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...

I wouldn't

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

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

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

Adult entertainment? 🤣 What planet are you on?!

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

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

I work at Next OP so your dress would be fine

I have one too actually

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.

Which dress is it?

Adult entertainment
Gives the wrong impression

Leopard print is fine

I think leopard can look awesome on nice dresses.

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

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.

Depends on the dress

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?

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.

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

Is it short and/or tight?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!