We have long adored leopard print, but what if we’ve been underestimating its true power? This season, we’re stating the case for leopard as the ultimate neutral. Forget everything you thought you knew, the secret to mastering this iconic print lies in treating it like a basic, just like you would a classic white tee or trusty denim. Think leopard paired with stripes, clashed with vibrant colours, or even layered with sequins. Sound wild? We’ve found six Instagram looks to prove you’re going to love it.

Look 1 – Leopard print with stripes

Tessa, an undeniable force among the Instagram elite, never shies away from a bold look and here is a case in point. Take a pair of this season’s trending jorts, put them in iconic leopard and add crochet stripes. The result? A look that’s pure preppy-cool perfection. Keep the rest of the look low-key with flip flops and luxe accessories.

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Look 2 – Leopard print with sequins

If anyone can make sequins work for daylight hours, it’s Lucy Aylen, the founder of one of our favourite fun, affordable and inclusive brands, Never Fully Dressed. Here, she effortlessly combines relaxed leopard shorts with high-octane sequins and still makes the look feel nonchalant. Obsessed.

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Look 3 – Leopard print with clashing print

Stripes and leopard print? A resounding “yes” from us. This look perfectly embodies the whole point of fashion – to have fun and break the rules. Top it off with a pair of faux fur ballet flats, because honestly, shouldn’t we always be dressing purely for our own joy?

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Look 4 – Leopard print with fun accessories

Headscarves are having a moment this summer, emerging as a cute micro-trend. They might feel a little scary with the most sober of outfits, let alone pairing them with leopard, but Louise’s look proves otherwise. We love the mix of saccharine bubblegum pink, fiery red trainers and chocolate brown animal print, paired with a pretty boho white blouse to keep the whole look grounded.

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Look 5 – Leopard print with bold florals

We are loving the Y2K feel of this look. The star is a fun, reversible top from Susmsies Collection, with its big, bold floral print that feels straight out of a noughties music video. Team it with retro sneakers, a chunky shell necklace, and, of course, this season’s essential leopard jorts for an effortlessly cool hot-weather ensemble.

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Look 6 – Leopard print with punchy red

Finally, probably the most low-key of all the six looks, but one that proves leopard print isn’t just to be paired with neutrals. Swap out your classic white tee or black blazer for punchy red instead, for a look that feels very French girl cool.

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