The “appropriateness” of leopard print for women in the workplace comes down to the context in which you’re wearing them.
A leopard boot is a trend that has been around for a while, and still going strong. They look stylish and comfortable, and are a versatile accessory that you can pair with any outfit.
What are the appropriate places to wear leopard boots?
Generally, leopard boots are supposed to be paired with casual attire. However, in 2016, we found several occasions where women wore leopard boots to work.
Your workplace should be a comfortable one. You spend most of your day at work, so it should be a pleasant place. Unfortunately, some workplaces have dress codes that prohibit some attire, including leopard boots.
WORKPLACE DRESS CODES
Workplace etiquette. A workplace is a social place, where people interact with each other. You want to make sure you don’t stick out like a sore thumb, and that other people feel comfortable around you.
Dress codes. A dress code is a set of rules that employers have set to help employees dress appropriately for work. A good dress code should be restrictive enough to prevent inappropriate attire, while also being permissive enough to ensure employees wear the correct attire.
Leopard boots. Leopard boots are a wardrobe staple, and should definitely be worn to work. However, in the workplace, they shouldn’t be worn with anything too casual.
Sloppy attire. Leopard boots are fashionable, but they can be sloppy. You don’t want people looking at your shoes, and wondering if you were walking barefoot or wearing socks.
Most of us have probably seen leopard print at work at some point, from casual coworkers pairing them with a black dress to executive assistants (or worse, assistants) sporting leopard print pumps.
Is this acceptable? The answer is yes — but it depends on your job. If you're in the business of clothing, it may not make sense to wear a pair of leopard boots to work. But if you're an administrative assistant, then by all means bust out those leopard boots, because everyone loves leopard print.
Office Job
If you're in the business of clothing, then you might not want to wear leopard boots to work. After all, isn't leopard print a fashion faux pas?
That's true, but if you're in the business of clothes, then you've gotta play by the rules.
Unfortunately, the rules about wearing animal print at work are murky at best. In 2009, a women's clothing store called A Pea in the Pod issued an "Office Fashion Tips" guide.
Here's what it says about wearing leopard boots: "A leopard-colored boot, if worn with tailored pants and a blouse, could be acceptable." But if you're in a creative field, such as advertising, then you're likely working for a company that's less corporate and more playful. And whether you're selling clothes or advertising, leopard print is totally appropriate.
Fashion Job
If you're in sales, marketing or advertising, then you're probably in the fashion business. And if you're in that business, then you should absolutely wear leopard boots to work.
Are Leopard Boots for Women Appropriate For Your Work? An analysis of the appropriateness of wearing leopard boots at work.
What type of heel should your leopard boots be?
The heel of your leopard print boots for women should have height, so that you don’t look short and stumpy.
Ankle boots look good with high heels, while the knee-high boots look better with mid-heels or low heels.
Ankle and knee-high boots are both acceptable for office work, but the ankle booties are more casual.
The leopard print boots for women that suit the best for office work are knee-high animal print boots.
Knee-high boots provide a bit more height, and they cover the ankle.
But there are also many designs of knee-high boots.
You can wear them to the office, or you can wear casual styles, like ankle booties, as a pair of everyday shoes.
What type of heel should your leopard boots be?