Explore the Classic Pencil Skirt Silhouette: 4 Styling Tips

A pencil skirt is a tight, narrow garment, named for its pencil-like shape. This classic skirt silhouette is form-fitting from waist to hips to hem, usually featuring a slit to allow for more ease of movement. The skirt’s hem length typically ranges from 20 to 25 inches, which falls at or right below the knee, creating a slimming effect that draws attention to the lower part of the body. You can pair longer pencil skirts with a blazer for a chic office look or switch it up and wear a shorter-length style with a spaghetti strap tank for a night on the town.

Iconic designer Christian Dior invented the modern pencil skirt. In 1947, Christian Dior had established himself as a prominent designer with his “New Look”—a style defined by cinched waists and full A-line skirts that reigned in popularity for the next few years. However, by 1954, he shifted his focus from the waist to the hip and designed the first pencil skirt as part of his “H-Line” collection (the “H” is a reference to the parallel lines created by the silhouette). This look was more form-fitting and gave women a little Marilyn Monroe-wiggle when they walked.

Pencil skirts come in many forms that can be suitable for an evening out or office wear. For a few pencil skirt outfit ideas, see below:

1. 1. Business professional: Pencil skirts with longer hemlines are a classic staple in office attire that you can pair with various tops and sweaters. You can combine a black pencil skirt with a white button-down shirt and a blazer for a sharp and sleek look.
2. 2. Business casual: For a business casual look, try pairing a classic pencil skirt with a cardigan or blouse. You can complete the outfit with a pair of comfortable flats or ankle boots, depending on the dress code for your specific workplace. Learn more about how to dress for work in our complete guide to office attire.
3. 3. Casual: You can casually style a pencil skirt for brunch with friends or a casual lunch. Tuck a t-shirt into a denim pencil skirt or a floral pencil skirt and pair with white sneakers and hoop earrings for a fun and comfortable look.
4. 4. Evening: To create an attention-grabbing look for a night out, pair a leather pencil skirt with a black sleeveless crop top and a pair of stiletto heels. You can also pair a pencil skirt with a moto jacket, colorful tank top, and corset booties for a fun date look.

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