Leopard Print Jeans Are Coming For Your Autumn Wardrobe

By Charlie Colville

3 months ago

Our one weakness? Wearing too much leopard print


The style set has spoken: leopard print is back. Pouncing off the AW24 runway, this nostalgic trend is set to become one of the biggest when it comes to autumn streetstyle. But where animal print previously sunk its teeth into blouses, dresses and footwear, this season it’s making a reappearance as leopard print jeans.

Leopard Print Jeans: The Unexpected Style Hero Of 2024

Picture this: it’s 2000, the first Bridget Jones film is in the works, Labour is in power, and leopard print is the epitome of style. Now, it’s 2024, a fourth Bridget Jones film is in the works, Labour has just returned to power, and leopard print is (funnily enough) still the epitome of style. Crazy how trends come back around these days.

When designers took to the runway for AW24, it was in a blaze of leopard print. Whether it was a nod to the early noughties love of the pattern or the final puff of TikTok’s mob wife era making itself known, one thing was for certain: it was back, and bigger than ever. Maximalist takes by Zimmermann, Versace and FROLOV saw to that, with head-to-toe leopard looks signalling a playful shift towards excessive print and pattern.

Models on runway

(L to R) Zimmermann AW24, Versace AW24, FROLOV AW24

And it seems to have stuck. Pulling on the trend for seasonal streetstyle, forward-thinking fashion planners have pinned the popularity of leopard print on one key staple: jeans. ‘This autumn, nature-inspired patterns and mixed-proportion layering take centre stage,’ notes Pinterest in its Autumn 2024 Trend Report. ‘People are making bold statements with leopard print denim and camouflage, and adding volume with puffer skirts and oversized coats. From pairing jerseys with skirts to an increase in searches for lobster jumpers, it’s all about showcasing your creativity and individuality in this season of main character energy.’

How To Style Them

Coming off the back of yesteryear’s quiet luxury movement, leopard can seem a little intimidating. But don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of style inspiration to get you started:

The Sleek Shirt

If in doubt, start with the ultimate denim elevation tactic: a simple shirt. The same principles apply whether your jeans are black, blue or leopard print; simply throw on a minimal shirt (black and white are great starting options), layer on the accessories and slip your feet into a pair of ballet flats. Simple elegance, with a touch of playfulness.

 

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Colour Clash

If you fancy something a little more fun, swap out the plain shirt for a pop of colour. An oversized blouse or knit, either in a block colour or abstract pattern (although beware pattern clashes), should do the trick. We also love the idea of co-ordinating your chosen colour pop with any accessories or footwear.

 

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Streetstyle Neutrals

Now, for something more casual: a bomber and trainers. Play around with neutrals by selecting adjacent shades from your jeans – caramel, beige, taupe and dark cream. This will prevent the rest of your outfit from looking flat or washed out against the animal print on your trousers.

 

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The Peter Pan Collar

You can also go full Damson Madder on the trend, and pair your leopard print jeans with a cottagecore-inspired blouse. We’re of course talking about the famed Peter Pan collar. When your trousers are that loud, sometimes the best way to balance it all out is to be as equally loud on top. And, when the weather cools down, you can layer it up with a gilet or joy jacket.

 

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A post shared by Franki Dammone (@franki.dammone)

Where To Shop

Now that you’ve planned the look, it’s time to actually wear it. Our top picks for leopard print jeans this season come courtesy of Damson Madder, GANNI and Mint Velvet – as well as the presale bins in our local vintage store.


The Edit

The C&TH Responsible Buyers’ Guide

Skinny jeans

Current Elliott

Corduroy Leopard Print Jeans (Size 24/61), ÂŁ25

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Woman in animal print co-ord

Reformation

Cynthia Leopard Jeans (Size UK 8), rent from ÂŁ54.16

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Woman in white top and leopard print jeans

Damson Madder

Rafe Pant In Leopard Print, ÂŁ85

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Leopard print jeans

GANNI

Leopard Betzy Cropped Jeans, ÂŁ235

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Woman in black top and leopard print jeans

Lucy & Yak

Addison Tapered Jeans, ÂŁ55

BUY NOW
Animal print cargos

Mint Velvet

Leopard Print Straight Cargo Jeans, ÂŁ99

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Leopard print jeans

Baum und Pferfgarten

Nara Jeans, ÂŁ159

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Flare jeans with animal pattern

7 For All Mankind

Ali Leopard Print Flared Jeans, ÂŁ225

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Featured image: Mint Velvet