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...

If you don’t work in a super corporate office leopard print is fine! In my place people wear jeans and Chelsea boots, colourful jumpers etc - leopard print wouldn’t be out of place.
And no I don’t work in adult entertainment!

It's this one. As I said, black tights and black ankle boots. I'm brunette.

www2.next.co.uk/shop/gender-women-category-dresses/pattern-animalprint#2_82

There are quite a few dresses here I'd have been happy wearing to work when I worked in an office.

Leopard shoes didn't hold Theresa May back

Sorry OP, I actually wouldn’t consider that one to look professional.

I can't see the pic

I actually wouldn't wear that one to work tbh. I don't know if it's because I don't like or I think it's too casual? But that particular dress is a no from me.

It’s facile to judge someone’s professionalism on a pattern.

It looks very casual (and fairly short) so even aside from the print (which I also wouldn't wear to work), no.

Ahh sorry op, some prints for a casual office I would say were ok. That particular dress I feel like probably isn't office wear.

Animal print is fine but the cut of that dress is very casual.

Hmm, the dress you posted I don’t think I would wear but I think it’s the cut, not the print.

Ok - is it the print? Because I have other dresses of a similar cut that I've worn.

I’d say something like this was more what I thought of workplace appropriate animal print...

www.johnlewis.com/whistles-bethany-mini-ikat-belted-midi-dress-red-multi/p4839761

A stylish blouse in good quality fabric teamed with monochrome skirt/trousers- fine.
A pair of pumps- fine.
A leopard print dress is, unfortunately, by nature, unlikely to ever be classy. It just seems too much somehow.

Totally fine - I work in a corporate environment and wear it. Nobody bats an eyelid.

I think it’s the print and the cut to be honest.

It would be ok if you were in Arts Admin or a Drama Teacher in a school or some sort of Creative Industry though.

What are “old fashioned” views on leopard print? The fact that there are views at all should tell you it’s not a good idea.

Just reading this thread...I am so glad my workplace has a uniform 🤣
It's a lovely dress OP but I'm not sure it is very professional. Depends on your office though. X

I don't think the OP's is bad tbf, but you'd need to be careful with what you wore it with. You'd get away with opaques I think.
The print is very loud though.

I agree, it’s the print and the cut. Did you say the sort of place you work? Sorry if I missed it. I think a lot depends on that.

Oh but I've just seen the dress. I wouldn't wear that style to work myself as it looks a bit casual. I am absolutely lusting over the whistles dress posted by @FakeFraudSquad though

My office is smart-ish casual - eg I would wear jeans to work but not distressed jeans.

I would definitely wear a leopard print dress with black tights and ankle boots - assuming they dress was a knee length shift or flair style with round neck and sleeves; or a shirt dress.

That dress doesn't look remotely professional sorry...but it wouldn't technically break any rules in my corporate dress code. It's up to you if you wear it, but you'll definitely have people raise an eyebrow at your choice even if they're nice to your face about it

I wear a dress very similar to this to work too

www.johnlewis.com/michael-michael-kors-animal-print-midi-dress-black-bone/p4783386