I know, pencil skirts aren't exactly the most comfortable of items. They’re often thought of as stuffy and uncomfortable. Tugging and readjusting your skirt isn't exactly chic. That said, the working women among us rely on the fact that the pencil skirt is an essential when it comes to a professional wardrobe, right alongside a tailored suit and a closet full of button-down shirts. Long story short? The pencil skirt is going nowhere. As such, stylish women are reinventing cool new ways to wear one that has us giving the garment a second glance.
The high waist and tailored shape have long established this piece as a go-to figure-flattering option. Right now, we’re loving the way street stylers are making a pencil skirt feel fresh again with cool leather finishes, new deconstructed silhouettes, and off-duty styling (aka a graphic tee and sneakers). We never thought we’d say it, but we’re totally feeling a newfound romance for the professional mid-length skirt.
Read on to see how to wear a pencil skirt like these stylish women and shop the coolest ones out there.
Style Notes: There's something about a matching skirt and jacket that can feel a bit too Working Girl. However, to avoid any fancy dress comparisons, it's a good idea to add a pair of socks and sandals to make it way more interesting.
Style Notes: This might be a bit chilly for the colder months but if you want a great wedding guest outfit for the spring, then this is it. You can always wear a checked pencil skirt with a pair of sneakers, a tee and big coat.
Style Notes: There's nothing we love more right now than a bit of feather embellishment. Prada has us lusting after this skirt.
Style Notes: A super cool way to do the pencil skirt is to layer with an oversized white shirt. Wear a roll neck underneath as well as a pair of ankle boots and you've got a fail-safe winter outfit.
Style Notes: Lisa Aiken's take on the pencil skirt is decidedly more sassy, which we totally love. Go for one with a split up the middle and pair with a form-fitting top. It feels modest but still revealing.
Style Notes: Gloss it up in a vinyl or patent finish à la Christine Centenera. Good news: These pencil skirt iterations are all over the high street now too.
Style Notes: Tuck a cosy sweater into a patterned skirt and you've got yourself the ideal fall workday outfit.
Style Notes: A must-try combination: gray checks and bright red.
Style Notes: Just add a statement top and statement earrings to make a grey skirt more interesting.
Style Notes: Leopard print and a graphic tee always go so well together.
Shop our favourite pencil skirts:
Just add a white tee and blazer.
Our pencil skirt of dreams.
Style as per the model in this picture.
Such a great buy for the upcoming festive season.
A sport take on the skirt.
If you're after something simple.
Vinyl skirts are everywhere right now, and this is one of the coolest options out there.
Minimalists everwhere, this skirt was made for you.
A modern take on leopard print.
We're pretty obsessed with everything this designer does.
Transform this into the ultimate weekend skirt with strappy heels.This post originally appeared on Who What Wear US at an earlier date and has since been updated.