Three Ways: Leopard Print Ballet Flats

Sep 6, 2011

As I mentioned this morning, I prefer leopard print for casual wear.  However, if you wanted to, you could certainly buy a pair of leopard high heels and pair them with black separates and sheath dresses.  But I like to think of leopard as a way to jazz up my dressed down looks, instead of a way to glam up my work attire.

Polyvore Set Here.

Some people find a basic ivory, wool sweater to be boring.  And it is…on it’s own.  But an ivory cashmere sweater is the perfect palette to create something interesting.  Whether you want to add color or texture or, like in this outfit, add layers, an ivory sweater can’t be beat.  Unless, of course, you have a black sweater.

Here, I layered an ivory scarf and a camel blazer with wide leg jeans and used the shoes as a punch of chic.  I also added a simple, dark brown bag and a slightly more interesting purple stud earring.  And I like the aviators with this, I think they bring an air of attitude to go with the shoes.

If you had brown boots or basic, brown flats, you could wear a floral printed blouse underneath.  If you wanted to switch out the bad, I would recommend a cognac satchel.  I’d also wear this with a loose wavy hairdo, pulled up in a deconstructed (but not messy) way.

Polyvore Set Here.

Of all the colors on the wheel, I think leopard goes best with yellow.  Some women like red, but I really feel that yellow is a less provocative companion for animal prints.

Here, we has a muted yellow dress with the leopard flats and a cognac bag to balance th hints of orange and tan in the shoes but compliment the darker belt on the dress.  

And, as you’ve certainly noticed, I love green jewelry with yellow pieces.  So for this outfit, I used an olive stud earring as my only  piece of jewelry.  I like it simple since the dress is so bold and the shoe is sure to raise eyebrows.  However, if you want more, try a hoop earring and stacked bangles.  

You could also wear a collar necklace with some geometric or metallic touches.  But if you choose to wear a necklace with this neckline, it must be big and bold.  If you chicken out and go with a simple pendant, then all you are doing is ruining a glamorous, collar bone exposing neckline for no reason.  Go big or go home for the neckwear with this dress.

Polyvore Set Here.

This look is inspired by Anh over at 9 to 5 Chic and her modern, city girl look.  

Here, I paired a striped, silk blouse with skinny jeans and the leopard flats to mix up the patterns a bit.  I then added a statement necklace (more on that below), a cool utilitarian bag and the slightly hipster wayfarers.  

I’m crushing on the Philip Lim bag in a big, big way and I’ve had to hide my credit card from myself so that I don’t buy it.  It’s desperately important that I don’t buy it.  Unless, of course, I want to stop eating for a month or five.

While you can wear it anyway that you please, in my head, the top button of the shirt is fastened and the necklace is worn under the collar, almost like a bow tie.  I think that this geometric, textured necklace is the perfect extension of the Peter Pan collar on the blouse.

Three Ways

share this post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Valerie says:

    I think I'm going to have to hide my credit card from that yellow Tibi dress.

  2. Megan says:

    I totally agree about using leopard for casual instead of work and LOVE the third look!

  3. Megan F. says:

    I love the last look! But you didn't link to the Polyvore page for that one. Where's the blouse from?

  4. Melinda says:

    I am now browsing piperlime for leopard flats thanks to you. I really need them in my life. Thank you.

  5. Meg says:

    Love all three outfits! And thanks for all of the “stud” earring post. I think it is time for me to change up my usual hoop earring look…

Join The List

Stay up to date on the latest from Capitol Hill Style!

sUBSCRIBE

Saw It On Social: Rooted

A few months ago, my husband killed two of my plants. I was out of town for several weeks, and while I was away, he apparently forgot that plants need water to live. So when I returned, my snake plant and my Calamondin tree were both dead, while his braided money tree continued to thrive. […]

0

READ MORE 

Recent Posts

The Find: A Versatile Sweater Jacket

It’s allegedly spring. However, for every minute of sunshine, there seems to be an hour of rain and gloom. So while I’d love to wear lighter spring pieces, it’s time to bring on the layers.

1

READ MORE 

Ask the Editor: Volume IV, No. Nineteen

Inside the reader mail bag there are questions about summer beauty, hiring a personal shopper, navigating a sudden breakouts, and more. Let’s dig in!

12

READ MORE 

VIEW ALL POSTS

Features, Saw It On Social, Top Posts | April 25, 2024

Saw It On Social: Rooted

A few months ago, my husband killed two of my plants. I was out of town for several weeks, and while I was away, he apparently forgot that plants need water to live. So when I returned, my snake plant and my Calamondin tree were both dead, while his braided money tree continued to thrive. […]

0

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Style, Top Posts | April 25, 2024

The Find: A Versatile Sweater Jacket

It’s allegedly spring. However, for every minute of sunshine, there seems to be an hour of rain and gloom. So while I’d love to wear lighter spring pieces, it’s time to bring on the layers.

1

READ MORE 

Ask the Edit, Posts, Style | April 24, 2024

Ask the Editor: Volume IV, No. Nineteen

Inside the reader mail bag there are questions about summer beauty, hiring a personal shopper, navigating a sudden breakouts, and more. Let’s dig in!

12

READ MORE 

Career Style, Posts, Style, Work | April 24, 2024

Business Casual Outfit: Linen Closet

And just like that, it’s April. Summer is almost upon us, and the retailers are filled with linen wares. Now, you know that I am usually unwilling to wear linen to work due to the wrinkles. But in this post-pandemic world, perhaps my mind can change.

2

READ MORE 

RECENT POSTS

©2023 CAPITOL HILL STYLE | SITE BY LEIGH THE STUDIO