OPINION: A cool girl’s guide to glamroar

By Li Li Schoenfelder

The cool girls of 2025 know that cheetah isn’t just an animal print, it’s a power move.  

Cheetah print has roared through fashion history -- it had a home all throughout the 20^th century, appeared again in the early 2000s, and is back today in 2025. Each era of cheetah has carried a different vibe from “classic top-of-the-line luxury” to “maximalist mob-wife,” and, most recently, “modern streetwear,” combining sexy with quiet luxury. 

On the one hand, luxury brands like Versace, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana all have revamped cheetah and released intense animal print looks in their 2024 and 2025 collections.  

On the other hand, cheetah has found its way into casual effortless style with faux fur coats, and cheetah print pants, sneakers, dresses, tops... This revamp has made cheetah accessible and irresistible for everyday shoppers.  

Do: Let It Be Demure. 

Cheetah print should be effortless. Channel your inner sass with a cheetah-print trench coat or some faux fur; your go-to black or white tee creates a blank canvas for your cheetah print to run wild. Pair it with a trouser or your perfect jeans for that ultimate “model-off-duty” look. Accessorizing with cheetah through a tennis shoe or a cheetah purse adds the perfect peek of subtle glamour. 

Don’t: Go Full Jungle. 

While it may be tempting because cheetah is so fabulous, avoid head-to-toe animal print looks. Nobody is challenging your stance as queen of the jungle, stay away from a gaudy matching set or mixing different animal prints together -- things can quickly go from “It Girl” to a hot mess. Keep the cheetah print the standout statement of your outfit.  

Do: Stay Fierce and Feminine. 

Cheetah print is the spirit animal for your inner diva. Think big – chunky gold jewelry and a glossy bold lip stain. Put on your cheetah mini skirt and perfect your catwalk. Animal print has always symbolized a bold style, femininity, and power. From Jackie Kennedy to Rhianna, cheetah is a timeless style. 

Don’t: Be Out Cheetah-ed. 

Cheetah can be overwhelming, the look we’re going for is effortless cool girl glam, not costume dress up. When done wrong, cheetah can be cringey. But when done right, cheetah print transforms your closet into quiet luxury regardless of its bold look. 

While there is no right way to wear cheetah, and you should wear what makes you feel comfortable, those are a few of my do’s and don’ts for styling cheetah print. A striking pop of cheetah print can elevate your closet and bring a seemingly normal outfit to the next level.