Thursday, January 12, 2012

Changing Its Spots: Leopard Print as Work Attire





Photos: Katie Derus | Cardigan: LOFT | Dress: Ann Taylor | Tights: F21 | Shoes: Ann Taylor (similar here)(last seen here) | Belt: Urban Outfitters (similar here) | Necklace: Aldo | Bracelets: Express, Nordstrom, Boutique

It has been too cold and snowy outside for outdoor outfit photos lately, so I finally gave in and did some indoor photos. (Look, Ma! No sunglasses!)

Leopard print has become so ubiquitous that even conservative fashion giant Ann Taylor has gotten in on the trend. If you had asked me not too long ago if the words "work-appropriate" would ever describe a garment made from this of-the-moment print, I would have looked at you like you just suggested I wear red patent leather go-go boots to a funeral. I would have missed the mark, though, as animal prints have become totally acceptable as work attire, even in my conservative field. They're especially easy to wear when in more muted colors, like the dress I'm wearing in the photos above. As always, the standard caveat applies: try to stick to one of these pieces per outfit, and make sure it's a color that won't make you look like you're channeling Peg Bundy. (Okay, maybe a teeny bit of Peg Bundy is okay--bright, coral-colored nails are always a "do" in my book.)

27 comments:

  1. i love this dress - so pretty! ;-)

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  2. Love how you made this dress work appropriate!!

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  3. very cute! Can never go wrong with leopard print! Also I love those bright nails!
    <3 Kastles

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  4. Adored this outfit. You did a wonderful job of making it work appropriate.

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  5. I feel the same way about leopard but you managed to make it look so work appropriate ! Love the outfit :))

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  6. You look so nice! Love the jewelry

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  7. That dress is soo cute! I'm laughing at the Peg Bundy comment. I have a coworker that wears head to toe leopard print. It makes me want to hurl.

    -Sharon

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  8. Super cute outfit but I'm loving the belt!,,,

    Lovely

    Milena

    www.milenalovesthis.com

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  9. I love this outfit! The dress and cardigan are perfect together.

    -Angela
    Headtotoechic.blogspot.com

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  10. That dress is great and the pop of nail polish color makes it ever more fun. I love how you style your hair, it's very vintage-esque. And you seriously need to do a tutorial on how to wear your belt like that. It looks awesome!

    Meg
    @MissMegasaurus
    www.glamoroushustle.com

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    1. Meg, do you think a picture tutorial would suffice, or should I do a video? It's a fairly simple little trick. I haven't started vlogging yet, but there's no time like the present to learn!

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  11. Such a classic, put-together look. I adore the statement necklace you paired with this!

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  12. For those that were wondering, nails are CND Shellac, and the color is called "Tropix." I am such a Shellac junkie! It's pretty much all I wear.

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  13. Hi Tam! I love this dress! I really wish Ann Taylor was available in Canada.
    P.S. I'll be sure to post some before/after pics soon for the bangs! :)

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  14. Hi Tam! I just returned from my trip and see that I've missed a few gorgeous posts! Wow you did an amazing job bringing leopard print to the office. This is a beautiful classy outfit. I love how you brought it all together that that chic belt and I'm always in awe of your perfect use of jewelry. Taking notes.. :)

    xoxo
    Rachel

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  15. Great outfit. I'm a huge fan of leopard, but also opt for less flashy colours (like the grey-toned version you have here) so it's more work appropriate.

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  16. I love how you made this outfit! It looks very put together and the colors match very well. The accessories add the perfect final touch and I am especially fond of the necklace and belt.

    You're so right about how "leopard print has become ubiquitous." I used to think it's so over the top but now I own quite a bundle of animal print in my closet. I'll admit, I haven't worn it to the office yet, but you have now inspired me to try it out. Thank you!

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    1. You're very welcome--I am so happy you feel inspired to try wearing your leopard print to the office! Thanks so much for your kind words. I was hoping it would look more put-together than thrown-together, which is just how it is some mornings when a non-morning person (ahem, me) tries to get to work on time.

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  17. i love this outfit! it can be worn up or down!

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  18. Gosh I always love your accessories!!! Such a fan.

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  19. I love this outfit! The dress and cardigan are perfect together!

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  20. Love how you made this dress work appropriate!!

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  21. This is such a classy outfit, I adore that grey cheetah print!

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