Is leopard print unprofessional?

[LajesticVantrashell]

I ordered a new dress from Next and it came today. Tried it on and showed DH, said I might wear it for work tomorrow. He looked horrified and said he didn't think leopard print was 'professional'.

For background, DH works in a very corporate environment (shirt and tie) whereas I've just started a new job and the dress/culture is much more relaxed (jeans/chinos).

AIBU? Is leopard print really that bad? Planning on wearing it with black tights and ankle boots for context...

[WalkingDeadTrainee]

I wouldn't

[Surfer25]

No I don't think so. I've seen animal print on a few people at work

[WinterCat]

It depends what your job is. I expect it’s fine in adult entertainment but it wouldn’t be acceptable where I work.

[SpeedofaSloth]

I think it's fine, it totally depends on the garment.

[Thurmanmurman]

Adult entertainment? 🤣 What planet are you on?!

[JigsawsAreInPieces]

Not for work. Gives the wrong impression even though as you say it's a relaxed environment.

[TwitcherOfCurtains]

Leopard print always reminds me of the prostitutes you see in 80's films.

[MrsSpenserGregson]

I work at Next OP so your dress would be fine

I have one too actually

[gamerwidow]

Depends on the working environment and the style of the dress.
I think leopard print can be a neutral if its styled right. It wouldn't raise eyebrows where i work (senior management public sector) we aren't 'corporate' though.

[NoveltyFunsy]

Which dress is it?

[MarieQueenofScots]

Adult entertainment
Gives the wrong impression

[Tink88]

Leopard print is fine

[Thehop]

I think leopard can look awesome on nice dresses.

[Numbness2020]

I regularly wear it. Work with youths. No issues.

[MissRabbitNeedsAHoliday]

I expect it’s fine in adult entertainment but it wouldn’t be acceptable where I work. took that one a bit far I think.

I would say it depends on where you work, but I dont see how its any more unprofessional than jeans.

[wildcherries]

Depends on the dress

[Sexnotgender]

Depends on the item, I have a beautiful leopard print silk scarf that looks great with an all black outfit.
Can you link to the dress?

[Cherrysoup]

Very Bet Lynch. I think a blouse under a jacket is ok, but a dress is a bit OTT for an office environment although as you’re a relaxed office, maybe it’s fine. I’d be taken aback to see it in a very corporate office.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Leopard print always reminds me of the prostitutes you see in 80's films.

Is it short and/or tight?

[cheeseomelette]

I wore a leopard print dress (in an aubergine colour) to present at our board meeting last week. Nobody looked particularly startled

[Palavah]

Completely depends on the office environment and the garment.

In my office you could get away with it, department over the road probably only if it was in a subtle print in black and white/black and red. Or a pair of shoes. But not a full on Bet Lynch dress.

[joffreyscoffees]

I wear leopard print all the time to work, as do other women.

I work in a public sector office in a large city. Office attire is literally 'anything as long as it's not offensive'.

It really grates on me that people care so much about workwear and not the actual work. I work just as well in jeans and converse as I would in 'office attire'. Probably better, because I'm comfortable.

[Longwhiskers14]

Depends on the style. If it's the current trend of midi-length, with long sleeves, it's probably fine. Mini-skirt with spaghetti straps and plunging cleavage, less so.

[Ninkanink]

It definitely depends. On the item and also on how you wear it.

Some people can do it well, others really can’t.

If it’s muted enough/modest enough/absolutely fine for work in every other respect, then yes, I’d wear it (and have) and I’d look plenty professional.

[FuckingHateRats]

I'm a teacher in a secondary school. I often wear leopard print - I have a pair of skinny trousers, a pleated midi skirt, leopard print flats, an oversized shirt. I probably wear leopard print twice a week (one piece at a time!!!). No-one has ever said it's unprofessional. Even my water bottle is leopard print!