Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Leopard Print Jeans Are Trending — & They’re More Wearable Than You Think

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Leopard print is both polarizing and undoubtedly bold, but thanks to its neutral color palette that will match every single piece in your wardrobe, we believe that yes, it is a neutral. It’s also surprisingly timeless — after all, a debate can only re-emerge so many times if it’s not tied to a particular season or trend cycle.

But in 2024, no one can deny that the classic tonal brown leopard print has really taken over, with vintage styles of iconic bags (for example the Y2K pony hair leopard bags from Prada) popping up at vintage resellers, as well as leopard coats, shoes, bags, and yes, jeans spotted everywhere in the street style at Fashion Month.

The reason for the current leopard renaissance is twofold. For the past few years, Scandi style has been the prevailing aesthetic — particularly among the global fashion influencer community, with oversized pieces, clashing prints, and layered outfits becoming the norm. Just try to scroll through TikTok without being accosted (lovingly) by girlies walking to grab their morning coffees (or the real Scandi girls biking through their cities) while sporting bold color combinations and unexpected outfits. In this world, leopard print has always been not only a neutral, but an invitation to be playful with the pieces in your wardrobe — there are no real rules here, aside from “more is more”.

The other trend that has ushered in leopard print so strongly is the rise of the “mob wife aesthetic,” which is characterized by fur coats, chunky gold jewellery, and you guessed it, animal print. While the trend itself has been called into question for glamorizing mafia culture and narco violence (at worst), celebrating an aesthetic that older Italian women have worn for decades (at best), or more neutrally, being a bit of a non-trend — the reality is that leopard print pieces have now firmly landed in our daily wardrobes.

Now, the trends have had a baby, and that’s precisely where leopard print jeans come in. Jeans are an accessible way to embrace the maximalism of Scandi style (at least, the version we see on TikTok) and dip our toes into mob wife, without going full fur. It also fits into our wardrobes more easily than other forms of leopard print, as you can layer over coats and girly knitwear that tone down the innate va va voom of the print.

Jeans are also pieces that we know we’ll get a lot of wear out of. I have a rule in my wardrobe that no matter what I’m clearing out, jeans must always stay (unless they’re literally worn through). We know that denim trends come and go — as proven by the revival of barrel-leg jeans — so by investing in a pair of leopard print jeans this year, you can also be sure that you’ll wear them a lot, and for years to come.

The only problem that remains is actually getting a pair into your hot little hands. The two brands that have been leading the leopard charge for years are Damson Madder and Ganni, with the former consistently selling out of its cargo style and the latter constantly selling out its barrel-leg and cropped styles. At this point, your best bet is trawling sites like Depop, while also setting notifications on the Damson Madder and Ganni sites, so you can hopefully snap up a pair when they restock.

If you still have no luck, perhaps just wait for the hype to die down and then pounce, because like we said, leopard print will always come back around.

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The New Free People x Dr. Scholl’s Collab Is Festival Season-Ready

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What happens when you put one of the comfiest shoe brand’s together with one of the most beloved fashion retailers? You get the ultimate warm-weather shoes. In celebration of its 100-year anniversary, Dr. Scholl’s is collaborating with Free People to reimagine its Original Sandal.

“Both teams collaborated closely to create this vintage-inspired exclusive collection. Combining heritage pattern linings and vintage-dyed woods with unique hardware and detailing… the result is a retro kitsch, city cool style we know our customer will be very excited about!” Free People CMO Jack Reynolds said in a press release.

Free People re-designed the wood-sole clog sandal in a denim (perfect for the Spring 2024 denim craze) and white eyelet variations (perfect for summer picnics). Starting April 2, the collaboration can be carted up on both websites and in person at Free People stores. Read on to learn more about the collaboration’s sandal styles and how you can incorporate them into your wardrobe. 

Dr. Scholl’s X FP Original Clogs in Denim, $158

From modern denim dresses and patchwork denim jackets to monogrammed denim bags, denim-everything is in (and we’re not upset about it). Now, you can cart up a pair of indigo-sole jean sandals. Whether you’re looking for a statement sandal or a comfy festival shoe — the star and sun hardware elements were inspired by festival season — these sandals can effortlessly blend into your spring and summer wardrobe. Style the frayed-edge strap sandals with your favorite jean skirt or pair them with a full-denim look to channel your Cowboy Carter era

Dr. Scholl’s X FP Original Clogs in Eyelet, $158

On the other end of the style spectrum, the vintage-inspired, all-white clog sandal with delicate eyelet detailing and a beechwood sole can easily be styled with any breezy linen dress or bohemian maxi skirt. Slip into them for everything from farmers market runs and weekend picnics to summer concerts and boardwalk strolls. 

