The moment Dua Lipa shared mirror selfies of her latest ensemble, fashion feeds lit up. In the images she pairs a leopard-print skirt with a pinstripe blazer, a crisp white button-down, and knee-high black boots, finished with a lemon-yellow Louis Vuitton Speedy. The combination reads daring on paper but polished in practice, and it’s a useful case study in current wardrobe mixing. What makes this outfit a standout is not only the garments themselves, but the attitude: a confident blend of contrasts and textures that turns recognizable items into a cohesive statement.
Although the exact designer pieces in her set easily push the total to well over $10K, the overall idea is simple to replicate without the high price tag. At the core of the look is an asymmetrical midi skirt in leopard—an attention-grabbing base that anchors the rest of the outfit. From there, classic tailoring, reliable boots, and an unexpected pop of color complete the equation. Below I break down why the outfit works, which pieces to prioritize, and where to find affordable substitutes so you can copy the vibe without committing to couture price points.
Why the formula works
The success of Dua’s styling comes down to balanced contrasts: the wildness of a leopard-print midi skirt offset by the structure of a pinstripe blazer, juxtaposed with the soft openness of an unbuttoned white shirt. This is a practical example of ’90s minimalism’ updated for today—clean lines, purposeful negative space, and a focus on a few strong pieces rather than ornamentation. Texture also matters: leather or satin skirts introduce sheen that plays well against wool-blend blazers, while tall boots add visual continuity from hem to heel. Finally, the lemon-yellow bag functions as a deliberate punctuation mark: a bright, warm accent that lifts an otherwise neutral palette.
How to recreate the look without breaking the bank
Key pieces to buy
Start with a leopard-print skirt—the wardrobe linchpin. If you prefer a lower-cost option to The Attico’s leather slip, consider a satin or twill version like the Sézane Leopard Sandy Skirt priced around $150 or retailers’ fast-fashion versions such as H&M’s flared items and Puma’s leopard skirts under $60. Pair it with a tailored pinstripe blazer (there are well-priced options near $100) and a classic white button-down, such as the Everlane Oxford, often listed under $70. For footwear, sleek knee-highs with a streamlined shaft offer the same visual effect as designer boots; look for deals—some Michael Kors styles have been discounted significantly online. Finish with a compact top-handle bag in a bold hue or an affordable replica of the Louis Vuitton Speedy to replicate that signature pop.
Where to shop and what to prioritize
When choosing substitutions, prioritize silhouette and texture over brand names. The skirt’s length and cut matter more than a label—seek an asymmetrical or bias-cut midi that skims the body. For layering, an unbuttoned white shirt worn over a little black cami creates the same modern contrast Dua achieves with minimal effort. Accessories like square cat-eye sunglasses and simple gold rings will sharpen the look; affordable picks such as JW Pei bags, Vanlinker frames, and value-priced jewelry can mimic high-end finishes without the markup. If budget is tight, allocate more of your spend to the skirt and boots and save on the bag and sunglasses.
Styling tips and variations
To keep the outfit fresh, experiment with proportions and footwear: swap knee-high boots for ankle boots or strappy heels to change the vibe from edgy to polished. Layering is crucial—wearing the blazer slightly oversized modernizes the tailoring, while cuffing the sleeves or rolling the hem of the shirt introduces casual movement. When mixing prints, maintain a hierarchy: one dominant pattern (the leopard) plus one subtle pattern (the pinstripes) prevents visual competition. And don’t shy away from small details; black press-on nails, stacked rings, or a thin leather belt can refine the silhouette. Ultimately, the lesson here is that deliberate contrast—textures, prints, and a single bright accent—delivers an outfit that feels curated rather than chaotic.
Final thoughts
Dua Lipa’s recent post is more than a celebrity mood board; it’s a practical template for modern dressing that champions mixing eras and motifs. By emphasizing silhouette, texture, and a single bright accessory, you can translate that high-fashion energy into everyday wear with budget-friendly alternatives. If you want a professional perspective, Sarah Maberry—fashion and luxury commerce editor at Hearst Magazines—regularly analyzes trends and selects pieces that balance impulse with lasting value. A trained trend forecaster and fashion historian who contributes to ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, Town & Country, Esquire, and Cosmopolitan, she studied at the Museum at FIT and still sews her own pieces between episodes of reality TV.