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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Leopard print in the office?

89 replies

alexa1789 · 08/03/2017 11:20

Advice please...

I'm wearing a leopard print top at work today. The top has thin straps but is not low-cut or sheer. I'm wearing it with a long black pleated skirt and black tights. My make-up is very neutral.

I just bumped into a senior manager at work and he joked that I look like I'm "off to Ibiza" today - I guessed this was a comment about the top. We work closely together and he's a nice guy and would never have meant to offend. I laughed with him but now I'm worried my appearance is unprofessional today and I'm planning to spend the rest of the day wrapped up in my massive shawl.

I hardly think I look like I'm off on a night out but maybe leopard print in the office is a no-go? What do people think?

OP posts:
BumWad · 08/03/2017 11:21

We need to see the top

HelloSunshine11 · 08/03/2017 11:23

Is the issue more the thin straps than the leopard print? IMO strappy tops are rarely work appropriate.

I hope it's not the leopard print as I'm also wearing this today!

ShowMeWhatYouGot · 08/03/2017 11:23

By what you have described, it sounds fine.

Men have weird ways of giving compliments, maybe he thought you just looked nice x

maddiemookins16mum · 08/03/2017 11:23

The thin straps are surely more of a concern (to some, not me), is it like a strappy vest top? (You'll need to post a picture so we really can decide 😊).

Astoria7974 · 08/03/2017 11:24

It's probably less about the leopard print and more about the thin straps. At my office, our dress code means we have to keep our shoulders covered. That means no vests, shoe-strings, bandeaus.

StorminaBcup · 08/03/2017 11:25

Context of industry too. Is it a media / fashion type one or a pensions department?

As a rule (because of the dull offices I've worked in) strappy tops are a personal no-no.

MrsMarigold · 08/03/2017 11:25

The PM wears leopard print, it's perfectly respectable.

Reow · 08/03/2017 11:25

In my office you would get told off for a strappy top. They might let it go if it was august and 30 degrees, but not generally.

SparklyLeprechaun · 08/03/2017 11:25

Yes, I don't think the print is the issue but the strappy top.

WorraLiberty · 08/03/2017 11:26

As long as you're not breaking any kind of dress code, I wouldn't care.

WorraLiberty · 08/03/2017 11:26

I meant if I were you Blush

Personally I wouldn't care either way.

Whatthefoxgoingon · 08/03/2017 11:26

It's the straps. And it's still too cold for strappy tops!

moofolk · 08/03/2017 11:27

YANBU wear what the fuck you want!
yes I am wearing leopard print right now.

TheUnicorns · 08/03/2017 11:29

I wear strappy tops almost exclusively but always cover arms with a shawl or cardigan or something. Is pretty unprofessional without that. Leopard print is neither here nor there.

Applebite · 08/03/2017 11:30

I wore a leopard print top yesterday, but it was a long-sleeved, long shirt worn over black trousers. I work in a legal office, so it's pretty conservative here, and nobody commented.

I agree, it sounds more because it's summery than leopardy!

CryingShame · 08/03/2017 11:30

Here it would be the thin straps, so more summery beach wear than office top. If it were a leopard print blouse or skirt it wouldn't be a problem.

BillyButtfuck · 08/03/2017 11:31

I wouldn't personally wear leopard print to work but others do/have done. Maybe it's the straps?

Goondoit · 08/03/2017 11:32

Leopard print is no issue in any place I worked in. I fact in a prev role with a massive financial company a fellow manager was well known for her love of leopard and wore it DAILY no joke.
However thin straps are probably the issue can we see a pic or a similar image to understand more

TotalPineapple · 08/03/2017 11:33

No bare shoulders in our office area. Also no leggings, flip flops, shorts, maxi dresses, or short skirts, it's a bit random I admit. You also appear to get away with what I'd call short skirts if you're a certain age and shape.

sonjadog · 08/03/2017 11:34

Like the others, I reckon the problem is the thin straps.

Happyandhungry · 08/03/2017 11:34

He probably just fancies you in that top. Take it as a compliment Grin

Sunnysky2016 · 08/03/2017 11:34

I think it's more the straps too sorry

Patriciathestripper1 · 08/03/2017 11:36

It will be the thin straps.
Do you have a short cardigan you could cover up with?
Too much flesh with thin straps.

RockyBird · 08/03/2017 11:38

Some people open their mouths and let their belly rumble.

Forget it and rock your top.

Kr1stina · 08/03/2017 11:41

It's not about the print, it's probably about the amount of flesh you are showing.

Do men in your workplace wear tops with thin straps?

Do the aforementioned thin straps cover your underwear ?

Moderate amounts of print are usually acceptable in all but the most convservative offices, as long as the style of the outfit is otherwise ok.