. But then I will be pre-primed for the next iteration. ;o)

  Man-repelling? In the case of my husband, most definitely. I have no idea if younger men share the aversion. I should poll my sons. (I have four of them, and they each march to their own drummer, so it would be a fairly wide sampling.)

• replied 11 years ago

  Forgot to add: I would not even know what to say on the man repelling front. My guy jokes about this all the time. He "thought" he was signing up for Hoochie fashion, since I am hispanic, so he is a bit disappointed, plus Sofia Vergara is not helping me any. LOL. I think he would very happy if I ever show up in a body con leopard print anything .... Not happening :P

• Mochi replied 11 years ago

  No, he definitely got the latina Kate Spade (without the handbag empire). Which besides being chic and adorable, has much, much more staying power IMHO :-)

• AndiB replied 11 years ago

  I. Love. Leopard. Just love it. I purchased a leopard swing coat, vintage from ebay a month ago and feel FAB wearing it; can't wait for the weather to cool down so I can wear more often. Now this coat isn't something I would wear to business meetings (though I would wear on a casual Friday). I have leopard pumps (wore them to the mall and received no fewer than 6 compliments), leopard belt, several leopard print blouses, and several leopard print scarves. I use it in doses big and small. Did I say I love leopard? Maybe a photo of my very cool leopard swing coat will be my first WIW. My coat makes me feel very youthful and vogue!

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• bj1111 replied 11 years ago

  first...peg bundy is my secret idol.

  second...leopard snuggies are so tacky they have become ironic. i would swathe myslef in it to watch revolution and munch on microwaved popcorn.

• RoseandJoan replied 11 years ago

  Leopard print has a lot of baggage. Everyone has an opinion and it pays to be aware of this, thank you

• shiny replied 11 years ago

  At some time in the past, I read some fashion book that advised that women over age 35 should never wear leopard print except in small doses. And that stuck in my head. And I have a hard time removing it.

  I do love small doses of leopard (or any animal print). And because it's in right now, I've built up my capsule: leopard booties, clutch, belt. I also have a leopard print cardigan which I never wear, because each time I put it on, I feel too weird in it. And yet I haven't let it go. Go figure.

  That said, if I'm honest, deep down, there's long been a yearning in my heart for a 3/4 length leopard coat. Like the one Suz shared or pic one of AndiB's. I'd probably rarely wear it and always feel too costume or conspicuous in it... but yeah...

  Then again, I also have a secret yearning for a real mink. Don't criticize me! I just like fur. So soft and warm. I doubt I'll ever buy one or own one.

• Nicole D replied 11 years ago

  It looks fabulous at all times. It's all in the attitude. Just ask Edith Prickley.

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• replied 11 years ago

  When I was young only old unstylish women wore leopard, now everyone does so I suppose that means it's not aging.

  To my husband it is man repelling- He says "any leopard print is too much unless you are a leopard"

• shiny replied 11 years ago

  Tracina, how old are you? I'd be interested in correlating how people feel vs their age/generation. At 47 I definitely remember Peg Bundy and Edith Prickley. I also have a soft place in my heart for one of my closest high school friends who had a retro leopard coat and wore it every day, with Adam Ant tee shirt, spiked purple hair, black lipstick and studded neck collar.

  I never watch t.v. but don't the Desperate Housewives dress in leopard? I have that stuck in my head for some reason. I could be wrong. Too much animal print after a certain age = Cougar? Rawr!

• Aida replied 11 years ago

  I see Jessica the same in either outfit; she's got a more literal retro outfit thing going in #1 is all, especially since that IS a vintage coat. Suz's AP photo is a great example of styling a 50s glam type of leopard coat much less literally. I don't see either as aging or .. younging? I can appreciate leopard print in big swathes like those jackets on others, but probably won't be wearing them myself any time soon (although.. I do have enough 80s glam metal love in me so uhm we'll have to see about that). For myself, I like it in small doses primarily because I don't have a huge retro streak to my style. I also purposefully avoid brown-based leo prints from an Urban style standpoint; I stick to grayscale or golden-creamy based prints.

  As far as man repelling, well that just depends on the man. For mine? Yep. He has the same opinion as Tracina's husband : "any leopard print is too much unless you are a leopard" (I think he's even voiced it the same way hehe). He can deal with me wearing leopard pumps or a scarf, but doesn't like leopard garments (I have a couple). I think he'd give me a serious eyebrow raise if I came home with that 80s metal glam leopard faux fur coat though ;)

• replied 11 years ago

  {Tracina's husband high-fiving Aida's husband} : )

  Shiny, I'm 49 on the cusp of 50. For the record I do wear a bit of leopard/cheetah print at times.

• Jjsloane replied 11 years ago

  I guess I'm an old man repelling woman. I love it. Always will.
  I do not wear it in spandex pants ala Peg Bundy, but anything else is fair game (except I prefer it in natural color combos not neon - too 80's for me). DH has never expressed a dislike for it. I think the 1st 2 photos do not make her look different age.

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• Joy replied 11 years ago

  I like leopard because it seems to go with anything like a neutral, but would never wear a leopard print coat. There is also a huge variation in leopard prints so one must choose carefully. I prefer those that are heavy on greys.
  Kendall Farr in Style Evolution says, "the ageless, timeless queen of the fashion jungle is the leopard print..." She feels the print is "sophisicated, nervy, sexy...vintage Sophia Loren or Hitchcock heroine Grace Kelly".

• Jonesy replied 11 years ago

  I'm intrigued by all of these negative associations with leopard! I have no negative associations--I think it's fab. Love it in a coat, or a suit, or accessories. I don't see how it could be aging, but then again I don't associate it with anything dated, matronly, etc.

  ETA: I should add that my SO has rigid, narrow ideas about some things, so I would never go with his thoughts about something like leopard print! For example, I ordered a sweater with a knit pattern on it, and he said "Cute Cosby sweater." As in Bill Cosby.

• Mo replied 11 years ago

  My BF reaffirmed a minute ago that he basically hates it. I showed him the tank I am thinking of purging and he said I won't be begging you to keep that. when prodded, he said there's nothing good about animal print, period. lol
  Guess he has a poison eye ;)

• Laura replied 11 years ago

  I'm with Jonesy. I love leopard, but now that I say it, my only leopard piece is a belt. I really, really wanted one of those Weatherproof faux leopard coats that Nordstrom carries every year.

  I do think that there is good leopard print and bad leopard print, you know? The actual print itself, I mean. Badly designed leopard print can look cheap quickly. Or it can look fab. One glance and you'll know the difference.

• shiny replied 11 years ago

  Okay the DH is home and I asked him... he said "oh that style has been around for 10 years so it's dated and going out of style and ANY animal print is dated." I asked if it was "man repelling" and he gave me a sideways smirk. Then I asked if he hated my new clutch, and he said, "no I love your crotch." "Clutch!" "Clutch? I don't hate any part of your anatomy." "I mean my new purse!" "I don't hate any part of you or anything you love so no it doesn't bother me, baby!"

  Someone taught him well..........

• Debora replied 11 years ago

  Lol, Shiny! I just asked my husband what he thought of animal print and his reply was: "you see it all the time, isn't it timeless?" Another well-trained husband!

  I'm hoping it's timeless. I have several pieces: a gray leopard cardigan (shown in my most recent WIW), a leopard scarf (also black/gray tones), a silk top, and a few animal print clutches.

• replied 11 years ago

  Haha, Shiny, if I had a dollar for every time I see the word crotch written here, I'll have enough moola for a new pair of boots. LOL