Pencil skirt, a slim-fitting skirt with a straight, narrow cut, was first introduced by French designer, Christian Dior, in the late 1940s and was quickly embraced by women because of its new fashion and modern appeal.
No longer solely a work outfit staple or an outdated middle-aged mama´s uniform, pencil skirt has made a comeback while simultaneously evolving into a very fashionable piece.
how to wear a pencil skirt for work
Have you tried teaming pencil skirts with booties for work? This tandem is commonly done in fall and winter, although many girls in warmer countries are also applying it to their work styles. And yet to some working girls, they find it challenging to do. They worry if it´s appropriate for the office or if it looks good on them.
My tip? Go for some tailored ankle or calf-length boots with pointed toe style and fitted top. Stay away from round toes with wide opening since this bulky style of ankle boots won´t do your height any good or worse, your professional image.
That said, here are some outfit ideas that you can create with pencil skirt for work.
1. Black pencil skirt with ankle boots outfit for work
Add a little glamor to your classic black pencil skirt with a perforated-stripe style as seen here on a Nanette Lepore skirt. Team it with a white A-line long sleeve blouse worn tucked in. The loose silhouette of your top will balance the sleekness of your black suede boots. Break your monochrome with a plaid multi print satchel bag.
2. pink pencil skirt outfit for work
It´s not often that I find a real lovely flamingo pencil skirt. That´s why I consider myself lucky to have dug up this knitted number, still from Nanette Lepore.
Now when it comes to wear pink, or any other shades of pink, I lean towards teaming it with black especially if my aim to achieve an elegant result. So I went for a classic black bootie to go with the skirt, and added a circle print blouse in berry hue for more interest.
3. orange pencil skirt outfit for work
Orange skirt may appear a little too bold for the office, especially if it´s a bandage pencil skirt. My tip in rocking one to work is to tame down its sexiness. You don´t want to look too sexy at work. Add a muted long sleeve with delicate embellishment and sheer paneling at the hem.
Complete the look with this season´s most-coveted bootie, the tumbled leather boot with pointed toe and wraparound buckled straps at ankle from Cynthia Vincent. This look is perfect in fall or winter.
To wear the bandage pencil skirt and bootie in summer, team it with a loose silk long sleeve top. Feel free to tuck in.
4. Cranberry pencil skirt outfit for work
Wine colors are always trending in cold seasons, so take advantage of this slim pencil skirt in deep cranberry color from BCBGMAXAZRIA. You can also go matchy-matchy with the help of Michael Antonio´s Maelin bootie in cranberry. Topped with a rose satin blouse and a Kate Spade satchel bag, you a look that´s truly elegant for the office.
So have fun and experiment mixing and matching pencil skirts with booties for your work outfits.
5. How to Wear a Lace Pencil Skirt to Work
Have you considered wearing lace pencil skirts to work? Most probably you´re worried that the too-feminine nature of lace will backfire to your work image. I get it, you need to look professional and powerful, not a damsel in distress in some whimsy garb.
But no, you don´t have to worry about looking too feminine to the office. These three style strategies in wearing lace pencil skirts will help you create an outfit that, though it features some lace on the skirt, is professional and elegant for work.
Classic is the safest way to go. That means simple colors, clean and structured. Choose a black lace pencil skirt with black lining so that you will notice the lace only around the hem. Team it up with a simple yet stylish white top featuring full long sleeves with lace trimming. If you want the top to pop, wear it as is. But if you want to elevate it to a killer look, add a tailored black jacket.
Remember to keep your accessories powerful. That is, some clean pointed-toe pumps and a structured satchel.
6. Keep it clean + modern
Another strategy you can do is complementing your feminine lace pencil skirt with modern separates and jackets. A clean black jacket will offer a good contrast to your black pencil skirt while the light blue lining of the skirt that matches your light blue sleeveless top will give a nice hint of color. Polish up the look with modern accessories.
The best thing about lace pencil skirts is their desk-to-date flexibility. You can toughen them up for work and then girly them down for a date after five.
How to wear a black pencil skirt
The black pencil skirt became very popular especially for office wear. Early women loved the skirt because not only was it a classic modern, it was also the answer to the austere economic climate, when fabrics were expensive.
Fabrics are now more affordable and yet we´re still loving the skirt. Why? Because there´s nothing more powerful than a professional looking pencil skirt. But fashion is so ever-evolving that pencil skirt is now produced in many variations and it´s no longer limited only for work. You can wear it to a party or to a more casual-relaxed environment.
Here are some stunning ways to wear a black pencil skirt.
1. The Sophisticated Look
If you want to look both sophisticated and professional, a long black pencil skirt which hits just below the knee paired with a short-sleeved top, tucked in, and black pumps, is your perfect option. Add a hint of bright color through your bag such as a bright green satchel. What´s great about this look is its being versatile – from your desk to date.
But remember, this look is only for you if you’re not petite. Otherwise, if you´re petite, a black pencil skirt which hits exactly on the knee or a little above the knee suits you best.
