Used often, but never irrelevant, leopard-print shoes are essential to any closet. The timeless animal print pattern is chic and adds flair to any outfit.
Despite the versatility of leopard-printed footwear, there will always be some styles of dress that are better suited for such bold shoes. Luckily, countless celebrity examples highlight some of these more tasteful pairings of clothing and shoes, and we’ve rounded up six of our favorites for you.
For more inspiration on incorporating animal prints into your wardrobe, explore our comprehensive guide on different types of animal print shoes and how to style them.
1. Edgy Elegance for the Workplace
Too much attention can be undesirable when maintaining professional or day-to-day appearances. But, without at least a few eye-catching details, your outfit risks thoroughly blending in with the masses.
This is where fiercely patterned pumps can come to the rescue, offering a pop of extra sass and style that is classy and not overdone.
Khloé Kardashian keeps it classic and cozy in a black peacoat dress, accessorized with timeless elegance while strolling in New York on November 29, 2010 (Credit: Newspix.pl / WENN / Andres Otero / Ray Filmano)
Khloé Kardashian highlighted this pairing perfectly when she matched her leopard-print pumps with a chic black peacoat dress. The coat is nothing extraordinary, but adding the leopard pumps made her outfit go from nothing special to edgy and slick.
As Khloé Kardashian famously said, “Leopard print has been my thing forever! When I was a teenager my entire room was done in leopard print – it’s timeless, chic, and always in style. When in doubt… leopard!”
Khloé Kardashian elevates her classic black coat with bold leopard-print pumps and a vibrant purple handbag, effortlessly combining elegance with a pop of personality
2. The Power of Black and Leopard: A Timeless Duo
Black is likely the most tried and trustworthy partner for leopard-print shoes. Besides the fact that it goes well with most things, this dark shade and the fierceness of the leopard pattern seem to bring out the best in each other.
The black color appears much more intense and bold when complimented by the tans and browns adorning the feet.
Lily Collins exudes effortless sophistication with her classic makeup and soft waves, perfectly complementing her poised black ensemble in London on August 19, 2013
Lily Collins got it right when she partnered her structured frock with a pair of Brian Atwood pumps. The simplicity of her black dress allowed her embellished leopard-print heels to shine.
Lily Collins stuns in a structured black dress paired with leopard-print pumps, effortlessly blending elegance with bold statement footwear
3. Fiery Red Meets Fierce Leopard
There’s a reason Christian Louboutin’s leopard heels have a red underside; the contrast couldn’t be more alluring or glamorous. Bright colors work fantastically well with leopard prints, and that isn’t limited to the bottoms of some gorgeous heels.
Pairing a red dress or other bright, solid colors with leopard-print shoes is equally show-stopping.
Victoria Justice radiates charm in a vibrant red Jay Godfrey dress, paired with her signature smile, at the 2011 Do Something Awards in Hollywood on August 14, 2011
See how Victoria Justice’s ruffled dress is made even sassier with bold-printed heels?
Victoria Justice stuns in a playful red ruffled Jay Godfrey dress, pairing it effortlessly with bold leopard-print heels at the 2011 Do Something Awards
Victoria Justice adds a bold touch to her look with stunning leopard-print peep-toe heels featuring delicate ankle straps
4. Pure Drama: White and Leopard Fusion
Though not as popularly paired as black, white creates an equally bold effect when matched with leopard-printed footwear. White allows the leopard pattern to stand out even more than black, as the neutral hue and the dark patterns seemingly oppose.
With white, the overall image is captivating and pure, while the multi-colored leopard print creates a more shocking and wild display.
Cher Lloyd captivates with her bold smokey eye makeup and sleek hairstyle at Z100’s Jingle Ball 2012, held at Madison Square Garden in New York City on December 7, 2012
Cher Lloyd’s two-piece white skirt and shirt proved to be a beautifully surprising combination with her leopard booties.
Cher Lloyd turns heads in a chic white peplum top and textured skirt, perfectly paired with bold leopard-print booties
Cher Lloyd once again showcased her chic style during a ‘Sunday Brunch’ appearance in London, pairing a black-trimmed bright blue top and black skinny jeans with Steve Madden’s ‘Lunni’ leopard-print flats. These pointed-toe loafers, crafted from pony hair material, feature a modern-cut topline and tassel detailing, adding a trendy touch to her ensemble.
5. Bold in Blue: Vibrant Pairings with Leopard Shoes
Bright blue dresses are surely one of the most memorable styles for any event, and adding a bit of flair on the feet seals the deal.
While other bright colors like red or orange might help play up the wild sexiness of leopard prints, a bright blue hue matched with leopard shoes will enhance a playful, vivacious appearance.
Blake Lively dazzles in a vibrant blue cap-sleeve dress with intricate floral detailing, radiating elegance outside ABC Studios for ‘Live with Regis and Kelly’ on June 14, 2011
True to her last name, Blake Lively showed us that blue paired with leopard is a memorable and exciting style choice. Her short, skater-skirted frock looked darling with her leopard-print heels. The style is pretty, with a bit of edge and fun.
Blake Lively stuns in a flirty blue floral skater dress paired with bold leopard-print heels, blending elegance and playfulness effortlessly
Blake Lively also showcased her impeccable style during a ‘Good Morning America’ appearance, pairing a sequin-embroidered Oscar de la Renta dress with Christian Louboutin’s ‘Madame Menodo’ pumps. These pointy-toe watersnake heels, featuring a distinctive leopard-print bow, exemplify Louboutin’s signature blend of luxury and bold design.
6. Retro Glam with High-Waisted Flair
Kelly Brook, an actress known for her role in the NBC sitcom One Big Happy, was smiling from ear to ear on her way to her radio show at Heart FM in London.
The 39-year-old wore high-waisted Lipsy tapered-leg pants with a dusty pink tie-front top and leopard print heels.
Kelly Brook exudes effortless chic in high-waisted olive pants, a soft pink tie-front blouse, and leopard-print heels while arriving at the Heart Radio show in London on March 22, 2019
Leopard Print: A Timeless Trend in Recent Fashion
Leopard print continues to dominate the fashion scene with bold and stylish appearances by celebrities.
In 2019, Kim Kardashian stunned in an all-leopard outfit by Azzedine Alaïa during Paris Fashion Week, proving the enduring appeal of head-to-toe animal print.
Meanwhile, model Erin Heatherton showcased studded leopard-print Valentino sandals, adding a fierce and contemporary edge to her ensemble. These moments, alongside other recent examples, confirm that leopard-print footwear and fashion remain a bold and dynamic choice for any wardrobe. Explore more leopard-print style inspiration on Your Next Shoes.