Jacqueline Ames
Animal prints are back this fall and winter. We’re talking zebra, snakeskin… and of course leopard. But they are back reimagined and updated. Things have moved far from the cleavage, big hair, and bright red nails that gave leopard print bad rep. The updated designs are animal prints, leopard included, positioned as a far more sophisticated choice in which to step out.
If you’re ready to embrace this wild trend, then you’ve come to the right place.
Matching to leopard print can be complicated! What color nail polish goes with a leopard print dress?
In this article, we are going to look at what you need to consider when choosing the right nail color to go with your leopard print dress, as well as give you a few pointers to keep your leopard print on point, as opposed to cheap.
If you are in a hurry and were looking for the short answer: nudes, beige, gold, and black can all look amazing with a leopard print dress.
There are other colors that can go with a leopard print dress, of course. But these will depend on what colors are in the pattern of your dress, so read on!
Contents
Is Leopard Print Classy Or Trashy?
There’s no denying that leopard print has had its fair share of criticism for looking trashy, just as much as it’s been donned by royalty and been a favorite of the elite upper echelon of society as a sign of elegance, sophistication, and wealth.
The truth is, it can be both.
And it’s easy to look cheap if you’re not careful.
We have a few tips you might want to keep in mind to make sure you stay on the classy side of leopard print.
If you are wearing a leopard print dress, keep your accessories, shoes, makeup… and nails minimal.
If you are wearing a leopard print dress, keep your accessories, shoes, makeup… and nails minimal.
Leopard print already speaks volumes.
And regardless of how elegant and chic your dress is, it will be the focal point. When you are styling an outfit, you should really have only one focal point.
You want everything else to complement the dress instead of competing with it. You don’t need statement accessories because your dress is the statement.
Do not mix a leopard print dress with other leopard print items! Leopard print works as a one-off. If you’re going to wear leopard print – dress, belt, shoes, bag – pick one.
Do not mix a leopard print dress with other leopard print items! Leopard print works as a one-off. If you’re going to wear leopard print – dress, belt, shoes, bag – pick one.
Keep your jewelry simple. Avoid chunky necklaces and overly ornate pieces.
Your shoes should be simple. The thinner the strap the better. Pass on the big bows, platforms, and high lace-up straps.
Go for a neutral makeup palette. Black, beige, brown, and grey are all colors that will work well.
And when it comes to lipstick, the nude always works. But there’s nothing wrong with a pop of color! Just go for a darker, more muted tone of red or pink.
Fire engine red, bright coral, and bright fuchsia pink can tend to look a bit garish with leopard print.
The same goes for your nails. Choose a color that is more neutral.
Avoid bright red at all costs. You can get nail art done that looks like leopard print. And if done well, it can actually be kind of cool if you are wearing a more minimal, neutral outfit… but not with a leopard print dress.
So then, what color nail polish goes with a leopard print dress? Let’s find out!
What Color Nail Polish Goes With A Leopard Print Dress?
So first of all let’s talk leopard print. Now as most people can’t tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator, a dolphin and a porpoise, a turtle and tortoise, there’s no need to split that hair when it comes to leopard, cheetah and jaguar prints.
Because this season, all animal prints are in.
And as much as David Attenborough might cringe, when it comes to fashion, anything with those types of spots is generically termed ‘leopard print’.
The idea is to mimic nature, not look like you’re actually wearing it!
There are a lot of different patterns in different colors that could be classified as “leopard print.”
Regardless of the color of your dress, there are two nail polish colors that will go with virtually all leopard print dresses.
1. Black Nail Polish
Almost every leopard print fabric has some black in it. A black nail polish, like Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Color in black heart can look super elegant.
And you don’t have to worry about it looking too Goth if you’re wearing a leopard print dress, because no one is going to make that mistake.
2. Nude Nail Polish
A nude nail polish like Revlon Nail Enamel in pink nude is also very elegant and matches everything.
It’s also very subdued, so if black is a little on the dark side for you, go nude and you can’t go wrong.
Milky pink nails are a slight offshoot of nude nails that can really look great.
3. Neutral Colors
If your dress has the standard shades of black, beige and brown, any neutral nail polish color that is any shade of beige or brown can work just as well as nude.
In fact, these colors would probably go with most leopard print dresses as well.
4. Any Dark Jewel Tone
With the neutral leopard print, any dark jewel tone will look great. Dark amethyst purple, emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red. If you are going to choose a color that is not neutral, it should be a dark shade of that colour.
5. Gold & Silver Nail Polish
Metallics and leopard print should be reserved for more formal, festive occasions.
Gold looks great with leopard print. Silver can also work if you have a pattern with more white or grey in it.
Rather than going for a showy mirrored shine, opt for a nail colour with more of a shimmer, like Sally Hansen Insta Dri Matte Metallics in Gold Rush or Silver Stallion .
6. White Nail Polish
If your print has white in it, a white nail polish, like SOPHi Nail Polish in Snow More Cold Feet can look fantastic. Just remember that white is very stark and bright, so unless your dress has some white in the pattern, it can be too much of a contrast.
And instead of blending in, your nails will stick out, but not in a good way.
Remember what we said earlier about not having things compete for attention.
Also, note that some people interpret white nail polish in different ways. We think it’s all silly, just wear the colors you want. But understanding this may help.
7. Any Color from the Print Pattern
Not all leopard print fabric is neutral! In our example collection above, the last two have colors that definitely do not occur in nature. And that’s fine.
After all, you are not supposed to look like you’ve just come back from an African hunting safari and are wearing the skin of your prized kill.
There is nothing that says you can’t have a little fun with your leopard print.
If you have other colors in your leopard print, like peachy pink, or teal, you can always use one of the colors in the dress as a nail color. Just maybe stick with the more muted colors.
For example, in the pink leopard print above, you might want to go with either a light blush or a deep fuchsia, rather than bright pink.
Conclusion
There are lots of nail colors that will work great with a leopard print dress. Just remember that the leopard print dress is guaranteed to be the focal point. So keep your accessories simple so they don’t compete for attention too much.
- Black and nude will go with any leopard print dress.
- Neutrals will also go with just about any leopard print dress.
- Metallics can work if it’s a more festive, dressy occasion.
- White should only be worn if there is white in your leopard print pattern.
- If you have a pattern with different colors, you can always match one of the colours in the print, as long as it’s not too bright.