2. The Power Look
Want your male counterparts to take you very seriously? Then you´d like to look powerful. But a typical black pencil skirt and black suit is so overdone that it´s easy to look, well, boring. How about a black leather pencil skirt? There´s a debate at one fashion blog about whether leather skirt could be worn to work or not, see the discusion, Leather and the Office.
But opinions vary, of course, not to mention that it also depends on (how strict) your work environment is. In order to avoid looking like a teeny street fashionista, dress up the skirt with only black and white – black tights, black pointed closed heels, white top and black blazer (which hits around the hips for some toning down). For a more modern take, opt for a blazer with folded sleeves.
3. Going Fashionable
Looking for a fashionable look? You have black sequined pencil skirt at your disposal. Well, it´s even greater if you find one in good quality and in more affordable price. Wear your skirt with a printed top like a houndstooth, shirt or sleeveless top, tucked in.
You´d like to maintain the vibe down to your feet so choose a sexy, open-toe or with back straps, black pumps. This idea also works even to a plain, non-sequined, black pencil skirt.
4. Keep it on-trend
5. Wear your pencil skirt with a bright or bold top
How to wear a pencil skirt casually
1. A Colored high-waist pencil skirt with a white graphic tee
2. High-waisted buttones pencil skirt with a t-shirt
3. Long Striped Pencil Skirt with T-Shirt and Birkenstock
How to wear a printed pencil skirt
1. If you go for print, keep it tonal.
It´s okay to go playful with printed lace pencil skirts for business functions, but you have to create tonal combinations with them. A good example is this Connelly Printed Skirt featuring a set of stunning muted tones.
Take note that the tones are muted, nothing too bold or too loud. Wear the lace skirt with a simple white top layered on top with a black (dark brown or navy blue will work too!) tailored jacket. Then polish the look with nude pumps and a black satchel bag.
2. Opt for a full blow floral print pencil skirt
3. Go wild with an animal print pencil skirt worn with a black top
How to wear a pencil skirt with sweater
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Blouses to wear with pencil skirt
1. Black Peplum Top and Black Pencil Skirt
2. White Peplum Top and Houndstooth Pencil Skirt
Turn heads in this party perfect gorgeous peplum top teamed with a forever trendy houndstooth pencil skirt for a perfectly day-to-night outfit. Finish off with a pair of pointed toe court shoes and an equally stunning satchel.
3. Geo Lace Top and Flocked Pencil Skirt
A geo lace top is very of the moment spring essential. If paired with a stone flocked floral pencil skirt, the result is a lovely, very demure look. Complete with classic black pumps that are hot to trot.
4. A Wrap Top with Pencil Skirt
5. Hem Sleeveless Top and Midi Skirt
A dip hem sleeveless top is your casual chic piece perfect to match a midi length pencil skirt. Remember, a slimline pencil skirt in midi length is effortless chic both for work and play.
6. Crop Top and Stripe Pencil Skirt
Go edgy in a high neck sleeveless crop top teamed with on-trend stripe pencil skirt for a touch of 90s style. If you feel like nothing is left to the imagination, simply throw over a biker jacket for an even edgier look. Complete with black ankle boots.
Which pencil skirt outfit would you love to wear?
How to wear a pencil skirt in winter
1. Bright midi pencil skirt with knee-length boots
As I´ve mentioned earlier, midi pencil skirts are my currently obsession. I also have a preference for rich, bright pink. Add those two in a single piece and I will certainly covet it, which is the case for this outfit.
I have a bell-sleeve knit top in that particular shade of pink, which I`m loving so much, but I`m yet to have that exact pink pencil skirt. My go-to approach in styling this pink is teaming it with black, which really allows to color to float, but matching it with a bright patterned long sleeves and a pair of houndstooth boots is a fabulous idea!
2. A purple midi pencil skirt with an all-black winter look
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How to wear a pencil skirt with sneakers
How to Wear a Denim Pencil Skirt
1. Denim pencil skirt with black t-shirt and black sandals
2. Denim Pencil Skirt with Bright Colored cardigan
3. Denim Skirt with Bright Puffed sleeved or Peplum Top
4. Denim Pencil skirt with a Tie-dye Shirt
5. Denim Pencil Skirt with Printed Shirt and Greek sandals
How to wear a pencil skirt: pear shape
No matter what the season is, pencil skirts will always be in style. They are very versatile and are a must-have item for any woman working in an office. When shopping for pencil skirts I am very particular since certain cuts can make my pear-shaped figure unflattering. A good pencil skirt should have just the slightest A hem at the very end. A mermaid or fishtail pencil skirt is also beautiful, but not very flattering on some figures, so curvy, hourglass and pear-shaped ladies, beware!
I have over ten different pencil skirts in my wardrobe ranging from traditional black and gray to patterns and bright colors. Here are some of my favorite pencil skirts that I will use this season.
Editor´s Note: These looks were contributed by Janine, Creativefashionglee´s former content contributer.
1. Animal Print Pencil Skirt for Pear Shape
As soon as I saw this skirt, it was love at first sight! Since it is a louder print, I pair it with a blazer at the office for a more professional look. I also wear this skirt with bright tanks and blouses for a night out.
