How The French Wear Leopard Print

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Leopard print is one of the key trends this year, however this is a trend that the French have always embraced.  French women may not gravitate to a full head-to-toe leopard print look, but will incorporate the leopard print into key pieces of their wardrobe. 

There are some styling options that will never get old: take the leopard-print coat, which has been around for decades. Brigitte Bardot had a soft spot for leopard-print coats, and while a faux fur leopard coat has timeless appeal, there are plenty of pieces that can be incorporated into French style. 

Leopard Print Outfits

The resurgence of leopard print outfits has come with the rise of the ‘Mob Wife’ trend. Of course, the ‘Mob Wife’ approach demands a lot more drama, and the French approach is a toned down approach. 

Still, leopard print can be a daunting addition to a wardrobe, especially if one is pivoting from neutral tones. The most popular approach to leopard print is to add a bold accessory to a neutral look.


While some think of leopard as a bold print, it can be more as a neutral staple. A simple outfit with the perfect leopard coat will give you that cool Parisian style. 

Scroll below for leopard print outfits to give you that effortless French girl style.

Leopard Coat + Jeans + Ballet Flats

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Instagram @lovisabarkman

All hail the timeless appeal of leopard print.

The furry leopard print coat has been considered the epitome of chic, from countless stars to supermodels wearing the cozy coat.

The French fashion set style this unapologetic coat with a neutral base. Finish off with delicate ballet flats to add French style notes to the outfit. 

Leopard Coat + Jeans + Boots

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Instagram @ teffkazeliandiez

Somehow, animal print pairs well with almost everything, adding instant excitement to any look.

The leopard print coat adds a single pop of print, and stands out when paired with more pared-back separates, such as a simple cardigan and tailored trousers, or straight-leg jeans.

Leopard Jacket + Jeans + Flats

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Instagram @lolana_look

 A pop of animal print can add interest and playfulness to any French girl wardrobe.

A leopard-print jacket is the perfect statement-making alternative to a spring trench coat. To double the look and add a statement on power clashing, add eye-popping leopard flats.

Jacket + Jeans + Flats

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Instagram @oliviatps

To make leopard print work, it has to appear effortless.

Adding pops of red makes the print feel covetable. Styling animal print in a casual, laissez-faire manner allows the print to be a timeless staple.

Sweater + Leopard Pants + Sneakers

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Instagram @sophiesinacori

If you’re looking to embrace the bold pattern in a cool, It girl-approved way this year, look no further than adding a pair of leopard print pants.

Fit-wise, there is no wrong way to wear leopard pants. There are slim cigarette-fit pants that are reminiscent of a grungier, rocker style or the popular, baggier on-trend fit.

Sweater + Pants + Uggs

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Instagram @anneorion

To dip into the leopard-print pool, be like the Parisian fashion set and stick to pieces that are already part of a winter capsule wardrobe.

Oversized chunky knits and platform slippers are basic on their own, but when paired with leopard-print pants, it adds excitement to the neutral basics.

The goal is to take the loud centerpiece and hush it up a bit with pieces from the minimalistic era.

Top + Pants + Boots

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Instagram @teffkazeliandiez

If you are looking for an alternative to loose-fitting blue jeans, try a leopard print pair?

They have a fit similar to that of a wide-leg trouser, but the print provides an effortless, cool appeal that is hard to replicate with other patterns. 

Fur Coat + Pants + Sneakers

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Instagram @chlosertoyou

Animal print makes a statement, so why not level up the other pieces in the outfit? Take style cues and play up to the boldness of the leopard print by adding a faux fur coat.

Swap the classic white sneakers for an unexpectant colored sneakers.

Blazer + Skirt + Sneakers

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Instagram @taina.csg

The hyper flexible print works for all types of leopard print outfits.

The French usually chose to use one leopard print piece as an accent, often pairing it with black to amplify the impact. 

For a hyper-chic look, opt for an oversized black blazer and white sneakers to add a classic appeal to the look.

Jacket + Sweater + Skirt + Sneakers

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Instagram @sandrinemrn

A mid-length straight skirt can be matronly than anything else, but when it is a leopard-print skirt, it adds a much needed flair.

Another way to stand out is to pair the print against a bright, bold color. It says “look at me” without feeling forced. 

Dress + Heels

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Instagram @juliesfi

 One of the most classic approaches to leopard print is to simply go big.

The uber versatile print has been enjoying a stint in the limelight thanks to its ability to instantly inject a hit of glamour to head-to-toe black.

What is more glamourous than a leopard print dress with fiery red shoes? Wear this head-turning look for any date night.