I've recently realised that all is well in my sartorial cosmos if I have trouser options. I've looked at enough wardrobes in my career to know how often we forget our bottom halves in favour of a jazzy top and then wonder why we can't put an outfit together. So it's good to see the trouser is currently having a starring moment. From the widest of palazzo jeans ala Katherine Hepburn to nifty striped capri's with an Audrey Hepburn vibe, there are a plethora of options. Today however I'm focusing on my specialist subject: Leopard print.
Gen Z may claim leopard's current style domination is down to the tik tok viral mob wife aesthetic - but our collective commitment to leopard runs a lot deeper than this: a 1950's Jackie Kennedy; Anne Bancroft 1960's chic in The Graduate; a 1970's Debbie Harry; Kate Moss 1990's iconic in her leopard coat; even a young Queen Elizabeth (although hers was real leopard so we won’t linger on that.) The list goes on. I visited the Diva exhibition at the V&A this week: worth a look if you need more evidence that leopard has been synonymous with strong females since time began.
But, the trusty trouser is the current leopard du jour. (As I told my daughter this week never make the fashion faux pas of using the plural when talking clothes: it’s trouser, shoe, sock and jean if you will.) I'm not talking the floaty summer wide leg, which absolutely has its place. No, this is the structured pant- mostly high waisted, in denim or gabardine, perhaps with a wide or balloon cut, that while racy in print is still in keeping with our current penchant for all that is modern and 'clean'. I have a pair from Ganni bought for a steal on the OUTNET that are my most worn and most asked about item.
Mine are sold out but I've gathered my top ten structured leopard trousers and jeans on offer right now. Be quick as they don't hang around. ( Particularly Ganni's). And how to wear? Remember darling, leopard is a neutral. Try mixing it up with stripes or polka dot. Plus- it goes without saying - keep an eye on your favourites, those sold out styles will always pop up preloved.
1. Damson Madder £100 (preorder for 22nd April)
2. All Saints £159
3. Wyse London £150 ( Pre Order)
4. Whistles £59 ( was £89)
5. Lucy and Yak £55
6. Anthropologie £98
7. Ganni £195 ( final few)
8. Sezane £130
9. Amazon £14.99
10. Wolf &Badger £75
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