As a fashion editor, you won’t be surprised to hear that Fashion Month is my favourite time of the year. Weeks of inspiration on tap, it’s a pleasure to see my own city light up with excitement, but even more affirming to the see the event manifest itself differently in each fashion capital.
Ever energised by the fizz of fashion month, I can’t help but dive into street style and runway shots the moment I get a chance. And, having sorted through countless images I noticed that there’s a specific shoe trend permeate fashion crowds across the world this year.
A fresh silhouette for autumn 2024, the leopard print heel was the shoe of choice for showgoers in New York, London, Milan and Copenhagen this September and, at this rate, I don’t see its popularity slowing down before Paris either.
A stark difference from the black mary janes and ballet flats that have dominated street style scene since last September, this season’s It shoe explores a flirtier side of fashion, almost always featuring a sleek, skinny heel and, of course, the lavish print.
Pleased, but not surprised, to see the trend out in force—fashion people will know that the A/W 2024 runways were rife with the feline print. Now, with brands backing the motif in a big way, it makes sense that those most-in tune with the latest trends have rushed to add leopard print heeled shoes to their looks this season.
A Copenhagen Fashion Week attendee styled leopard print slingbacks to a show in August this year.
Of the leopard print heels trotting down the streets right now, it’s slingback styles that are really taking off. Spotted dashing across the pavements of London last weekend, Who What Wear UK’s own deputy editor, Maxine Eggenberger, styled a sleek kitten-heel pair with a suede trench coat and a crisp white shirt for her days worth of front-row appointments.
Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor, Maxine Eggenberger, wore leopard print kitten heel slingbacks to London Fashion Week last weekend.
Also Cropping up in Copenhagen, New York and Milan, the animal print shoe has crept in to cities with decidedly different styles, transcending fashion parameters and proving the trend has universal appeal.
A firm fixture on the pavements this season, it won’t shock you to hear that the high street has already taken to the new-season print. Stocking kitten-heel slingbacks and elegant court-shoe options, brands such as Zara and H&M host compelling styles, but I can’t stop thinking about Mint Velvet’s kitten heel pair, as pictured on Eggenberger above.
A New York Fashion Week attendee styled leopard print heels to a show in September this year.
Leopard print is often described by fashion people as a “neutral” owing to its very versatile colour palette, so you’ll probably find this bold motif easier to style than you may have initially imagined. As fashion crowds have demonstrated, a leopard heel styles well with cream, white, or beige trousers, but I know for a fact that it also looks chic with baggy jeans and pencil skirts, too.
A Milan Fashion Week attendee styled leopard print heels to a show in this week.
To shop the trend with unanimous fashion approval, read on to discover our edit of the best leopard print heeled shoes to know about right now.
SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST LEOPARD-PRINT HEELED SHOES:
Zara
Animal Print Heeled Shoes
Style with a LDB or wear with tailored trousers.
Mint Velvet
Leopard Print Slingback Kitten Heels
Shop the style that Who What Wear‘s deputy editor wore this London Fashion Week.
H&M
Slingback Court Shoes
Slingback detail adds light support as well as a point of interest.
Reformation
Wilda Kitten Mule
This also comes in four other shades.
Office
Million Slingback Kitten Heels
The slingback shoe trend is taking off this autumn.
Stradivarius
Leopard Print High-Heel Shoes
The leopard print trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
Saint Laurent
Barbara 55 Leopard-Print Grosgrain Mules
Heeled mules are a fashion person’s favourites.
Aquazzura
Divine 50 Leopard-Print Suede Mules
Trust me—these won’t be in stock for long.
Zara
Animal Print High-Heel Sandals
The pretty bow detailing adds a playful edge.
