Where can you spot leopard print flats? Everywhere; including on the feet of some A-list celebrities.
Actress and fashion designer Ashley Olsen hit the headlines everywhere when she was seen in New York City recently wearing skinny jeans set off by a stunning pair of leopard print flats.
Farther north in Boston, Hollywood princess Suri Cruise, age 3, was seen wearing a pair of teeny leopard-print flats while on a shopping trip with her mother, Katie Holmes Cruise (dad Tom Cruise wasn’t around). Suri’s leopards were coordinated with a handbag in a leafy-greens print while her mom carried Suri’s toys in a “Hello, Kitty,” bag. We’re sensing a jungle theme for this budding fashionista.
Both these lovely ladies point out how gorgeously a pair of leopard print flats can set off a familiar or classic outfit such as a little black dress or a black pencil skirt. Ms. Olsen mixed up her flats with a solid color top and jeans, while Miss Cruise sported horizontal-striped leggings with her spots (well, she’s still young enough for it to look charming instead of tacky).
Leopard Print Flats Can Make Your Look
The point is, leopard print flats are the kind of fashion accessory that can make an outfit go from OK to “Oh, hey!” To avoid people shouting “oy vey!” when they see your costume, the trick is use just enough lively leopard.
One way to make good use of leopard print flats is to look for styles that combine texture with their sports. For instance, some designers such as Ralph Lauren render their leopard prints in calf hair, which gives a classic ballet flat some extra pizzazz.
And talk about pizzazz! Jimmy Choo’s leopard print flat is done in patent leather coated in sparkles. These leopards will look like they’re dancing with the stars.
If high-fashion designer flats aren’t in your budget, you can still find plenty of options. Target, where designer Isaac Mizrahi contributes style for the mass market, has offered both leopard print ballerina flats with a comfortable round toe and leopard print suede peep-toe flats with a chunky three-quarter-inch heel. Both designs provide style and economy at the same time.
Leopard print flats can run to sporty looks, such as Encanto’s calf-hair leopard loafers or Perlina’s moccasin-toe leopards. Artful sophistication show up as well, as in Newport News’ satin print ballerina flats or DKNY’s sleek spectator look, wrapping a leopard print with brown patent leather toes.
When leopard prints tickle your toes, there’s likely to be bows as well. Designers love to collar these kitties with bows in every conceivable width, from the skinniest of ties to big, textured ribbons, often in contrasting colors such as red or purple.
Because a leopard print is so striking all be itself, flats rarely need much in the way of embellishments in the shoe design. Occasionally there will be bows, or knotted leather, and sometimes the show design will feature peep-toes or other cutouts, but the emphasis is clearly on the magical print.
Whether you choose a sophisticated patent leather flat suitable for the office, some sporty calf-hair loafers or even luxurious velour slippers, leopard print flats will keep you fast on your feet.