Leopard print is a funny thing. It can look quirky and cute, but more often than not it comes off incredibly tacky. For this reason, I consider it one of the most difficult prints to wear. However, I also think it can be the most rewarding. Leopard print is pleasing in its tackiness. Go overboard, and you look like a hooker. Wear it well and you look like someone who knows how to have a good time - and I do not mean in the hooker way. The key, I think, is to keep it quirky. The easiest way to wear leopard print is in small doses. A leopard print collar poking out from under a modest top (upper left). A leopard print scarf or belt (lower right.) A spotted hat atop loose locks. Wear leopard print subtly or loudly, but wear it alone. Or wear a bigger piece, like a jacket, only with modest dark clothing. A black dress and tights with a leopard print coat. A printed skirt, black tights, and a black top. Or even a loose leopard print dress and dark hat (upper right.)These seem to be the easiest way to get away with it.
Then again, these are just musings. If you want to look "tacky," then by all means go ahead. Ain't nothing wrong with that. Leopard print, as I said, is tacky by nature, and I wouldn't want it any other way.
Gosh, I'm tired. Did this article even make sense?
Photo credit here.
UPDATE: Looking back on this entry and cringing. I was half awake when I wrote it, and it is below my usual standards, especially since I try to avoid writing anything negative here or giving specific instructions as to how to wear something. Ouch. Bad Kori. I considered deleting it, but instead I think I will leave you with a blast from the past: me in 2007 wearing leopard print, turquoise zebra print, pink suede, and a quilted '80s bag. Proof that tacky is fun, and that I'm in no way condoning the wearing of leopard print. Still own that skirt, still love it.
(Skirt from Wardrobe Swap Shop on Flickr, UO top, old scarf from my mom, Luella for Target jacket)
