I’ve always had a thing for leopard print. It’s classic, a little glamorous, and one of those prints that can really wake up an outfit. But a leopard maxi dress? That’s a lot of leopard!

The trick is choosing a dress with a flattering shape and then knowing what to wear with it so the print doesn’t overwhelm you.

I have three leopard maxi dresses to show you today, and although they’re all animal print, they look completely different. Here are a few easy ways to style a leopard maxi dress so it feels chic, modern, and very wearable.

1. Choose a Leopard Print That Suits You

Not all leopard prints are created equal. Some are big, bold, and high contrast, while others are smaller, softer, or more abstract.

Take this pleated leopard maxi dress. The print is fairly small, and the background is light, so it doesn’t feel nearly as dramatic as a traditional leopard print.

The fine pleats soften it even more and give the dress beautiful movement. If you like leopard but aren’t comfortable wearing a really bold animal print from head to toe, something like this is a lovely way to ease into it.

My second dress has a completely different look. The leopard print is mixed with warm, earthy tones, giving it an almost tropical jungle vibe.

And then there’s my third dress—classic leopard all the way! It’s bigger, bolder, and much more dramatic.

So, before you even think about shoes or accessories, start with the print. Which leopard feels most like you?

2. Look for a Flattering Shape

When you’re wearing a bold print from your shoulders to your ankles, the dress’s shape becomes especially important.

I like leopard maxi dresses that have some structure or definition somewhere so I don’t get lost in all that print.

My first dress has an empire-style waist and a skinny tie belt. I can cinch it in when I want more shape or leave it untied for a looser, more relaxed look.

The second dress has a crossover V-neck and a defined waist. I love this kind of neckline with a busy print because the V creates a nice open space around your face and draws the eye up and down.

My third dress also has a V-neck and a gently defined waist, but the tiered skirt gives it a more relaxed feel. It’s also very stretchy, which makes it incredibly comfortable.

That’s always a nice surprise—a dress that looks glamorous but feels easy!

3. Should You Belt a Leopard Maxi Dress?

You certainly don’t have to, but a belt can be helpful when a maxi dress has a lot of fabric.

With my pleated dress, the skinny tie belt gives me just enough waist definition without chopping the dress in half. Since the belt is made from the same fabric, it blends right in rather than adding another element to an already busy print.

If I leave it unbelted, the dress becomes softer and more flowing.

So I’d let the cut of the dress—and how you feel in it—decide. If you feel swallowed up by your maxi, try defining your waist. If the dress hangs beautifully on its own, there’s no rule saying you have to belt it.

4. What Shoes Look Best With a Leopard Maxi Dress?

I usually like to keep my shoes fairly simple when I’m wearing this much print.

Nude, tan, brown, black, and metallic shoes are all easy choices with leopard because they pick up the colors already in the print.

I’m wearing metallic sandals with my lighter pleated dress, which keeps the look light and elegant. With the bolder leopard dress, I went with strappy block-heel sandals that have a little more presence.

You could also wear a leopard maxi dress with flat sandals for a casual summer look, or pair it with a sleek boot or bootie as the weather starts to cool.

One thing I would watch is an extremely busy shoe. Leopard is already giving you plenty to look at, so your shoes don’t need to fight for attention.

 

5. What Jewelry Should You Wear With Leopard?

Here’s where I think women sometimes get nervous.

Isn’t leopard already enough? Do I really need jewelry, too?

You don’t need it, but you certainly can wear it.

Gold is especially beautiful with leopard because it picks up all those warm camel and caramel tones in the print.

With my bold tiered leopard maxi, I went for it with a chunky statement necklace and gold earrings. Because the dress has an open V-neckline, there’s enough bare skin around the necklace that the whole thing doesn’t feel crowded.

With a busier neckline, I’d probably go in the opposite direction and choose a great pair of earrings or a bracelet instead.

The point isn’t that leopard requires minimal jewelry. It’s about balance.

6. What Colors Go With a Leopard Maxi Dress?

Think of leopard almost as you would a neutral.

Black, cream, camel, chocolate brown, and tan are the obvious pairings, but you don’t have to stop there.

A beautiful warm red, coral, ggreenn or even a clear pink can look fabulous with leopard when you want a pop of color. That could be a handbag, shoes, jacket,, or even just lipstick.

If you’re new to leopard, though, I’d start with the neutrals. They’re easy and let the print do most of the talking.

7. Let the Dress Set the Mood

This is probably my favorite thing about these three dresses.

They’re all leopard maxi dresses, but they don’t say the same thing at all.

My light pleated dress feels feminine and elegant. The earthy crossover dress feels relaxed and a little exotic. And my classic leopard tiered dress is definitely the glamorous one.

That’s why I don’t think you can say, “I’m not a leopard person.” There are so many versions of leopard now that it’s really a matter of finding one that feels like you.

Deb’s Takeaway

A leopard maxi dress already has plenty of personality, so you don’t need to do too much to make it look fabulous. Start with a print and silhouette you love, give yourself some shape if you need it, and then use your shoes and jewelry to set the mood.

And don’t be afraid of a little glamour. Leopard can handle it!

Now I’m curious—which of my three leopard maxi dresses is your favorite?