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...

For me it is not only about the leopard print - but it being so tacky! The other PP posted a Michael Kors one, that looked stunning!

or me it is not only about the leopard print - but it being so tacky! The other PP posted a Michael Kors one, that looked stunning!

Alas, I don't have the budget for Michael Kors...

I personally really don't like leopard print or that style of dress but I don't think its unprofessional. If you are comfortable in it op then go for it. I am sure you will look great. I like the other dress that you posted.

I think if you’ve worn similar it’s fine.

Very corporate wouldn’t like it but the similar outfit you posted was obviously ok.

I work in a very exclusive private prep school. In the staff room the other day at least 6 women were in animal print, including our 60 yo bursar (who looked fab).

I think it’s fine provided you can’t see up it, through it or down it.

crispy I have about ten faux fur coats, some of which are vintage, others I have had for 20 years. They get taken out every year, dry cleaned if required, then worn from October to March/April (I’m in Scotland). I think the environmentally unfriendly aspect mainly applies when people are buying them as throwaway fashion items, bought cheaply, then discarded.

Very much depends on the outfit, how it’s styled and what you look like in it, your age, hair, make up etc...

I work in a very corporate, male centric environment. A touch of it here and there, fine. Head to toe skintight dress, not so much. A dress with black tights, jacket and accessories might just be ok. I think it depends on so much.

Ah no, seen your dress now, I think it's actually the opposite of folks' old fashioned views on leopard print - the loose fit with the frill on looks almost toddler like. Yeah, I wouldn't wear that to work. But then again I'm probably a bit (lot) older than the target market for that dress.

If casual wear is permitted then it might be ok although I’m not sure I’d wear it into work.

Totally fine where I work, it tends to be nice blouses/tops/or casual dresses and tights. Where DP works it’s full on suits men and women.

I work in a relatively corporate industry and nobody would bat an eyelid at a leopard print dress with black tights and boots. Feel like those who are saying it's not okay are probably older? It's basically a neutral these days!

I love your blue Hush dress though OP

Oh seem the link - no I wouldn’t it’s a bit too bold actually and coupled with the style of dress. They wear things like that in my hairdressers.

You don’t need a Michael Kors Budget though @LajesticVantrashell

There are some really cheap office more office appropriate dresses on the High Street available.

Some that may work for your workplace and budge below;

shop.mango.com/gb/women/shirts-shirts/snake-print-shirt_67070614.html?c=43&n=1&s=search

www.oasis-stores.com/gb/sale/dresses/leopard-print-midi-dress/072884.html?dwvar_072884_color=68&position=14#q=Print+dress&page=1&hideFeatured=false&start=14&categoryID=null

www.wallis.co.uk/en/wluk/product/petite-navy-animal-print-midi-dress-9429574

www.riverisland.com/p/brown-snake-printed-tie-v-neck-midi-dress-796207

www3.next.co.uk/style/st454603/892325?itm=892325#892325

I agree with @honeyloops generally speaking - but I don’t think this is right for work

Love it Op ! Thick tights and boots , it's a yes from me 👍🏻

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.

There are views on most things, like the old rhyme about blue and green. which is nonsense. Fashion and styles change, a Victorian woman would look at what we wear now and be shocked.

Oh I've seen the actual dress now - one of my colleagues wore that exact dress with black tights and boots to a smartish event recently! I don't think it's overly corporate - maybe not right for some companies, but because of the shape rather than the print. Certainly wouldn't be a thing where I work, although I have been to work in joggers before because we're a lazy bunch of creatives who believe getting our work done and being comfy is more important!

Depends where you work.
Depends on the dress code.

I'd wear that for a casual Friday when we
Can wear more relaxed clothes but not for a normal work day.

I think it's the print and the length for me.

Out dress code is knee length.

Lovely dress though.

I'm smiling at the thought of an aubergine coloured leopard.

Fine for my workplace, this is exactly the kind of thing execs in their 20s & 30s wear to the office. This is smart for us!

Leopard print is too closely tied to sexual lust for it to ever been consider suitable in a professional setting. Keep it for your date nights with your husband.

See I’d never seriously break out the leopard print for sexy time...

Way too classy for that lol. Strictly office use only!

Crispy my fun fur is vintage 1960s. It’s very Bet Lynch and all the better for it IMO. Worn with platform 90s sneakers and no actual fucks being given (or, er, professionally contracted for that matter!)

If it's the leopard print wrap dress from next, that's fine for work.