Lessons from the Duchess of Cambridge in making leopard print sophisticated

Leopard hit a low point during the first lockdown when Tiger King’s feline- (and feline print-) obsessed Carole Baskin became an unlikely cult figure. For the millions of women who had finally dismissed the Bet Lynch-off-Corrie associations and embraced the print as a modern fashion classic, the Netflix hit took them several, very large, steps back.

So the fashion brands pinning their hopes on the look for 2022 - and there are a few - will be delighted to learn that the Duchess of Cambridge has just given leopard print her seal of approval. You can practically hear the sigh of relief coming from all the big cats in sub-Saharan Africa.

I jest, of course. But wearing leopard and making it look chic is a valid concern for many of us humans. Popular culture has not been kind to the print, and Kate stepping out in that £510 midi shirt dress with a tiered skirt from Derek Lam’s 10 Crosby collection has the power to give us a dose of confidence when it comes to trying it for ourselves.

She teamed it with Ralph Lauren suede knee-high boots, a black suede belt and gold twist hoop earrings from Asos for her visit to the Shout mental health text support service in London on Wednesday - exactly the kind of elegant formalwear we’ve come to expect from her.

So those wary of dipping a toe back into the leopard print waters would be wise to elicit a few tips from this appearance. It doesn’t mean you won’t be chic if you want to wear it in a grungey or rock’n’roll way à la Kate Moss circa 2007 (that look is back too) but it’s not for everybody, and certainly not the leopard-hesitant.

Instead, keep these three rules in mind when putting a leopard print look together and that Kate-level sophistication will be effortless.

Head to the dark side

Stick to a darker palette than the typical yellowish beige and black scheme. Kate’s dress is a muted shade of khaki which is a really underrated hue because it looks so wonderful with black. The same applies to other muddy shades like chocolate brown and charcoal grey. Even a warm caramel takes it up a notch.

Make it modest

For Kate, dressing modestly is part of the job description as it all contributes to her approachable, inoffensive image. It’s worth borrowing from this style rulebook when trying what may be a more daring trend for you, because it lends some balance to the more ‘racy’ elements.

Keep it elevated

Nothing makes a look appear cheaper than when it’s rendered in cheap or clingy fabrics. This doesn’t mean it needs to cost a fortune - nor will spending a fortune necessarily look expensive - but you should seek out fabrics that have a nice drape to them and that sit well on the body. Fit makes a big difference here too, so take your time in the changing room: if you don’t look and feel gorgeous in it, don’t buy it.

Leopard shearling collar, £99, All Saints; Golden Goose Superstar trainers, £350, Net-a-Porter; Relaxed fit wool and cashmere jumper, £250, Selfridges; Livi wild leopard midi dress, £129, Whistles; Lombok leopard scarf, £45, Hush