I’ve always been a sucker for a really good leopard or cheetah print. I have a few throw pillows in my home and I am lusting for a cheetah stair runner but haven’t found a print in carpet stores that it just right. I also have a handful of leopard pieces in my closet that include a wrap-around dress, two pairs of shoes, a belt and matching clutch and a winter coat. I gravitate to wearing it with black, brown and pops of red – I think it is so stunning to have such a vibrant pattern and color combo in the winter when we see a lot of grey and black.

The combination of leopard, black and red can translate to special occasions, therefore, I tend not to wear it as often as I want and then, mostly in the evening. This is a real problem for me because I want to wear the things that I love, but I find myself standing in front of my mirror wondering if I can get away with it in the daytime. To further complicate this very serious fashion dilemma, leopard prints are typically reproduced in faux fur or printed on calf hair and I usually wear them exclusively in the colder months. Fur in the summer can be a challenge…unless you live in Alaska.

Wearing my favorite print during the day and all year was easily resolved with denim. For a more casual look, I have been pairing leopard with jeans and chambray shirts for everyday style. If you use leopard pieces as an accent like a clutch, shoes or skinny belt, you can easily wear it in the summer months. It looks so amazing with blue that I am more convinced than ever that leopard is a neutral.