Walking on the wild side.
Sometime in 2024, the Mob Wife trend took over, ushering in infinite mood boards of The Sopranos‘ Adriana LaCerva. A defining throughline of La Cerva’s wardrobe is animal print, more specifically leopard, which quickly became a dominant trend for 2024. And if Elle Fanning’s Golden Globes after-party dress is any indication, the bold animal print trend is not going anywhere for 2025.
The actress stepped out of her Balmain red carpet gown and into a leopard print slip dress, which also featured a matching backward scarf. She paired the look with chocolate brown peep-toe heels, a combination that reads like a 2025 fashion trend mad-libs. Earlier in the night, Fanning had also endorsed the leopard print trend via a strapless Balmain gown that featured the bold pattern on the neckline, inspired by a 1953 Balmain couture dress.
While leopard print may seem like a daunting trend (we get it, it’s a bold one!), Fanning’s double action from the Golden Globes is evidence of its versatility and wearability. Beloved by fashion icons from Sophia Loren to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, leopard print is one of those maximalist staples that can actually be considered neutral, which is why it continually comes back in style. From the ’70s disco era and the ’90s minimalism moment to the 2010s Indie Sleaze trend, leopard print’s ability to blend in any type of sartorial aesthetic makes it one to invest in, now and forever.
Reformation Felda Dress
$278 at Reformation
Norma Kamali Low Back Jumpsuit
$145 at Revolve
But what truly makes Fanning’s looks, styled by Petra Flannery, work is their ability to take leopard print out of the casual arena and into eveningwear. First, it’s not every day that a red carpet event features a leopard print dress. And while it’s usual to see mid-century photos of Sophia Loren wearing leopard print in glamorous dresses, the last few years have seen more daytime-appropriate and minimalist takes. But with fashion’s pendulum swing back to maximalism, Fanning is urging us all to walk on the wild side, even at black-tie events.
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J. Crew Gathered Shift Leopard Print Dress
Shop now: $135.99 (was $168); jcrew.com
Good American Satin Shine Midi Dress
Shop now: $179; bloomingdales.com
Tuckernuck Leopard Marlow Dress
Shop now: $198; tuckernuck.com
Zara Tulle Midi Dress
Shop now: $29.95 (was $59.90); zara.com
Mango Leopard Print Shirt Dress
Shop now: $59.99 (was $99.99); mango.com