Shop all Dr. Scholl’s at Free People

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Spill Your Guts In These Olivia Rodrigo Song-Inspired Outfits

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“If I told you how much I think about her, you’d think I was in love!” These lyrics are from Olivia Rodrigo’s new single, “Obsessed,” but are also the perfect way to describe how I feel about the Grammy Award-winning artist. Last month, the superstar released five new tracks on her sophomore album GUTS. From the feel-good “So American” track that serves as Rodrigo’s first optimistic love song to the melancholy “Scared of My Guitar” ballad that demonstrates the songwriter’s vulnerability, each of Rodrigo’s new songs has a distinct vibe and aesthetic, while all being true to the singer’s emo-angsty, hard-and-soft, ‘90s-tinged sound.

Inspired by these new tracks and ahead of my first Rodrigo concert, I curated an outfit guide for every GUTS song. As you scroll on, you’ll find outfits that are just as tongue-in-cheek as Rodrigo’s lyrics, as well as looks that mimic her ultra-stylized music video looks. If you want to channel your favorite GUTS song in your everyday wardrobe or need a last-minute concert outfit for Rodrigo’s upcoming 4-night Madison Square Garden shows, browse — and shop — below.

“All-American Bitch” Outfit

Many can relate to being put in a box by society, and Rodrigo gave us the anthem we needed to reclaim our power. To channel this song, consider a sweet ‘60s-inspired Peter Pan collar dress because you’ve got “class and integrity just like a goddamn Kennedy.” Then flip the good girl script with not-so-school girl knee-high stockings and grungy Dr. Martens Mary Jane platforms. You can also pull from the “Coca-Cola bottles that I only use to curl my hair” lyric and buy yourself a kitschy soda can purse.

“Bad Idea Right?” Outfit

Ever thought about getting back with your ex? So has Rodrigo — if we are to believe her “Bad Idea Right?” story. Here, we found pieces nearly identical to the ones she wore in the music video, in which she leaves a house party to head to her ex’s apartment. Sure, you can always opt for a revenge dress, but we love the more unexpected pairing of a fuzzy cropped sweater with a sparkly sequin mini skirt like Rodrigo. To complete your look, throw on a red heart pendant necklace and classic Converse high-tops.

“Vampire” Outfit

While Rodrigo wears a white strapless ruffle dress in her “Vampire” music video, we’re pulling inspiration from her 2024 Grammys performance gown instead. For a going-out outfit, opt for a crimson slip dress or a romantic lace maxi dress that any, erm, vampire would kill to wear. Add some gothic flair with a blood-stained pearl choker. Or, for a more casual outing, sport a vampire-inspired graphic tee that looks like it could be screaming along to Rodrigo’s lyrics, “Bleeding me dry like a goddamn vampire!”

“Lacy” Outfit

Rather than taking on Rodrigo’s persona in her jealousy-drenched ballad, channel the angelic Lacy by pulling directly from the lyrics. “Eyes white as daisies” — opt for a yellow babydoll dress with dainty flower embellishments. “Like ribbons in your hair, I’m tangled all in knots” — cart up some hair bows (the 2024 “it” accessory that’s not going anywhere). “Skin like puff pastry” — a croissant-style ring works, right? “Like perfume that you wear, I linger all the time” — spritz on some unabashedly sweet perfume. 

“Ballad of A Homeschooled Girl” Outfit

To channel Rodrigo in this song about a homeschooled student trying to overcome feelings of social alienation, consider styling a modern, more mature version of a school uniform. That could mean pairing a cropped cardigan with a pleated mini skirt and Mary Jane flats. Or if this song evokes the feeling of wanting to crawl into a ball and stay at home, opt for a sweatsuit uniform of sorts in Rodrigo’s favorite color, purple.

“Making The Bed” Outfit

No, this song isn’t literally about making a bed, but we’re going with that theme for an outfit option. Wear a luxe feather-trimmed pajama set to a club like Olivia and her “fair-weather friends.” But if the deeply saddening song has you wanting to stay indoors, cuddle up in a wearable blanket (similar to Rodrigo’s must-have weighted blanket), heart-printed boxers, and cuddly slippers (these ones are an R29-reader favorite style). 

“Logical” Outfit

As Rodrigo puts it, “Love is never logical.” With themes of confrontation, gaslighting, and heartbreak, your outfit should match the heart-versus-mind energy. And what’s better than a cheeky graphic T-shirt and a pair of cozy sweatpants to sulk in? Keep with this song’s message and cart up a heart- and brain-printed pendant to add to your favorite necklace chain. Then upgrade your Converse game with a Comme des Garçons collab sneaker that fittingly features the luxury brand’s heart logo.

