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 wear a flouncy cut mid-thigh dress like that to work in an office that was smart-casual or smarter in any colour myself. It's too Boohoo/MissGuided. It'd be fine for me but I work for a fashion retailer head office with no dress code.

Think it depends on the style of dress tbh we talking longish sleeved high neck longish loose skirt. Or tight short strappy and lots of boobage

It’s absolutely fine op! The style of the dress plays down the leopard print.

Animal print is in right now, go for it!

(Some BORING feckers on this thread)

Ooh yes, love the Whistles dress.

That one is on a totally different level to op’s, FakeFraud, they’re really not comparable.

Does anyone have a link? I can't see the photo and I like the sound of the dress tbh

Depends on the job and what the rest of the company wears. In my workplace, would definitely be a bit unprofessional but there are loads of companies with young and relaxed culture to the point, where people practically show up in their PJs and nobody cares.

I wouldn't wear that cut, sorry.

If it helps, it's actually knee length on me (short arse)

Sorry, seen the link now.

Just seen the link I think that's fine tbh Maybe a tad short but then that's always hard to tell on websites

www.next.co.uk/style/st507148/688757?itm=688757#688757

It looks lovely and would totally be acceptable in my workplace (local government) the people saying 'hookers and 80's barmaids' are hilarious! .. do people still work in grey buttoned up to the neck environments?

It’s fine. I work in a corporate environment and wouldn’t blink an eye at leopard print as long is it wasn’t revealing/super tight/also hot pink. Times have changed.

Is anything above the knee professional?

@74NewStreet I’m trying to indicate the kind of print and cut I personally think you can get away with in animal print for the office...

Knee length is fine especially with a thicker tight

It’s absolutely fine op! The style of the dress plays down the leopard print.
I agree. Also, if jeans are acceptable at your workplace, OP, this dress would be fine.

It looks very cheap and gaudy, op. The length is neither here nor there.

I think in a semi formal or informal office it's fine. People over 40 do still associate it with Bet Lynch but animal print has been back in fashion for so long now its as innocuous as floral really. Did you order one of those animal print shirt dresses from next? if so i think they are nice and i'd wear one to work.

I think it's a lovely dress and absolutely fine to wear.

I thought animal print was a neutral.

Dress code is relatively lax where I work but leopard print is a no-no.
Not really sure why as it’s just a pattern , but I wouldn’t wear it.

If wear it, but I work in the creative industry with startups so anything goes... bar corporate outfits!

Yes, I know, FakeFraud. I agreed that your choice was fine, but op’s really isn’t in the same league at all. The one you linked to is lovely.