The Trendy Anti-Flat Shoe Fashion People in London, New York and Milan Are Wearing Nonstop

As a fashion editor, you won't be surprised to hear that the bi-annual Fashion months are my favourite times of the year. With weeks of fashion inspiration on tap, it's a pleasure to see my own city light up with excitement, but even more affirming to see the event manifest itself differently in each fashion capital.

Ever energised by the fizz of fashion month, I can't help but dive into street style and runway shots the moment I get a chance. And, having already sorted through countless images from this month's events, I noticed a specific shoe trend permeating fashion circles across the world. A fresh find for autumn 2024, the leopard-print heel was the shoe of choice for showgoers in New York, London, Milan and Copenhagen this September, and at this rate, I think we can expect to see it all over Paris too.

Influencer wears leopard print heels.

(Image credit: @oliviafaeh)

In stark contrast to the black Mary Janes and ballet flats that have dominated street style scenes since last September, this season's It shoe explores a flirtier side of fashion, almost always featuring a sleek, skinny heel and of course, the bold print. Fashion people will know that the A/W 24 runways were rife with the feline print, and with brands backing the motif in a big way, it makes sense that those most in tune with the latest trends have rushed to add leopard-print heels to their looks this season.

Copenhagen Fashion Week Street Style

A Copenhagen Fashion Week attendee styles leopard-print slingbacks to a show in August

(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Of all the leopard-print heels trotting down streets right now, it's slingback styles that are really taking off; Who What Wear UK deputy editor Maxine Eggenberger wore a sleek kitten-heel pair with a suede trench coat and a crisp white button-down for a day of shows at LFW last weekend.

London Fashion Week Street Style

Who What Wear UK deputy editor Maxine Eggenberger wears leopard-print, kitten-heel slingbacks to London Fashion Week

(Image credit: Nicole Gomes)

Also Cropping up in Copenhagen, New York and Milan, the animal-print shoe has crept into cities with decidedly different styles, transcending fashion parameters and proving the trend has universal appeal. This being said, it won't shock you to learn that the high street has already taken to the new-season print in a big way. Stocking kitten-heel slingbacks and elegant court-shoe options, brands such as Zara and H&M have compelling iterations, but I can't stop thinking about Mint Velvet's kitten-heel pair—the very pair Maxine wore, pictured above.

New York Fashion Week Street Style

A New York Fashion Week attendee styles leopard-print heels to a show

(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Leopard print is often described by fashion people as a neutral, owing to its hugely versatile colour palette, so you'll probably find leopard-print pieces easier to style than you may have initially thought. As fashion crowds have demonstrated, a leopard heel pairs well with cream, white or beige trousers, but I know for a fact that it also looks very chic with baggy jeans and pencil skirts.

Milan Fashion Week Street Style

A Milan Fashion Week attendee in leopard-print heels

(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

To shop the trend with unanimous fashion-person approval, read on to discover our edit of the best leopard-print heels.

SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST LEOPARD-PRINT HEELS:

Natalie Munro
News Writer

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer. Having worked in the fashion industry since her time at university—where she obtained a BA in Journalism from University of the Arts London, Natalie's experience spans journalistic and styling roles. In the early stages of her career Natalie predominately worked on editorial shoots for fashion publications such as British Vogue, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK, before moving into journalism roles.

On completion of her degree she interned in the editorial team at British Vogue and later went on to freelance for the publication. Here, she developed her interest in reporting on the latest fashion news and trends. Inspired by the dynamic nature of the industry, Natalie went on to write for other lifestyle and fashion brands and publications before taking on the role as News Writer for Who What Wear.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Focusing on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion, Natalie reports on a daily basis, ensuring that she remains ahead of the trends. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.