“Get Him Back!” Outfit

Rodrigo loves wordplay, from her interpretation of “guts” (feeling gutsy, spilling your guts, hating your guts, etc.) to her single “Get Him Back!” Sure, she wants to get her ex back… but only to make him suffer like she did. Copy her music video look and throw on a white baby tee, floral mini skirt, and black platform boots for a soft-meets-hard outfit. And while we don’t condone violence, you can also take inspo from the lyric “I wanna kiss his face with an uppercut,” and slip on a brass knuckle-inspired ring. 

“Love Is Embarrassing” Outfit

Wear your heart on your sleeve (literally) with a bold cut-out denim jacket to match the energy of this banger. If the line “I’m planning out my wedding with some guy I’m never marrying” sticks with you, perhaps you need a white mini dress. Pull casual bridal dresses from Revelry or Abercrombie’s new Wedding Shop. Then make your look a bit edgier (and less bridal) with Rodrigo’s signature fishnet tights.

“The Grudge” Outfit

If “The Grudge” is your cry-in-the-car song, welcome to the club. It has a combo of anger and betrayal and a blend of toughness and sadness. Replicate that juxtaposition with an outfit that plays with contrasting textures. Pair a sheer, romantic lace top with an edgy leather pant, or better yet, find yourself an asymmetric dress that combines black lace, satin, and velvet. And rather than holding your undying love like a grudge like Rodrigo, hold a celebrity-approved purse that’s too small to possibly hold all your heavy baggage in.

“Pretty Isn’t Pretty” Outfit

Do you also picture a sad pageant queen or Molly Ringwald’s insecure Sixteen Candles character when listening to “Pretty Isn’t Pretty”? Struggling with her appearance and attempting to cover up her insecurities, Rodrigo discusses covering up her face with makeup. But rather than covering up, accentuate your beauty with a playful lip and cheek tint. Keeping with the Sixteen Candles vibes, consider slipping into a pink puff-sleeve mini dress that’s more modern than Samatha’s pink, poofy bridesmaid and prom dresses.

“Teenage Dream” Outfit

In “Teenage Dream,” Rodrigo, now 21, sings about her final year as a “teen.” We put together a birthday-appropriate outfit consisting of a denim dress, a personalized necklace that can be customized with your age or birth year, and a friendship bracelet. If you want to be on the nose, you can also wear a Katy Perry “Teenage Dream” album cover-inspired T-shirt. 

“Obsessed” Outfit

Never afraid of screaming out all the dark, embarrassing things we’ve all thought before, Rodrigo sings about comparing herself to her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend. If you want an edgy outfit that mimics the music video’s costume, wear a black tulle dress paired with a heart-pendant choker, red crew socks, and chunky Mary Janes. But if instead you’re feeling like the ex-girlfriend that’s being obsessed over, cart up a kitschy “World’s Best Ex Girlfriend” baby tee that Rodrigo would definitely wear herself.

“Girl I’ve Always Been” Outfit

Feeling misunderstood? But also proud of your true self? Then this bop is likely your favorite new GUTS song. A tough cookie deserves a badass outfit to match their personality, and we think a retro-style boiler suit is the way to go. Balance it out with cat-eye sunglasses and a leather jacket. This song showcases Rodrigo’s twang and country vibe, so we suggest getting an interesting pair of cowboy boots to match.

“Scared of My Guitar” Outfit

Soft, delicate, and vulnerable, this song has a quietness that makes us conjure up a visual of Rodrigo strumming her guitar while wearing a sweet floral dress and warm-weather accessories like a crochet bandana or cap and sandals. If you don’t play the guitar, you could wear a guitar pick necklace that represents your love of music (and this song).

“Stranger” Outfit

“Stranger” evokes the feeling of the weight of a past love coming off your chest, the realization that all your pain has made you stronger, and the hopefulness of a new beginning. Now, that’s pretty difficult to translate into an outfit, so we pulled from Rodrigo’s storytelling of waking up in bed to all of these feelings and reflecting on her past relationship over a cup of coffee. For this, you’ll want to throw your hair up in a messy bun while wearing a matching pajama set, dramatic floor-length robe, and comfy slippers.

“So American” Outfit

We know and love Rodrigo for her relatable heartbreak bops, but the singer just released her first true love song in which she sounds happy and optimistic about her love life. Many have inferred that she’s singing about her current boyfriend, British actor Louis Partridge: “He says I’m so American.” For a literal interpretation, wear an American flag sweater, OG Americana Levi’s jeans, retro-inspired sneakers, and a belt bag. 

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