Going into Autumn, there are certain hues & textures that are automatically associated with the season, regardless of their year round usage. For me, that's animal prints. Personally, anytime is a good time for an animal print - be it in fashion or interiors - however, the warmth & texture of most animal prints makes it especially synonymous with the season. And let's be honest, there's a reason, when it comes to fashion, Fall is just about everyone's favorite season. The footwear, the outerwear, the accessories... all get especially fabulous during this season.

Before getting into the fashions to swoon over, we have to get one thing clear...

What's the difference between leopard, cheetah, and jaguar print?

All three felines, themselves, are notably different - the animals - however the similarity in their coats lead people to erroneously mix em up all the time. I'll be the first to admit, until actually sitting down to learn more about the felines & their coats, I would've never known the difference. I only found myself interested when shopping for decor & apparel, and wondering if I was using the animal print terms correctly. Spoiler Alert: I wasn't.

The "easiest" way to tell the 3 apart is the pattern on their coats. Simply put, cheetahs have "spots" while leopards have what are considered rosettes - a grouping of spots if you will. Jaguars land in the middle, having rosettes with spots in the center of em.

While you may not ever use this information to distinguish the felines in person - I know I won't - this is also how you'll be able to tell if the coat you're coveting is cheetah, jaguar, or leopard print. No matter which you prefer, however, all three are very apropos for the season.

Often people shy away from bold patterns - like animal prints - for fear of wearing it "wrong" however there are a multitude of ways to incorporate cheetah, leopard, and/or jaguar in your wardrobe... be it as a statement piece or simple fashion accents. These are extremely versatile prints to dress with, and that's not accounting for the fact that now they can be found in a myriad of color ways, deviating from the original tan/brown of the felines.

How can you make cheetah, jaguar, and/or leopard prints part of your wardrobe?

Go Big & Be Seen

If you're not afraid of bold design choices & being seen, you're in luck! If you're someone who embraces animal prints at neutrals, this is for you! Coats. Blouses. Dresses. Sweaters. Blazers. So many marquee wardrobe staples are available in these popular prints for the not-so-subtle fashion maven. What's great about pieces like this is that they do all the work. There's no need to go over the top to make a statement, because the one staple piece you choose will say everything that needs to be said. This is also an opportunity to play with materials - velvet, satin, chiffon, faux fur, etc. - and continue to elevate the look.

Choose a Roaring Statement Piece

I've always been a big fan of turning an outfit from drab to fab with shoes! Naturally lots of other accessories can do this as well, however, we'll get there. People notice shoes... sometimes before they even notice the entirety of the outfit. If you're someone who prefers a more understated outfit, footwear is a perfect way to punctuate your feline look, be it a dramatic thigh high boot, a luxe 5" stiletto, or a casual pair of trainers. Be it against solid neutrals, denim, or more bold color choices, cheetah, jaguar, and leopard print footwear are a can't miss.

Go Wild With Accessories

Just as the case with your shoes, other marquee accessories are ideal for layering in your desired print. Think hats, scarves, and gloves - clearly on brand for the coming seasons - as well as belts & bags. As someone who has always struggled with having a closet full of clothes, yet nothing to wear, I realized it's because my preferred dressing style would be a monochromatic neutral - black, white, denim - finished off with bold accessories, like some of the aforementioned. It may be the native NYer in me because ya girl loves to layer! It's an opportunity to play with color and pattern... a la our featured felines.

Small But Mighty Finishing Touches

For the more timid dresser, your finishing touches are where you can make a noticeable impact and tie the entire look together. The statement doesn't have to be loud to be heard. Adornments such as jewelry, watches, and headwear, are expected yet subtle ways to play with these ferocious prints. The tiniest detail can add a luxurious edge to your outfit. No piece is too small in its ability to elevate even the most casual of looks.

So to recap…

Albeit similar in their appearance, at a closer glance there are clear differences between cheetah, jaguar, and leopard prints. Although used interchangeably when describing "spotted" animal print fashions, leopard, is likely the most popular of the three. With applications for footwear, outerwear, jewelry, bags, belts, and all matter of apparel, there are now a variety of ways to make these iconic prints part of your wardrobe. Wearing prints is about owning its presence on you, carrying yourself as proudly, ferociously, and elegantly as their namesake felines.

Over the years, in my personal wardrobe, I have had so much fun embracing animal print as part of my capsule wardrobe. I wear prints, leopard specifically, like it's a neutral with a variety of of options - bags, shoes, tops, bottoms, and even house clothes. I love that there are even a variety of options for kiddos in these prints, which means that the mini can get her fashionista on... and she loves her prints and patterns! In case you're wondering, my housewares aren't exempt either - towels, tableware, throws... y'all even my Christmas decor has included leopard. TBH...animal print at home could have it's own decor edit blog post *note to self* because the options are bountiful

How I Leopard

What can I say... those spots have a hold on me!

Admittedly - ironically, maybe? - I'm not big on prints & patterns. My closet is predominately solids, with a handful of prints... most of which are, you guessed it, cheetah/jaguar/leopard. No matter your design style, you can make leopard work for you. Don't believe me?

All of these interior designers & influencers have found ways, unique to their style, to incorporate the iconic prints in their fashion repertoire... just as they do with their homes and their projects... and now, you can too.

Happy Shopping beloveds!