2. Lace Pencil Skirt for Pear Shape
I also grabbed this skirt the same day and store as the animal print skirt. It was a lucky day for skirts! I usually wear this skirt to the office or other daytime events like church or brunch. The lace and teal lining make this skirt a little tricky to pair with. To get the textures right, I wear this skirt with either silk or polyester blouses.
3. Yellow Pencil Skirt for Pear Shape
Pencil skirts now come in all sorts of colors and hues which make them fun and easy to color block. In this look, I paired the yellow skirt with a gray and black printed tank and an emerald cardigan. Those colors don’t normally get styled together, but they really work in this outfit. Try styling unique color combinations and see how it turns out. You’ll be surprised at what looks fabulous!
Are you a fan of pencil skirts? How do you style them?
Pencil skirt outfits for party
1. Ruffled Pencil Skirt with ruffled sleeved top
If you´re planning to wear a pencil skirt for party, look for something sophisticated and stylish such as this cotton-blend skirt from Ted Baker featuring ruffles.
2. Lace knee pencil skirt with dotted sleeveless top
This lace pencil skirt is created with the sole purpose of romance. It beautifully fits and hugs your curves for a sensational silhouette. It´s perfect to wear to a date or to an evening party. I love that it has a subtle stripe pattern, thanks to its horizontal stripe underneath which is subdued by a white lace overlay. Stripes and lace are hot trends for summer. What if you can nail both trends in a single skirt?
Go for a monochrome statement by partnering this skirt with a black and white dotted sleeveless top. It´s hard to tell which one will draw the eye – is it the sophisticated pattern clash, the feminine lace, or the right amount of figure hugging?
Polishing up the look with a sequined clutch, a double ankle strap pump, and a complementary sequined strap wrist watch, sounds like an ideal path to take. What do you think?
3. Fitted lace skirt with black sleeveless turtleneck top
How do you wear lace skirt to work without appearing like a girl ready for a date? Pick a dark blue lace pencil skirt because this color always looks confident and professional. This skirt also has a nice sensational fit with a stunning lace scalloped hem and a slit at the back.
Wear it with a black shell top to maintain the effortless elegance of the look, and add a dramatic d’orsay pump to accentuate your sleek lines. An electric blue handbag is a perfect tonal additional to your ensemble, it keeps that power attitude while adding just a bit of color.
Because your outfit is already heavy, wear a light, fresh-looking makeup to offset the powerful statement of your outfit.
4. Feminine in black pencil skirt and pink sleeveless top
We know that a black midi pencil skirt is the most versatile skirt you could ever have. However, it´s also easy to look dull in it. You probably throw over a button down, a black suit blazer, and that´s it, same look for the office all the time.
This summer, give your black knee length pencil skirt a boost by teaming it with a light pink shell top channeling the 60s chic? By adding something unusual or unexpected to you looks, you keep things fresh. If bearing your arm isn´t appropriate for the office, layer over your top an elegant but bold pink cardigan.
Keep things even more exciting with a pair of luxurious, at the same time seductive, leopard print d’orsay pumps.
How to Wear a Midi Pencil Skirt in Fall
There´s nothing new about midi skirts, they´ve been around for a long while just like most of the style trends we see that are coming back. This year I`m obsessed with midi pencil skirts. But there´s a caveat. If you´re a petite like I am, midi skirts are not flattering unless you wear it with a low-vamp, pointed-toe stiletto pump.
Thankfully, stiletto pumps are my go-to shoes so there´s not much necessary changes for my footwear.
Here are four powerful ways to wear a midi pencil skirt—from sophistication to boldness and trendiness—that are apropriate in fall.
1. Awe in Red
I`m currently digging midi skirts, but I am yet to own one with front slit. And while I love rocking a power red top or a sweater or a bag, I am yet to brave a head to toe red combo. This must be the new definition of “power mom” to me. Hah!
2. Toned in Wild
This look is already dated but I still love this look because animal print is on the spotlight right now. Im a huge lover of this bold print and I am happy to go through my closet and look trendy yet again. (Not that being seen as trendy is my style goal, but it´s nice to look current once in a while by just shopping my own closet.)
Teaming a leopard print or a tiger print with black and is tried and true approach to rocking an animal print. it´s either a wild print on top with black skirt and nude pumps, and exactly how Victorial Beckham wore it.
Either way, I like adding a pop of color to my muted wild print combo through a bright bag or a colorful scarf.
3. Cozy and Feminine
This look is not for me but if you´re into pastel colors or modest outfits, this is a fabulous inspiration. I love the midi pencil skirt so much though. I would wear a cropped knit sweat with balloon sleeves with it instead.
4. She´s Got the Guts
This look is really edgy. The combination of graphics, colors and pattern is eye-catching. But for me, it´s the pair of bright pink platforms that pulled the outfit together. I love the attitude being embodied in this look, and the kind of pout the wear pulls off to match her outfit.
Although I love the guts this outfit requires, I will swap the sweater with a owl print. I love owls.