Why you need to rethink the pencil skirt- and how to wear one now
Searching for the perfect January refresher for your work wardrobe? Look no further than a sleek pencil skirt. This form-fitting style, worn knee-length or below, is no longer considered twee: the pencil skirt has had a modern - and practical - revamp this season.
They arrived at Prada in black with splashed of colour, in checks at Balenciaga, and in upscale denim at Hermès. Teamed with a blouse and knee-high boots, the pencil skirt is a chic component of your office wardrobe, but - worn with chunky boots and a casual knit - it's just as handy for kicking back.
Here's how to wear a pencil skirt in a modern way...
Opt for a looser fit
The days of being forced to shuffle awkwardly along the pavement in a pencil skirt are, thankfully, behind us. While they still fall below your knee and are straight in shape, meaning you won't be doing the splits any time soon, the most stylish options allow for movement.
Seek out a skirt that will look equally as good with flats as it will heels (N.B: spray on styles don't), and enjoy your new found freedom.
Team with a t-shirt
There's no better way to catapult an item of clothing into 2018 than with the humble t-shirt. A silk slip dress? Yes. A suit? YES. And a pencil skirt is no different. Shake off corporate connotations, and loosely tuck a white tee into the waist band for a new take on 7-to-7 dressing.
And if a cotton t-shirt isn't for you, substitute for a more grown-up, silk alternative. You'll still reap the benefits of a relaxed silhouette, just with a slightly more polished finish.
Add an oversize knit
An XL jumper will offer a similar effect to a t-shirt; dressing down a ladylike skirt and granting it a more modern feel in the process.
Oversize knitwear lends itself particularly well to being paired with structured (think wool) or streamlined (think silk) fabrics, as these offset bulkiness up top most effectively.
Make it fun
While a pencil skirt will be a chic addition to your workwear arsenal, that's not to say it can't be a key component of your off duty wardrobe too. Look for satin, lurex and sequin styles and team with printed blouses and velvet accessories. The neat silhouette means you can afford to approach colour and pattern like a maximalist.
Go zip-free
While we're not generally in the habit of recommending elasticated waist bands, pencil skirts are an exception to this rule. Something about the sleek shape means you can opt for a style without a button and not end up looking like a toddler.
Wear underneath a long-line white shirt or over a fitted polo neck, and elevate with a block heel or dress down with trainers accordingly.
5 of the best pencil skirts to buy now
Max Mara draped pinstripe wool blend midi skirt, £315, Net-a-porter
Diane Von Furstenberg striped stretch-knit pencil skirt, £319, Matchesfashion.com
Opening pencil skirt, £9.99, Mango
Denim pencil skirt, £30, Asos
No. 21 floral printed satin pencil skirt, £318, Mytheresa.com
