There is something you will notice time and time again on this blog: I don’t do fancy. Trust me, I wish I did. I recently watched Allied in theatres and spent the entire time poking Stag and whispering about how glamorous Marion Cotillard looked wearing those silk nightgowns and whimsical dresses. But whenever I put on anything that isn’t reminiscent of a Scandi street style blogger, I suddenly am plagued with worries of “Do I look too dressed up?” Don’t even get me started on heels. I pretty much have flippers pretending to be feet (wide and fat), meaning heels are a no-go.

But when I saw this dress — edgy leopard print, feminine ruffles, all wrapped into a dress (which I never wear — I knew this was my kind of fancy.

I actually took these pictures wayyyyy back in November, when I was planning to do a ‘Christmas Party dress’ kind of post. But really, it was a lie, because now that I work from home (and Stag works for a trendy tech startup), I don’t go to any fancy Christmas parties anymore. I wish I did, or had any reason to not wear loungewear. It just so rarely happens these days.

Actually, it’s something I’ve increasingly noticed as the years progress: the world is getting casual. I wouldn’t be surprised is eventually suits and ‘business attire’ at the office become an antiquated thing of the past. Millennials (of which I am one.. of the early generation) want work-life balance, comfort, meaning and authenticity — and that often comes hand-in-hand with more casual dressing. Has anyone else noticed this?

What I’m Wearing

Leopard Dress: Topshop (sold out online; see alternatives below) | Clutch: Anne Klein (old, bought in US) | Tights: M&S | Heeled Boots: M&S (last seen here) | Nail Polish: Smith & Cult in ‘Dark like Me’ | Lipstick: Topshop Lips in ‘Hazard’

Right, enough rambling about the Future of Fashion. Let’s talk about this amazing leopard dress from Topshop. Sadly it is now sold out — again, we did this photo shoot back in November, sorry for taking FOREVER — but there are some other pretty alternatives out there.

ASOS has a gorgeous midi one that, evidenced from the pictures, looks fantastic with a leather jacket. Perfect for Spring. Another beautiful option is from George at Asda, a brand I think have been on top of their game for quite some time now. If you’re ever looking for an inexpensive, on-trend version of something you see elsewhere, look to George first.