With so many styles of dresses available, it's no surprise that consumers tend to have their favorites. From wrap dresses to pencil dresses to bodycon, research has found that the type of dress women choose has a direct correlation to their own self-image.

When it's time to go bold, few things capture attention like leopard print. The print has been used in fashion for decades and continues to be popular. But you can find leopard print dresses in more modest, casual styles, as well as those that make a bold statement with cuts that hug your curves.

When going for a leopard print, it's important to consider where you'll wear it. You can find casual options that you pair with sneakers or sandals, and you can even wear your leopard print dress with leggings or tights. Leopard print dresses aren't just limited to summertime wear, either. You can find those in thicker fabric with long sleeves that are made for pairing with boots, tights and/or leggings for those chillier months of the year.

It's also important to know the difference between various animal prints since they're often confused. Cheetah print has only black spots on a tan background, while leopard print is like jaguar print, featuring black rosettes. Jaguar differs from leopard print in that it has a central spot in a slightly darker color than the background.

At one time, wearing a dress meant sacrificing comfort. Dresses would be paired with pantyhose and high heels for a more formal effect. Today, dresses can bring even more comfort than jeans, pants or shorts. You can find dresses designed for casual wear that feature soft fabric and spandex for stretch to move with you. But if you want to dress things up a little, you can find dresses that fit the bill, with leopard print being fairly easy to find.

• Leopard print dresses come in a variety of materials. If you're looking for something lightweight, you might prefer a dress that's primarily rayon. But polyester can also be a durable, lightweight option. For extra comfort, make sure a little spandex or elastane is built in.
• Cut is also an important factor in any dress you choose. Skirt length is often one of the top classifiers. Dresses with midi skirts fall somewhere between the knee and ankle, while maxi skirts go all the way to the ankle. Miniskirts fall above the knee.
• Some skirts come with matching belts. Make sure you're getting a quality belt if you go with this option.
• Not all dresses are machine washable. If you don't want to run your dress to the dry cleaner or hand wash it after each use, look for a dress that you can toss in the washing machine and tumble dry or hang to dry.
• A jersey dress can be a great way to be comfortable in those extra-warm months of the year. You can pair them with sandals or sneakers for a fun but cozy vacation look.
• For a bold look, go for a form-fitting bodycon-style dress. Some of these dresses even have panels built in for a smoother look that conceals panty and bra lines. When paired with a not-so-subtle leopard print, you can really make a statement.
• Pay attention to the way your dress fastens. Some feature elastic to eliminate zippers and snaps for a more comfortable option. This also keeps buttons and other fasteners from disrupting the leopard print.
• One benefit of thicker fabric is that it can be more durable. But also look at the seams of any dress you're considering to make sure they'll hold up with regular wear. You'll also want to check to ensure your leopard dress won't shrink or change shape once laundered.