Leopard is the print of the season. Our fashion expert reveals how to tame the tackiest trend - and make you look younger

Leopard, the Marmite of prints, sometimes intimidating — never for the fainthearted.

Think you're over it or, whisper it, too old? Think again. Animal print is swarming the High Street.

Step into Zara and you won't be able to move for spots, and M&S saw searches for leopard up 98 per cent last month — catch their dress if you can, it's nearly sold out.

What makes this print such a perennial? Is it the bold confidence it exudes or because it's so versatile? Classic, but never boring, leopard injects joy just when we all need it most.

Forget about the weather and the election for just a moment and embrace your wild side, these pieces are grown-up and versatile to be worn at any age — leopard is for life.

Denim is your friend

Actress Jennifer Lawrence at the Christian Dior Cruise show at Drummond Castle in Scotland earlier this month

At the recent Dior Cruise show in Scotland, Jennifer Lawrence gave a masterclass in leopard print, letting her coat do all the talking (no doubt much needed for an outdoor show in chilly Perthshire).

The dark denim jeans which accompanied it were a genius move. Denim softens leopard, making it feel more modern and youthful — instantly upgrading you to a cool cat.

Quilted gilet, £150, wyselondon.com

Pair it back 

Don't have the look-at-me energy for head-to-toe leopard? This season, choose your print and add something simple such as a white -shirt from Albaray, £29, to keep it relaxed.

Actress Rosamund Pike at a screening of her film Saltburn last December in New York City

Skirt, £75, albaray.co.uk

A slip skirt is everyone's best friend as it provides all the statement, leaving you free to keep your top half plain.

Switch it up with a black top for the evening like Rosamund Pike has done here, or sling on a denim jacket with trainers if casual is your thing.

Dip your toe in 

If you don't fancy embracing leopard through clothing, then accessories will add a pop of interest — whether it's a belt, bag or shoes.

Adding a little leopard can an upgrade any simple style. It will always be a talking point, even in small doses.

These flats from Ancient Greek Sandals will be just the summer staple to lift any outfit without seeming to try too hard.

Sandals, £129.50, ancient-greek-sandals.com

Add some bling 

Leopard will get you all the attention, but don't forget some subtle bling.

The chocolate tones of leopard will always work with gold jewellery, as animal-print icon Dame Joan Collins knows only too well.

They complement each other perfectly, the warmth of gold lifting the look in what is a classic pairing.

Joan Collins out and about with her husband Percy Gibson in Los Angeles in 2021

Necklace, £25, orelia.co.uk

Give it quiet luxury

While leopard might say mob-wife to you, leave the red lipstick and white stilettos behind. It's more about the quiet luxury take on the trend these days,

Ganni's leopard trousers (£235) are the ideal crop if you want to try this summer's 'It trouser', Mint Velvet have a version at £99.

Khaki is a great colour match, as seen on the catwalk at Dior and will give it the pulled-together look you need, whether that's a utility jacket or a mac like the elegant one from Hush at £189.

A model walks the runway during the Christian Dior Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-25 show, as part of Paris Fashion Week, in February this year

Colour is key

If traditional leopard doesn't do it for you, then why not add some colour for the ultimate style statement.

Deep reds can be an expensive-looking change from tans, as have been seen on the catwalk at Alexander McQueen.

Baukjen's vibrant version would look great on darker skin tones.

Dress, £179, baukjen.com

Keep it classy

Leopards never change their spots, nor should you change your style.

Look to Kate Moss — a true leopard aficionado. La Moss has been wearing the print for decades now.

Kate Moss at the launch of her book, Musings on Fashion and Style: Museo de la Moda, at the Hotel de Crillon in Paris in 2019

If you want to make a splash, as she does here, in an elegant column dress, keep everything else pared back and chic. A simple black clutch and sandals are the perfect muted foils to a striking dress.