Welcome to the jungle: The fashion trend proving that leopard print is for lads

But are you really brave enough to pull it off?

Friday 04 August 2017 13:13 EDT

Dolce & Gabbana Spring Summer 2017 (AFP/Getty Images)

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Having recently emerged from the fashion wilderness, animal prints are often considered the reserve of women but, in a bid to broaden the ever-growing horizon of gents' style, designers have hailed it a bona fide menswear trend.

Forget Bet Lynch's take on wearing the print, because this season’s newfound affection for leopard is offering you a chance to lead the pack.

On the runway, the key protagonist this summer was clear as Dolce & Gabbana weighed in on a collection that majored in musical influence with everything from leopard print trousers and sweatshirts to a two-piece tuxedo and polo-kaftan hybrid.

Similarly, the journey of Alexander McQueen’s spring summer 2017 collection crossed over between 1960s swinging London and the opulent exoticism of India during the Empire period.

Here, sharply cut Savile Row tailoring met sun-bleached leopard prints, trimmed collars on slick cardigans and animalistic tennis shoes.

Now, while this trend is definitely not one for the faint of heart, it is seriously fun and can be mastered without leaving you looking like a member of Aerosmith.

The trick here is to focus on one piece at a time and if making a style statement isn’t your thing, the print can also be used as a means to experiment with subtle detailing by utilising it in an accent role.

From a revamped pair of classic sneakers, to a boxy short sleeve shirt or a rebellious jacket trimmed with the punk-inspired print, leopard promises to instantly inject a sense of life and personality into your look.

But, whichever item you choose just be sure to root the rest of your look in wardrobe classics – think cropped, tailored trousers or basic tees – and neutral colours to balance out the swag.