The One Thing on Every French Girl's Radar Right Now

First, it was a pencil skirt. I started seeing a simple, leopard-print silk skirt splashing its way across my Instagram feed. Then, it was a swimsuit. Suddenly, like the moment you learn a new word and suddenly see it everywhere, I feel like leopard print has consumed my internet life in the last month. But with all my research, I've come to the conclusion that no one masters this print quite like the French. It seems as if leopard is a wardrobe prerequisite for them, something everyone owns and knows exactly how to style.

Below, I'm highlighting a range of ways French women pull off leopard print and breaking down exactly when and how you should re-create each look. Whether it's your first time trying on the trend for size or you're already a pro in need of new inspiration, you'll find something you can use here.

Leopard pants make a statement but still feel polished. Try styling them with neutral pieces like black boots or a simple white tee.

This summer, think outside your everyday wardrobe and take a cue from Jeanne Damas by adding a leopard-print swimsuit to your beach wardrobe.

Swap a standard night-out LBD for something a bit punchier. A statement-making leopard minidress is a fun choice for a night on the town.

While it's a stretch to classify leopard print as a neutral, it can still fit into a classic, polished work wardrobe. Style with trousers or dark jeans and you're all set. 

If you're ready to take things up a notch, try styling a sleek skirt with a fun top in a punchy color. The combination is quirky but still feels cool (the Parisian way).

A leopard slip dress is an easy styling piece. Layer a tee underneath if you want more coverage, and then style with boots, heels, or sneakers. It's all up to you.

Have a concert coming up on the calendar? Take a cue from your favorite French trendsetters and try a leopard tank with black trousers on the bottom. You'll be comfortable (and cool) all night long.

Leopard has the unique ability to skew classic but also feel a bit edgy. Paired with a cool T-shirt, a leopard miniskirt can be styled whichever way you prefer.

Dressing for a first date can be especially tricky, but a fail-safe plan is to go with something that's easy with just a bit of polish. A floaty leopard skirt and a laid-back button-down are a winning combination.