Before you tell me:

“Denitra, leopard is a neutral!”

“Denitra, leopard is a classic!”

“Denitra, I just purchased a new leopard piece!”

…let me please explain. I have NOTHING against leopard. NOTHING!

You’re right, it is a neutral and a classic. No, I am not telling YOU not to wear it. Some of you probably saw my Facebook and Instagram posts and thought, “The nerve of her!” Some probably saw it and said, “Tuh, I just got this leopard jumpsuit or dress and I am wearing what I want!”

DO YOU BOO!

As for me, Tuesday was my last day wearing ALLOVER leopard print. I am huge on dressing for how I feel or how I WANT to feel. I am also a huge fan of effortless style. The latter being at the top of my priority list these days. Truth be told, I didn’t feel great in my leopard shirtdress because: 1.) It felt overwhelming and 2.) It definitely didn’t feel effortless. 3.) I’ll always choose style over fashion, and this felt like fashion.

The saying, “Wear the clothes, don’t let the clothes wear you” was on repeat in my head ALL DAY! Ugh. Yes, Stylists, Style Influencers, or Fashionistas have “fails” and mine was on Tuesday.

Again, I LOVE leopard, but it feels so yesteryear right now, even if it is still trending with style indexes and reports and in heavy rotation in retailers. Am I completely done with it? NO!

What I am going to do is give some other animals a chance! LOL. I’m also going to reintroduce a few floral pieces back into my paired down wardrobe (I did a full on purge during quarantine). Also, I’m planing to continue my love and interpretation for print mixing leopard with other prints, such as stripes, plaid, and ethnic patterns.

I’ll also continue to accessorize with leopard (scarfs, shoes, belts, etc.), but no longer will I overwhelm myself with allover leopard print pieces (i.e. jumpsuit, dress, …get it? Full pieces…)…at least not for F/W 2020. That’s just me! Who knows, this feeling may be over by December…LOL

I know, I know…and it’s ok to not agree with me! However, I would at least like to challenge you to allow creativity to flow. Try (if you haven’t already) some alternatives to wearing allover leopard, like print mixing or wearing just ONE leopard accessory with an unassuming color (like all pink, turquoise or green).

What trend or type of clothing makes you feel overwhelmed or not your best at the moment?