Leopard Print May Be Timeless, But These 7 Ways to Wear It Make It Feel Fresh for 2026
Meow! The leopard-print trend is officially back, but how to wear it in 2026? Scroll on to find out.
Whenever I leave the house these days, I find myself tallying up each time I spot this trend in the wild. It's a print that the elite dressers of today are reaching for to add a little bit of vibrancy, and I dare I say it, old-school energy to their look. I've already seen it on a plethora of coats and jackets this season (and may have been influenced to shop one for myself), but, aside from outerwear, this texture is now stealthily making its way onto bags, shoes, belts and other finishing touches this spring. The motif in question is, of course, leopard-print, and I predict this year it will be bigger than ever.
Leopard-print is noticeable for its dark golden caramel hue, which is then decorated with an all-over black rosette pattern. I've been tracking its movements on the streets of London, within Instagram's innermost fashion circles in other stylish capitals, as well as on the spring/summer 2026 runways, where it featured at Khaite, Ferragamo, Gucci, Chanel and Celine. They say that a leopard never changes its spots, but it has certainly found a new pack of fans who are bringing it into 2026 in style, be that on pony-hair leather, satin, silk or faux-fur fabrics. And what's more, fashion experts call it a neutral, meaning minimalists and maximalists alike can find common ground with this big cat pattern. On top of that, it can be worn all week long, as it can decorate both workday ensembles and off-duty looks beautifully, due to its timeless and elegant appeal.
Earn your stripes (and spots!) by scrolling here to see how I will be wearing leopard print on my accessories for 2026, plus, how to shop the trend yourself. Welcome to the jungle!
1. Shoulder Bags
Style Notes: Leopard print bags have become a mainstay item in the wardrobes of some of Who What Wear's most favourite style setters, and it's easy to see why. Slouchy, shoulder and tote bag styles in leather and tactile pony hair are all getting the exotic print finish, and it adds such a wealth-whispering energy to a look. I love how Jeanette Madsen teams her bag with a bitter chocolate brown leather jacket and indigo jeans—my colour palette of dreams.
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I may just have to pounce on this one. Ludicrously capacious, but oh-so chic.
As far as leopard-prints go, this is a great one.
The harmonious mix of luxe burgundy leather and leopard is too good to miss.
I've seen so many influencers with this bag. It's a keeper!
I love this minimal take on the leopard-print trend.
2. Scarves
Style Notes: Skinny scarves are making a marked comeback for 2026, due in part to the Y2K trend resurgence and all things indie sleaze. They are, however, getting an elegant makeover this season, with leopard and animal print variations bringing the sophistication, less so the grunge. Satin, silk and crepe fabrics are the way to go here, as they will trail behind you in the wind as you walk. Chic!
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This is a great print, and such a great, affordable price.
This scarf looks like a true vintage piece. Wrap it around any look for a dose of feline energy.
This silky bandana will add a classiness to your ensemble.
This will keep you so warm, and in style.
The deep, caramel-toned leopard-print is so timeless
3. Hats
Style Notes: I am obsessed with the pillbox hat trend and have been sporting a leopard print one myself. If this shape is a little on the niche side for you, try a fuzzy fisherman-style hat, a beanie, or a bucket. I love the way April Lockhart tops her minidress, blouse and knee-high boots combo with a spotted hat, giving it a 1930s mood.
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A little bit luxe, but oh-so fuzzy and fun.
The Damson Madder leopard-print is elite. This hat is spot on for my summer capsule wardrobe.
The Queens of Archive x Rachel Bakewell collection is full of chic, fuzzy and leopard-print hats. This one is my favourite.
Loewe have just launched their new collection featuring a shearling leopard-print Puzzle, a Flamenco bag, fur-trimmed jacket and this cute bucket hat.
Trapper hats are set to be the next Y2K trend to come back around, and this leopard number is bang on the money.
4. Pointed Heels
Style Notes: If you want to up the anti on your evening-wear game, a leopard-print shoe will surely do it. Even an all-black, tailored look can benefit, as the shoes give an artful, eye-catching detail to the outfit. Opt for a kitten heel with a sling back and pointed to for extra elegance points.
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Chic, sleek and the purr-fect leopard-print, if I do say so myself.
These look deceptively designer!
Aeyde shoes are a fashion editor's secret weapon.
Miu Miu give the leopard-print slingback a cute finish with a dainty bow.
Originally debuted on the runway at the Conner Ives autumn/winter 2025 collection, these shoes are now, undisputedly, canon.
5. Clutch Bags
Style Notes: A sleek and chic way to spice up your day-to-night ensemble is a clutch bag, or, better still, a cylindrical, very 90s-looking handbag. Great for those with a minimal daily haul (I'm talking house keys, phone, and a few multi-use beauty items), as it can really punctuate your outfit. Low lift, but maximum results.
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For under £20, you can get the look!
The fuzzy texture just sets this bag apart.
Such a great evening bag. A classic Miu Miu investment piece.
Monikh has this exact bag. I'm tempted.
Alaïa's classic Le Teckel bag gets the feline memo this season.
5. Boots
Style Notes: Feeling feline? Then step right up. Leopard-print boots, especially those that are knee high, heeled and slim-fit to the leg are on the rise, and fashion-forward influencers are pairing theirs with mini skirts, tucked in jeans and leather pencil skirts to really show them off. Ankle boots are also a tasteful way to dip your toe into the trend, too.
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Team these with a leather pencil skirt for a sultry day to night mood.
Camille Charrière wears, and loves, these exact boots.
An ankle boot with a block heel is a great everyday shoe. Team with your favourite jeans and you're good to go!
Amina Muaddi is the queen of cool shoes. Fact!
These would be exquisite worn with a pair of tailored trousers and a chunky cashmere knit.
7. Belts
Style Notes: A genius hack to spice up your trusty jeans is adding a leopard-print belt. Skinny belts, with a fluffy-haired texture and gold hardware is the way street style stars are donning the look now. Leopard-print belts pair with blue, blue and white denim expertly, giving them a tasteful update for 2026.
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This will add a fun finish to your favourite jeans.
The gold buckle looks so luxe.
The belt will add definition and texture to your daily ensembles.
Déhanche belts have been spotted on every influencer and fashion editor.
The fuzzy leather will add a fresh flair to your jeans and tailored trousers.
