Though it's had a mottled history, there's no denying that worn the right way animal print can look classy. And, from the cute stickers on Jean-Charles de Castelbajac's shop window to the iconic Mulberry Bayswater - leopard spots are everywhere this autumn, everywhere that is except my closet.
So, time for That's Not My Age to hunt down (sorry, couldn't resist) a little leopard. But the search for classy not trashy wasn't that easy; a Sonia Rykiel shirt (pricey and in a weird man-made fabric), a cardigan from M&S (it'll do if I can't find anything else) and this Yves Saint Laurent scarf from Liberty. Gorgeous obviously, but at two hundred and ninety English pounds, way too expensive. Where oh where are the wild prints?
Finally, I tracked down this lovely Agnes b t-shirt. Still a little intimidated by animal (even in a subtle-ish grey), so far the only way I've worn it is under the boyfriend jacket. Less Wenda Parkinson in American Vogue, more Rod Stewart in his prime - but the outfit has a certain late 70s charm don't you think? And anyway, I like Rod in leopard print, he wears it well.
And now for some animal print rules:
1. A little goes a long way. Head-to-toe is not a good look, not even in French Vogue. Easy tiger!
2. Animal print tights have amazing leg-slimming properties but choose your shoes carefully - black patent stilettos are a bit too Belle de Jour.
3. You'll not find any decent leopard print in a charity shop. I know I've tried.
Are there any other rules for wearing leopard spots?
Photos:
Wenda Parkinson, American Vogue, 1949: A Very British Glamour, Norman Parkinson
Balmain clad model outside a Paris bistro, 1954: 20th Century Fashion, Valerie Mendes and Amy de la Haye
Mr Rod Stewart CBE: allposters
Head-to-toe: French Vogue, Novembre 2009