Fashion
Is the Leopard Print Skirt Making a Comeback?
The fashion world has a long history of loving leopard. The print first made its way to prominence in the 1920s, championed by designers like Christian Dior and Lanvin, and has remained an important part of the fashion ether ever since. Throughout the years, we’ve seen leopard with a coquettish flair, à la Jackie Kennedy in the 1960s, and with a rock ’n roll edge on the likes of Debbie Harry. Leopard print’s versatility makes it something of a chameleon, prompting many in the industry to declare it a neutral.
In more recent fashion history, in 2019 New York City experienced the summer of the leopard print skirt. What began with a popular satin style from Réalisation Par, eventually turned into a tsunami of leopard midis. The ubiquity of the style rubbed many the wrong way. I, for one, vowed to retire my leopard skirt for good. But, as with many declared-dead fashion trends, fast-forward five years and the style feels entirely new again.
Vogue’s Favorite Leopard Print Skirts
On 2024 runways, the leopard skirt started making a comeback. We saw it at Pieter Mueller’s ever-chic Alaïa show, and as a matching leopard set at Prada and Celine. Oscar de la Renta put its spin on leopard with a voluminous maxi, while Toteme showed a style in sleek pony. I may not be ready to bring out my satin midi quite yet (or ever again), but clearly there are plenty of new ways to wear the leopard skirt this summer and into fall. Check out our guide on how to style it, below.
Leopard on Leopard
Take a cue from Hedi Slimane’s rockabilly-chic aesthetic and pair a micro-mini leopard set with a simple tee, preppy loafers, and scrunched white socks.
Tone it Down
Lean into Toteme’s minimalist take on leopard print by adding a simple white tank and polishing off with sleek, black accessories.
Girlish Glamour
Pair Alaïa’s leopard mini with girlish extras, like a soft sweater set, T-strap kitten heels, and a pair of cateye frames.
Earth Animal
The soft, maxi shape of this leopard skirt from Massimo Dutti will play well with more low-key pieces like an oversized sweater, quilted leather bag, and flat sandals.
Leopard Academy
Preppy extras take the pow out of leopard print. Pair a miniskirt with stripes, pearls, and sporty sandals.
More is More
Channel a Copenhagen cool girl by mixing a leopard maxi with sneakers, a voluminous top and, of course, a hair bow.