Become a Member for as little as $4/mo and enjoy unlimited reading of TSLL blog.
While I’m not usually one to latch onto seasonal trends, the revival of the pencil skirt that has continued to walk down the runways during the past few seasons has me smittened. I guess the bigger question is, “Is it really a trend?” After all, if something is figure flattering, allows you to feel fabulous and can be paired with a limitless list of other items, isn’t it safe to call it a foundational piece of a woman’s wardrobe?
After having completed my spring shopping, I was thrilled to see so many stores carrying pencil skirts. It was only five years ago that they were much more difficult to find, and I must say I am over the moon to see them in so many different fabrics, textures, colors and prints.
Below are a few ways to welcome the pencil skirt (or any skirt) into your weekly fashion regimen.
1. A Piece of Art
If you are already someone who wears skirts, take a bold step and wear a pencil skirt with a beautiful print – for example Lela Rose’s printed cotton-blend skirt – that allows it to become the focal point. Pair with a solid blouse and nude heels and very few accessories will be needed as your skirt will be doing all of the talking.
2. Conservative Yet Chic
When it comes to work, choosing classic colors will always be a safe, but at the same time, stylish choice. Select navy, gray, black or camel and pair with a gorgeous silk blouse, corset belt and at least 2 inch heels (3 inches is my rule), as the pencil skirt helps to elongate the legs and the heels only help.
3. Show Some Curves
Whether you are boyishly thin or born with Christina Hendricks’ curves, pencil skirts should be your skirt of choice. While revealing your natural curves, they also reveal your feminine figure as they highlight a woman’s waist, hips and legs. While I don’t want to live in the Mad Men era 60’s, I certainly do appreciate them reveling in feminine fashions.
4. Pop of Color
Spring is a wonderful time to be a bit bolder when it comes to color choices. With neon and other bright colors adorning this seasons boutiques and department stores, choose something that flatters your skin tone and pair it with a simple blouse that doesn’t create competition. By wearing such loud colors but in a style that is quite classic, you maintain that chic-factor and simply look stylishly confident.
5. A Little Bit Longer
I prefer my pencil skirts just over the knee, for no other reason except it makes me feel more comfortable when I sit down. Depending upon your height, consider changing up the length. Always keep it appropriate, but know that pencil skirts do not have to hit just above the knee as for so long many of us have been instructed.
6. Stylishly Casual
Just because you aren’t going to the office doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider wearing a pencil skirt. Paired with a simple tee shirt or beautiful cotton tank top, an oversized boyfriend watch or statement necklace, a belt to cinch your waist and tote (oh, and don’t forget the heels), you can quickly create a fun and fashionable ensemble.
7. Exude Confidence
A woman who wears a skirt makes a uniquely different first impression compared to someone who wears trousers or jeans. A woman who wears a skirt (of an appropriate length) conveys an image of owning her femininity, subtly exuding confidence, and speaking volumes of her belief that being a woman and being taken seriously can indeed go hand in hand.
As you can see, there are many different ways to wear a pencil skirt. I don’t know about you, but I’m adding the pencil skirt to my wardrobe essentials list.
A few weeks ago, you may recall I reviewed Jennifer L. Scott’s book Lessons from Madame Chic, and one of the suggestions that I am currently working on incorporating in my life is the 10 piece capsule wardrobe. With that limited number, I know there will be at least two pencil skirts as they can easily be paired with multiple tops, blazers, belts, heels and sweaters. Certainly a simple way to remain chic and mix up your choices.
Whether you begin adding pencil skirts or an alternative cut design to your wardrobe selection, consider all that the skirt can do and revel in owning your femininity, but continuing to adhere to your very own unique signature style at the same time.
Very inspiring tips! Thank you.
I love wearing my pencil skirt when I want to feel proefssional and sophisticated.
I love the idea of reintroducing pencil skirts back into my wardrobe. I used to wear them all the time and slowly I’ve just stopped. I will keep my eyes open for a new skirt,x
Great post. I wear them for work. I just bought a polka dot one. I should get one with prints. The first is the first picture is amazing..
http://www.azrakunworld.com
Dug up a great black pencil skirt from my closet (which I overhauled last weekend!) and am excited to wear it again. Now, I just need the shoes…
thejensoniannyc.blogspot.com
O/T:
“3. One dark chocolate handmade truffle at the end of a busy day”
AMEN!!!!
I am wearing a red one right now!
Oh I love the strip/pink combo. I would never have thought to mix those two together. I love my pencil skirt. It’s the only skirt I brought with me on our RTW trip:) So functional!!
Love all the images above. Have loved pencil skirts since the days I watched my Mum wear them and look so stylish. I happily inherited one of her pencil skirts when I started my first job in 1994 and slimmed down a touch just so I could fit into it…and happily wore it till it fell apart 🙂 Since then I have always had a couple in my closet. Am pregnant right now so a jersey pencil skirt would be a great find!
I love it because it looks really good on me =)
Barefoot Duchess
Hi!
I have a 12 piece wardrobe (I exchange off-season wear, and do not count outer-wear, as I live in NYC, where it gets cold). I have one pencil skirt at the moment, but these gorgeous pics make me want to switch out something for another one – the print one is lovely, as is the pink with the bow! As a girl with Hendricks-like curves, pencil skirts love me lol. Thanks for posting!
love this post! i have so many pencil skirts because they highlight my waist and skim my curves! obsessed with them! i love the first photo with the print and the last one with the sweater tucked – great idea!
xo
http://www.fashionfirecracker.blogspot.com
I have always been a big fan of pencil skirts! Thanks for all the tips to help incorporate them all the time!
what a great post! I love pencil skirts too and always feel like I am the only one that wears them anymore. It’s true now though that they are everywhere, in longer silhouettes and tons of prints so hopefully my collection will continue to grow…
xo Stefanie
http://www.thestylesafari.com
I love pencil skirts! I think they’re at the respectable level of sexy that’s eye-catching but not uncomfortable. I like how they’re being embraced nowadays.
oh- this is actually a great post- I never thought of all the different aspects of a pencil skirt in words before. thank you for sharing!
I found your blog via IFB! congrats on being a la mode! We should follow each other! I hope you can check out my blog and let me know what you think! and if you have ANY feedback t all I would really appreciate it because I am always always looking to improve ^_^
God bless and happy tuesday
christine
http://www.beyoutifulhope.blogspot.com
Congrats on Links A La Mode! Great post.
Christina-Lauren
Inspirations & CELEBRATIONS
http://inspirationsandcelebrations.net
Just bought a creme lace designed pencil skirt yesterday . Love it!
Real Inspitration! love pencil skirt!
I loveeee the look of pencil skirts but I have fat thighs should I stay away from them?
You certainly can wear a pencil skirt, as it will reveal your curves. If however you’re not comfortable revealing your curves regardless of anyone’s size (after all, that’s what a pencil skirt does – hugs our body), opt for an A-line or full skirt (full skirts are very trendy right now and look fabulous with a belt at the waist to bring the eyes up). If you have any other questions, let me know.
One more note. To balance out the look of a pencil skirt, I would pair with a blousey top or sweater in the winter/fall.
Carine Roitfeld is the big influence as she always wore them
+++++++++++++ i love pencil skirts too =0<3 =)=D
I loved this post. I LOVE pencil skirts and my closet has quite a few of them. I consider them to be very classy, sophisticated, yet feminine and perfect for the office or when you just need to look your best and you don’t feel like wearing slacks.