When I was a little girl, my mother raised me to love classic prints and combinations: navy and white stripes with a pop of red, tartan plaids in winter, and black-and-tan all year long. These days, I edge toward high-quality basics—investment pieces like good boots and handbags—and classic combinations. One place where Mom and I don’t agree? Leopard. Like a good millennial, I think leopard is a neutral, while she thinks its for showgirls. Generational differences.

Zara Leather jacket (similar) | J.Crew Leopard Sweater | Lovers + Friends Camel Skirt (similar) | Stuart Weitzman Reserve Stretch Boots | Borrowed Puppy | Photo by Nicole Engelmann Photography

On a recent jaunt to London, I packed my standard monochrome wardrobe to make mixing and matching easy, but threw in my favorite leopard sweater and my new pair of flat, over-the-knee Stuart Weitzman boots. I survived with my new Madewell black jeans and Weitzman boots with a rotating combo of tops and accessories. However, on an unseasonably warm day I threw on my favorite late fall color combo: camel and leopard.

Zara Leather jacket (similar) | J.Crew Leopard Sweater | Lovers + Friends Camel Skirt | Stuart Weitzman Reserve Stretch Boots | Chanel 2.55 Handbag | Photo by Nicole Engelmann Photography

The classic pairing went well for exploring Notting Hill’s beautiful boutiques and charming shops. And, the look transitioned perfectly from day to night when I met my boyfriend for dinner after he’d finished work. A thin Merino sweater layers well for those chilly London evenings, and these flat Stuart Weitzman boots were oh so comfortable and flattering—worth every penny.

Zara Leather jacket (similar) | J.Crew Leopard Sweater | Lovers + Friends Camel Skirt | Stuart Weitzman Reserve Stretch Boots | Chanel 2.55 Handbag | Photo by Nicole Engelmann Photography

Be on the lookout for my favorite shops, brunch spots and sights in London—we’re covering London in our travel content all week long.

Zara Leather jacket (similar) | J.Crew Leopard Sweater | Lovers + Friends Camel Skirt | Stuart Weitzman Reserve Stretch Boots | Chanel 2.55 Handbag | Photo by Nicole Engelmann Photography

And, shop my favorite selections for leopard sweaters, over-the-knee boots, and A-line camel minis, below.