Leopard print midi dress... Not sure which shoes to style it with?

[WhoTFIsAlanBrazil]

I bought this dress m.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-animal-print-midi-tea-dress/prd/9548237?affid=14179&channelref=product%20search&mk=abc&currencyid=1&ppcadref=761030380|57677240133|pla-487879572941&browsecountry=GB&_cclid=v3_f91aee0e-78b8-5527-b59c-b0424a642f81&gclid=Cj0KCQjw08XeBRC0ARIsAP_gaQBPJt_uc3li8Z1lRDEVuZTeZSwYXF__4RUOY5Dtaa_YWVs-tQ74lwkaAvT_EALw_wcB, it looks lovely and fits really well.

I am a bit stuck now for ideas on how to style it, especially which shoes to wear it with. I don't really like how it is styled on the model with strappy sandals (not practical for wearing to work in Northern England!)

I am considering maybe flat, black over-the-knee boots, with a belted chunky cardi over the top (in caramel shade) but I am worried it might look a bit mumsy.

I also considered wearing my tan Chelsea boots, but somehow it doesn't feel right.

Would trainers work? I own a pair of Stan Smiths, would these work or would dark trainers be better?

Or anything else?

I am not normally stuck like this but at the ripe old age of 39 this is the first time I am wearing leopard print and I just don't know what to do with it!!

If it helps, I have an hourglass figure; I am tall with long legs and can normally pull off "awkward" hemline / boot heights (so usually ok with a mini skirt/ ankle boots combo for example)

Thanks stylish MNers!!

Gorgeous dress, not sure what shoes to wear with it though, maybe nice plain black

Dark brown suede pumps with a low heal.

Sorry, just seen that it's not just the shoes that are your concern.
I'm approaching 40 and would style like this:

Messy bun.
Pared back makeup with vibrant lipstick. Not pink.
Minimal gold jewellery like stud earrings and a bangle.
Brown suede pumps with a low heel.
Matching oversized suede tote bag.
Um.... maybe a cocoon style coat/wrap. Any neutral colour from beige through to black. Think the cut and fabric is most important here.

FWIW I LOVE the dress! You can totally rock it.

I think your problem is the dress unfortunately - because it’s a sassy leopard print dress purchased for work so your options are limited. For example I would have got a sleeveless dress (could be layered on top of a t shirt OR long sleeve shirt) or a longer sleeve option so you’re not forced to wear a cardigan. The sleeves make it ‘mumsy’. Also the dress does suit barely there sandals sadly.

Your dress code sounds laid back so I think your options are:

• white trainers (chunky are in trend)
• nice black trainers, like black vans.
• heeled ankle boots (leather, patent black, possibly a burgundy/red, white even?)
• flat ankle boots or converse/dr martens
• court heels, pointed toe (black, white, metallic, patterned etc). Even a pair of slingback heels.

Outside of footwear, you can try adding a belt on the dress to accessorise. And ditch the cardi for a warmer jacket. Eg a black fur lined leather aviator, a thick neutral toned wool coat, a tan teddy coat etc. Even layering it with a black or cream jumper/sweatshirt, and a nice belt.

Some layering examples attached as I have too much time on my hands! You can also search Instagram hashtags for inspiration (eg #leoparddress)

I agree with PP to say it's a nice dress but sleeves etc make it more of a summery choice that will look better with sandals or trainers in spring/summer

I'd go for a very fitted or a cropped cardi in black, and some heeled black ankle boots. Don't cover too much of the dress as it's the star of the show.

Thanks all for the replies! Lots of good ideas here.

I do have burgundy heeled ankle boots, black and nude pumps in various heel heights, and a surprisingly large number of cardigans in neutral colours so I will play around with these.

These answers are very helpful, thank you!

I would wear with either white trainers or heeled boots. Possibly a polo neck underneath if it was nippy. A chunky cardigan over the top would work too. It's lovely!!!