Sorry to my black ballet flats, but Prada's leopard print pumps are the new must-have - here's 6 affordable alternatives to help you get ahead
Our fashion editor predicts you'll spot these leopard print ballet flats everywhere this autumn
![Prada leopard ballet flats duo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5KVQyHZ6JvEEuPzDfKhUZH-415-80.jpg)
As a long-time leopard print lover, it's certainly not unusual for me to be recommending you add a wild print to your wardrobe. But this year, the rest of the fashion world agrees with me. Leopard is a neutral!
Leopard print jeans have been a stand out trend this year (I found the perfect pair at Mint Velvet), and so have ballet flats. But as autumn approaches, Prada has cleverly combined the two to make, let's face it, my dream shoes.
The label's leopard print ballet flats feature a calf hair finish, the sweetest Mary Jane strap and that very distinctive triangular Prada logo on the front. Nicky Hilton's a fan, and sizes are already limited at lots of stockists. However, at £820, these are not for the faint-hearted.
Luckily, you've got a (self-professed) leopard print expert on hand to help. Super similar styles are landing left, right and centre on the virtual high street for as little as £25.99, so now's the time to invest. They're a great alternative to the best white trainers, plus they feel like a more subtle way to dip your toe into the animal print trend if jeans, coats or dresses feel a bit on the bold side.
Pick your favourite from these six options to refresh your autumn capsule wardrobe and let the compliments roll in...
Shop Prada leopard print ballet flat lookalikes
Mint Velvet is going from strength to strength at the moment. Have a look at their new in section and you could easily mistake it for one of the best French clothing brands. Following on from their bestselling leopard print jeans, these ballet flats look much more expensive than they are, and will become your go-to. The Mint Velvet sale is always worth checking out too.
I've been shopping at Zara even more than normal lately, and their shoes are my biggest weakness. I tend to find them really comfortable - particularly for the price point - and these animal print pumps are going to overtake my favourite Zara leather ballet flats, which I've worn on repeat all summer long.
The shape of the toe and the buckle on the strap make these Boden shoes look much more expensive. One five star reviewer wrote: "I'm a five and a half, so bought a 5 and a 6, and the 5 were a bit tight, so I've kept the 6. The buckle is on elastic, so these are really easy to slip on and look great. Fabulous work shoe. Love."
Charles & Keith can count Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lopez as fans, so if you fancy adding your name to that list, these are a great place to start. The little bow on the front is a nice touch!
A great option if you're looking for shoes to wear with wide leg trousers, these will add interest to even the simplest of ensembles. Sizes are selling fast so don't wait.
These are a hybrid of the mesh ballet flats you saw everywhere last season and the leopard print you're going to see everywhere in autumn. Wear them with the best jeans for your body type and a cosy cardigan, and this will take you from sandal weather to boot weather effortlessly.
Wondering how to style your leopard print ballet flats? They'll pair perfectly with everything from jeans to midi dresses, and will work particularly well with on-trend shades of brown. The Zara Marine jeans are still going strong in my wardrobe, and red is another huge trend for the new season, so lean in to that with knitwear and accessories.
Ballet flats in all colours lend themselves to that Parisian look we're all keen to copy, so check out some of the best French clothing brands if you're in need of some chic stripes or a new trench coat.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Caroline is Digital Fashion Editor for woman&home, and has been a fashion writer and editor for ten years.
After graduating from the London College of Fashion, she has spent the last decade tracking down and writing about celebrity outfits, covering events ranging from the Met Gala to the King’s Coronation.
She has an encyclopedic knowledge of brands, but always likes to know about new and under the radar labels. She’s originally from Liverpool, and outside of work, her great loves are leopard print and her lively but adorable cocker spaniel, Ghillie.
-
32 of our favourite outfits from Friends - from Rachel's fashion-forward 'fits to Phoebe's boho style
Friends featured some of the best 90s and noughties looks on screen - we break down our all-time favourites
By Hannah Holway Published
-
Princess Anne’s husband was granted special privilege by Queen Elizabeth after major family change - and only one other adult royal got it too
Princess Anne's husband Sir Timothy Laurence was one of two royal adults who had an exception made for them by Queen Elizabeth
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Katie Holmes proves simple styling will always be chic in comfortable jeans and a crisp white shirt
We love Katie Holmes' effortlessly cool and laid-back look
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Demi Moore's cable knit jumper, blue jeans and deep red leather loafers look is very When Harry Met Sally
Her autumnal outfit is the definition of cosycore
By Caroline Parr Published
-
Lorraine Kelly's low-key look proves a classic wool coat and comfortable trainers is the autumnal combination you can rely on
She was pictured celebrating her 32nd wedding anniversary in Scotland
By Caroline Parr Published
-
We’re captivated by Cat Deeley’s slinky halterneck top – it instantly elevates a classic fashion formula
Cat Deeley just wore the most beautiful silk halterneck and jeans – it's casual chic on a whole new level
By Katherine Sidnell Published
-
Liv Tyler's unexpected red handbag is the ultimate accessory that will help you integrate this trending colour into your autumn looks
Liv Tyler educates us on how easily vibrant red can transform monochromatic looks
By Molly Smith Published
-
Queen Mary’s tartan skirt and turtleneck jumper are the ultimate cosy-chic staples for autumn
With rich and warm burgundy tones, Queen Mary's tartan skirt is the perfect piece for the cooler months
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
John Lewis Sofia Smooth Underwired T-Shirt Bra Review: "Supportive and invisible under my clothes"
A bra that's great for women with big boobs who are looking for support, comfort and a smooth line under tight tops
By Julie Player Published
-
Jo Whiley’s chocolate brown suit has got us clicking ‘check out’ on versatile velvet pieces ready to style all autumn
Jo Whiley's chocolate brown velvet suit has got us excited to add more pieces in this luxurious fabric to our autumnal style rotation
By Emma Shacklock Published