A Step-by-Step Guide to Wearing Leopard Print for Fall

Luxurious leopard print is making a comeback, but perhaps not quite in the manner that we last saw it. Rather than adorning oneself with yards of animal fur, the rules for wearing leopard print in the fall have been altered a bit. Placement and restraint are absolutely key to maintaining an elegant and sophisticated air with the season's leopard fashions. For fool-proof secrets to letting a little bit of the wild side into your fall wardrobe, take advantage of this step-by-step guide.

First and foremost, go faux. While in past seasons we prized the furs of animals and coveted the most natural pieces as a symbol of prestige, today designers and fashionistas alike are more inclined toward being sensitive to our helpless furry friends. Much more chic today is the choice to wear faux, well made, high quality pieces that give the look of luxury without the sacrifice of a living creature. Don't be fooled, however. Faux leopard pieces are hot, and designer faux animal prints can still demand a price tag that competes with that of natural furs.

Now that we have the technicalities out of the way, on to the fun part. Start by adding leopard print accessories to your fall wardrobe in the form of hats, scarves, gloves, and bags. Wear one (and only one) piece with your basic black pieces to add a bit of spice and style without going overboard.

At night, pair leopard print stilettos with jewel toned gowns. This part is where many women falter, so pay close attention. Silk gowns of amethyst, emerald, cobalt, and ruby hues look fantastic with leopard print, sky-high heels. However, the heel generally must be around three inches (at least) and the gowns must be of a luxurious texture. Leopard print evening shoes never pair well with less-than-posh materials, so be sure that the fabric of your dress can hold its own against such a traditionally opulent design.

If you prefer to go the risky route and wear dresses or outfits made entirely of leopard print, be careful. With such a bold pattern, it is absolutely essential that lines are understated and demure. Dramatic cuts and daring designs can cause a garish effect, which is certainly not what you desire. Because leopard print is such a demand on one's attention, entire outfits made from the pattern must be kept simple in overall design, meaning that generally any low necklines, high slits, ruffles, lace, or other fun add-ons would be out of the question.

Finally, limit the use of your fall leopard print staples to more formal occasions on only the coolest of days. Leopard is a traditionally luxurious pattern associated strongly with the wealthy, meaning that even today its use is still limited to more reserved get-togethers. On that note, because true leopard furs would only be used in the most frigid weather, the same goes for leopard-look items (even accessories). Maintain that time-honored association between leopard print and prestige this fall, and add a few innovative touches of your own.