Leopard isn't a trend; it's a staple. But one animal-print item in particular has taken center stage this season: leopard jeans.
Styling leopard jeans is easier than you'd think, so don't be intimidated if they're something entirely new for you. The beauty of the print containing black, brown, and tan is that you can pair it with a wide range of shoes, bags, and jackets. Start with staples like white tees and sneakers, then play around with mixed prints and bold accent colors.
Most brands' fall offerings have a low-slung, slouchy fit. GAP and Free People went with oh-so-trendy barrel-leg cuts, while Mango and Sézane opted for loose, straight-leg silhouettes. A number of leopard print sweatpant-jeans are popping up on new arrivals pages, too. To help you tap into the animal print craze, I've created a shortlist of the best styles currently in stock—and for outfit inspiration, I've broken down four ways I wear my own Madewell pair.
Mango Leopard-Print Straight Jeans
Lioness She's All That Jeans
Madewell The Darted Barrel Leg Jeans
Good American Good Standard Kick Flare Leopard Jeans
Leopard Jeans + Graphic Tee
If you're into the sweatpant-jeans trend, now's the time to expand your casual wardrobe with an animal-print pair. They're just as comfy as loungewear, and make your go-to graphic tees and sweatshirts look so much more pulled together.
AFRM Ryan Cotton Barrel Sweatpants
Selena Gomez I Said I Love You First T-Shirt
Leopard Jeans + Cozy Sweater
A good old sweater-and-jeans outfit feels totally fresh when there's leopard print involved. Try a brown or black pullover for a monochrome look, cream for a neutral palette, or add a pop of cherry red for contrast. Sleek boots and sparkly jewels will dress up the slouchy silhouette for the office or evening.
Sézane Nevada Leopard Le Crop Jeans
Reformation Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater
BaubleBar Amalie Tennis Bracelet
Leopard Jeans + Black Top
Grabbing drinks with friends? Whether it's bottomless brunch, green juices, or dirty martinis, leopard jeans and a little black top will earn you compliments from the entire table. Plus, it's an excuse to take your heeled sandals for another spin before it's too cold for open-toed shoes.
We the Free Good Luckl Barrel Jeans
Superdown Corinne Off Shoulder Top
Marc Jacobs The Snapshot DTM Pochette
Leopard Jeans + Denim Jacket
For a new take on denim-on-denim, mix your leopard pants with a white tee and denim jacket. The styling possibilities are endless: throw on Bella Hadid's sneakerinas for a daytime outing, hoops and heels for a night out, a sporty hat for a Saturday tailgate—shall I go on?
Vivaia Cristina Satin Sneakerinas
Sarah Maberry is a fashion and luxury commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, where she covers fashion, beauty and pop culture. A seasoned trend forecaster and fashion historian, she analyzes viral products and trends on a deeper level, helping readers determine what's worth buying. When she’s not writing for ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, Town & Country, Esquire, Cosmopolitan and other publications, she can be found roaming the Museum at FIT (her alma matter) or sewing her own couture while she binge-watches reality TV.
