Khloe Kardashian has been quoted on her love of the leopard print, and we gotta say, who can blame her? I know the vibrant big-cat pattern gets overused in bodycon silhouettes and ankle-breaking stilettos. But set aside those visions of TV street walkers in leopard-print dresses, and think about leopard print done right. The gorgeous leopard-trimmed coat that appeared in St. John’s fall/winter ’22 collection, for example. Now that’s the stuff of true fashion enthusiasts.
This post may contain affiliate links*Certainly you can procure leopard-print bodycon if you went looking. A quick search on Amazon or Google Shopping will show you the worst of it. But you can also find a full selection of leopard-print dresses that aren’t trashy in the least. And we say that’s something to celebrate!
Let’s get the party started with this collection of affordable animal prints conservative enough to wear to lunch with your SO’s mum.
7 affordable, wearable leopard-print dresses
1. Midi A-line
The classiest take on leopard print may be Rotita’s elegant plus-size midi. It’s not too tight, too short, or too revealing — but it still turns heads with its large spots layered over black. The high waist and gentle A-line skirt shows off (or creates) curves in the very best way, too.
You could wear this gorg dress to a cocktail party and be the fiercest girl in the room. Just add sandals and a pedicure. Oh, and the price? An easy $37.
2. Sleeveless mock turtleneck
Papillon goes all-in on animal print with this sleeveless dress. Another A-line number, this piece features an ombre print, stretch-knit construction, and slightly flared skirt. Reach for it on casual occasions that don’t demand too much stuffiness. It would pair wonderfully with a flat sandal or possibly a nice sneaker and denim jacket.
Sizes are selling fast on this one. Find it at Nordstrom Rack for $60.
3. A lighter take on leopard
Who says a leopard can’t change its spots? If the traditional gold-and-black spot combo feels like too much, look for a dress that switches up the palette. This pretty white piece tames the big-cat vibe perfectly. Add in a boat neck, long sleeves, and below-the-knee hemline and you could almost — almost — wear this dress to church.
Find it on the Saks Off-Fifth Clearance pages for the bargain-bottom price of $30.
4. Summer beach dress
If white isn’t your thing, how about blue? From a distance, this fun beach dress camouflages its spots. The front button detail and pockets provide a sweet-girl vibe — which you could play up by adding a white t-shirt underneath.
You’d wear this dress to make a statement on casual days with almost zero effort. You can find it at SilkFred for $46.
5. Masculine-inspired
Another SilkFred pick, this dress has a menswear mood that’s all business. If you work in a creative environment, wear this garment to the office on days you need to command attention. You could add a black belt to break things up if the full-body print feels overwhelming.
Click through to SilkFred’s website and you’ll see another interesting way to wear this dress — unbuttoned, as a long cardigan. Two pieces in one! You can’t beat that for $55.
6. Leopard slip
A pretty slip dress stays classy when it’s not too tight or too low cut. Plus, this one is a pretty pink rose color, which is sure to flatter many complexions. You could easily add a t-shirt, light sweater, or cardigan for added warmth and coverage.
Get this dress in your rotation for less than $16 from ASOS.
7. Trimmed in leopard
Knee-length with three-quarter sleeves, this dress offers a new spin on the LBD. Leopard trim at the waist, sleeves, neck, and hemline pops against the black backdrop. And while this dress may be shape-hugging, it bares little. Add a blazer and you could easily wear this piece during your workweek.
The $25 price point is nice, too — a steal for a garment that’s appropriate for work and play.
Leopards can be modest, too
The takeaway? You can stay classy in spots! Steer clear of leopard dresses that are thin and tight and you’re probably in the clear. Midis and A-lines can be particularly chic, but a pretty slip dress can be elegant, too.