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6 Of The Best Leopard Print Dresses - Tried And Tested By Us
We took to the shops to try on the best leopard print dresses available to shop now.
Be it Hailey Bieber's AW96 Versace mini dress or the iconic Pat Butcher of Eastenders' coat, leopard print looms large in the fashion lover's consciousness. While Ganni ensures they include the print in every collection and Millennials will insist it's a neutral any chance they, a general consensus has not been met as to whether the animal print is gaudy or chic, kitsch or classy, camp or sophisticated. We're of the opinion it's all of the above, and well enjoyed in the form of a bold summer, leopard print dress (go hard or go home and all that). That's why we took to the shops to try the - admittedly slightly tricky - trend on ourselves and let you know our favourites available to shop, now.
ME + EM Leopard Print Midi Dress, £275
'As a fully signed-up leopard lover, I fell in love with this dress at first sight. It’s on the heavier side material wise (slightly thinner than denim) so it’s definitely for the cooler summer day, but on the upside the weight makes it sit on the body perfectly.
'As you’d expect from ME + EM, the cut is extremely (I’m going to say it) flattering, skimming exactly where you want to skim. The model on their website wears a slightly baggier fit belted, which also looks great – you could size up if you preferred that silhouette as I found it true to size. But it’s a real do-all dress, you feel smart and ready for anything when wearing it – especially with the adjustable zip front.' Rhiannon Evans, ELLE UK's Acting Site Director.
Nobody's Child X Poppy Delevingne Leopard Print Coco Maxi Dress, £99
'Leopard never really goes out of style, but its recent resurgence has reminded just how versatile this print can be. It took me years to realise you need to pick the perfect spot to keep things looking more Mrs Robinson than Pat Butcher – in short, go for realistic patterns, nothing too cartoony, in warm, natural tones.
'This leopard-print maxi from Poppy Delevingne’s collaboration with Nobody’s Child is made from a weighty lined chiffon, so it doesn’t have any lustre (synthetic satins and animal print is typically a tricky combo) and thus works day to night. It’s bias-cut to drape over rather than cling to the body, so it really flattered my mid-size, UK 12 figure.' Abigail Southan, ELLE UK's Senior Commerce Editor.
Ganni Leopard Printed Cotton Tie Strap Midi Dress, £285
'I love me some leopard and long have. The print has been in my wardrobe in many guises: a cotton 'opera' coat I wore more or less everyday of my final year at university through to fun socks and, of course, very many dresses. Of late, a favourite is Ganni's deeply flattering Leopard Printed Cotton Tie Strap Midi Dress with its adjustable knots and A-line fit. The shoulders are surprisingly bold which gives the otherwise twee silhouette just enough edge. Patent sandals make for the perfect accompaniment for me, right now.' Naomi Pike, ELLE UK's Commissioning Editor.
Damson Madder Persephone Midi Dress In Dark Leopard, £48
'I’ve always been partial to a great dress (as a toddler all my screaming meltdowns were all dress-related, ask my mother…) but Damson Madder’s Persephone midi number has made me re-think what it means for an outfit to be conservatively “flattering”.
'The low-waist design sits just below the belly button, which feels a little strange at first and creates an unexpected silhouette. It will, I reckon, highlight some lumps and bumps, which mean this isn’t a dress that aims to “flatter” (read: make you look slimmer). What it does, however, is make you feel completely comfortable and unobstructed, I can wear it all day without feeling restricted in my movements or breathing, the straps are adjustable, the neckline makes me feel really sexy while still being appropriate for work (just throw on a cardi if your workplace is more formal), and it generally makes me feel incredibly happy, free and confident. The all-over leopard print is in a dark hue, which means it feels quite subtle and you can dress it up or down with accessories. My only wish is that it came with pockets. This design just re-defines what it means to be flattering, and that’s worth every penny to me.' Medina Azaldin, ELLE UK's Beauty Editor.
Ganni Leopard Mini Dress, £295
'Like all Millenials, my love for leopard print ran deep in the 2010s, mainly in the guise of a Topshop Boutique faux fur coat I wore in my university years. Now I'm in my (early!) 30s, I'm a little bit cautious of the bold print, and I've swerved the leopard print jeans other mums my age have been wearing (with aplomb, might I add).
'This Ganni dress has more than done its part in reintroducing me to my beloved print. In a non stretch denim and mini length, my only gripe is its slightly long length for my preference and 5ft 3 stature - but it's nothing sizing down and taking to the tailor wouldn't fix.' Daisy Murray, ELLE UK's Site Fashion Editor.
YAS Flippy Hem Mini Shirt Dress, £60
'Available at ASOS, YAS is a new discovery and I was impressed by the quality and fit of this mini shirt dress and the longer line button-down version. Having been a uni student during the Indie Sleaze era, l own a plethora of leopard print pieces and treat the pattern like a neutral.
'The long sleeves and knee-length version of this dress make it work-appropriate, while the breezy A-line skirt highlights the waist. I'll wear it belted with knee-high boots like the model come autumn.' Esther Coombes, ELLE UK's Senior Commerce Editor, Luxury.
Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
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