Leopard prints have long been a staple in the most fashionable of wardrobes. From Diane von Furstenberg to Kate Moss, the fierce style has clawed its way to the top on many powerful women. However, when we think of coveted clothing, our minds don’t always prowl to straight to animal prints. We’re more likely to envision classic blazers, white t-shirts and well-made denim. Yet, if the leopard print evolution is anything to go by—this is one mainstay that’s going to prey on your looks for years to come.

Sorry to the people on Twitter everyday proclaiming that leopard prints disgust them.

Like applying a glossy red lip, leopard prints can add the perfect pop to your outfit. After all, as far as Jenna Lyons and I are concerned, leopard prints are a neutral. As are zebra, tiger & snakeskin. (Which, actually, are all having major moments right now too.) And if the runways are any indication that the leopard print evolution is far from over, then we better get investing in some key pieces.

The Roar-Worthy Leopard Print Evolution

Even though the leopard print evolution has proven to be undeniably glamorous and stylish, there are still those skeptics who claim it’s trashy. I’d chalk that up to not having seen the right leopard prints. After all, who could dislike something with such a sophisticated past?

It all started in the 1920s.

Of course, people have always loved what celebs wear. And actress Joan Crawford in this silky leopard print dress was no exception. Christian Dior also had a massive influence in the leopard print evolution. He’s famously known to have said: “If you are fair and sweet, don’t wear it.” Cheeky? Yes, and exceptionally fierce.

The 30s kept leopard on the outside.

By “on the outside” I mean that leopard print was still mostly reserved for outwear. Coats were long, lean and generally fashioned in a solid hue that was punctuated with leopard print accents. However, the spots were occasionally designed in an all-over print—as seen on Bette Davis in The Rich Are Always With Us.

In the 1940s, leopard print made a bold move.

After a couple of decades spent coveting spots, they finally clawed their way into evening wear. Leopard prints could be seen on the red carpet! This year we saw Demi Lovato at the Billboard Awards in a leopard print dress. However, dare I say—it didn’t look as classy as this one worn by Jane Greer.

Then, 50s leopard print was a key piece for rich bitches.

And what’s not to love about that? In the 50s, leopard print was reserved for rich ladies and trophy wives. Goals? Hell yeah. Don’t tell me you’ve never dreamed of just having cold hard cash at your disposal without having to work for it. I’m an independent career woman and I’ve even dreamed of that.

In the 60s, leopard moved onto accessories.

A huge trend of the swinging sixties was matching leopard print. Stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Jill Ireland and Zsa Zsa Gabor were all fans of this approach to leopard prints. However, by the late 60s the fad-of-the-moment was all about mixing different textures. Imagine a leopard print fur and vibrantly dyed suede. Or something like that.

Things got really bold in the 70s.

Once punk queen Debbie Harry got her paws on leopard prints, they definitely took a turn. No longer was leopard only for the high fashion crowd. Once this happened, leopard began to take on a newfound edge and became a rock & roll staple. Which is still evident today!

The crazy 80s loved leopard too.

Trust the bold silhouettes and glitzy glamour of the 80s to sink their claws into leopard print. How could they resist? This seems to be when leopard prints truly transformed into night out attire. I’m loving these looks from Yves Saint Laurent.

Kate Moss owned 90s leopard print.

There’s no denying that once Kate Moss came on the scene, leopard prints became her signature style. I mean, she’s been wearing essentially the same look since the 90s and it still works. She is living proof that leopard prints go with everything. And never go out of style.

The 00s saw leopard prints enter the work force.

Christian Dior is still on top of the leopard print game to this day. In the 2000s, we saw leopard prints rendered on outfits that can easily be worn to a 9-5 job without being too overpowering. To me, wearing leopard to work shows that you’re confident and ready to pounce on any problems that may arise.

Today, the leopard print evolution is far from over.

Nowadays, if major celebs are sporting a look, then millions of people across the world are too. Leopard prints have managed to find their way onto multiple members of the Kardashian-Jenner family but my favourite is always Kendall. This leopard print coat is truly envy-inducing.

Ultimately, to wear leopard prints you’ve got to confidently wear the spots as if they were your own. You may not be able to choose the skin you’re born with, but you can choose the skin you put on. As long as it’s faux, of course. So, where will the leopard print evolution prowl next? My bets are on high fashion, sophisticated styles & those who want to slay in the perfect balance between prey and predator.

Leopard Print Evolution feature image featured can be found here.