Whether it’s a reignited love for Scary Spice, boredom with the ever-popular oat milk latte look, or an increased interest in the indie sleaze style – thanks in no small part to the continual pull of 90s and 00s fashion – leopard print has firmly worked its way back into our wardrobes. So much so, in fact, that high street store New Look reports that Google searches for leopard print skirts are up by 489% (with cheetah print searches up 209%). Clearly, we’re going all in with animal print.

One piece that’s outperforming all of the spotted skirts, dresses and shirts – the incredibly popular animal-printed Wales Bonner x Adidas Sambas notwithstanding – is leopard jeans: searches for this specific denim style are up 3,700%, according to social media shopping service LTK.

This may come as no surprise if you’ve scrolled Instagram, stepped into a bar or strolled through any high street stores in the past few months. Despite the commotion, I was convinced the look would be a short-lived trend. I’m happy to hold my hands up and say I was wrong.

After finally snapping up a leopard print trouser from a Sincerely Valentine store (£60.03) in Antwerp last month, I’ve worn them more than any other pair; my plain blue jeans now look incredibly boring by comparison. Experimenting with different looks (some arguably more successful than others), I’ve shared my five favourites below to hopefully persuade you to pick up a pair of your own. Ganni’s Izey jeans (£235) are a regular sell-out, while Damson Madder’s cool cargos (£100) and Topshop’s animal print trouser (£50) have topped many a wishlist. Life’s just too short to stick to plain jeans. 

When in doubt, reach for a simple white shirt and any outfit will suddenly look a little more elevated. This Aspiga linen style (£85) has become a staple in my warm-weather wardrobe but this M&S cotton find (£25) looks just as chic if you’re in need of a new one. Once you have the basics sorted, layer with light-coloured shoes, such as these & Other Stories Mary Janes (£110) and an oversized boho-like bag. 

Red shoes, dresses, hair bows and jumpers have become standout wardrobe staples in recent months. If you’re looking to amp up your leopard print bottoms, use the colour to accentuate your outfit. Red ballet flats, such as this Mango pair (£49.99), add extra interest alongside a colourful cardigan, like this Aligne option (£99) or a strappy vest top (£45). 

It’s been said that leopard print is now a neutral. Not only does this mindset make styling it a little easier but it really is simple to pair it with similar shades. A brown bodysuit, such as this Klayd pick (£48), will never see you wrong. Nor will a neutral jumper like these Everlane (£111), Mango (£35.99) or Organic Basic (£49) options. A pair of trusty flip-flops completes the outfit.  

Yes, it’s incredibly easy to stick to soft shades. But, there’s something fun about taking style risks, and clashing colours and patterns is a great way to do that. While I’ve opted for a striped A Day’s March shirt (£120) here, floral prints, geometric patterns and bright and bold shades will also liven up the look. Mango’s red tulip top (£35.99), With Nothing Underneath’s striking green stripe (£120) and Damson Madder’s pretty pink find (£65) are just some of our favourite styles. 

A simple white T-shirt is one of the hardest working items in many a wardrobe. This season, however, we’ve witnessed the revival of striking slogan styles, so why not pair them with the trending graphic trouser? Fanclub’s ‘Yes sir, I can boogie’ find (£45), Asos’s ‘Happy hour’ (£20) and Joanie Clothing’s ‘Bisous’ (£29) are a small selection of our favourites. 

Images: Lauren Cunningham