How to wear a pencil skirt

Have you ever asked yourself “what to wear with a pencil skirt” or “how to style a pencil skirt” or “how to wear a pencil skirt” ? Keep reading on. Ever wonder why the pencil skirt has remained a fashion staple for decades? It is not just about the timeless elegance even though it certainly helps. The magic of the pencil skirt lies in its ability to transform from boardroom ready to casual chic with just a few tweaks. This article aims to give you the knowledge to do just that with pencil skirts.

Pencil Skirt Length

There is an old saying which says “everything that comes in threes is perfect”. This saying holds true for the length of your pencil skirt. A third or three quarters is more appealing than half. So you either want your pencil skirt to cover a third of your skin or three quarters of your skin. This translates to the pencil skirt ending a few inches above your knees or in the middle of your calves.

Graphic showing different lengths of pencil skirts on women, from below the knees to mid thigh.

Keep in mind wherever the pencil skirt stops, the skin just below it is emphasized the most. With this in mind decide whether you want your knees or calves to show. If you want to create an illusion of longer legs then choose a pencil skirt that falls just below the knees. For longer legs go with one that falls mid calf because it just looks better.

How to wear pencil skirts for different occasions

4 different women wearing different outfits to showcase how a pencil skirt can be worn.

When it comes to wearing pencil skirts for work your go to should be a black or navy pencil skirt with a white button up blouse and black pumps. If you want to look even more professional add in a blazer. Wearing a leather pencil skirt for a night out you can try something bold. Wear a leather pencil skirt with a lace bodysuit, heels and a bold lipstick color to really stand out. Other than that, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try floral patterns, experiment with the length of the pencil skirt and go with what you think looks best for you.

How to accessorize a pencil skirt

When it comes to accessories you want them to complement the style and color of your pencil skirt. Belts are a good way to add more definition to your waist. For more formal events go with a black or brown structured handbag otherwise for casual events try something in a bright color or a bold pattern.

What kind of shoes to wear with pencil skirts

Image showing woman wearing high heels to demonstrate how they look with pencil skirts

The three best options you can go with are sneakers, boots and heels. With boots you want to make sure they are as tight to your body as possible to maintain the silhouette. Additionally, the boots should not hit the top of your pencil skirt. You either want your skirt to be completely covering them or you want your boots to cover a third of your skin and the pencil skirt to cover another third so you are left with a third of skin between the two.

Another pro tip is make sure the color of your boots matches that of your tights. This goal is to create a cohesive and flowing look overall. If the pencil skirt goes over the boots it maintains the silhouette. For sneakers, going with a white pair will take you a long way. A pair of heels will lengthen your legs. Just make sure they match the color of the stockings you are wearing.

What kind of tops to wear with pencil skirts

Image showing different tops that can be worm by a woman with a pencil skirt.

If you feel like showing off your waist then go with crop tops or tuck in a blouse. A good tip is to make sure that there isn’t too much bulk when you are tucking in a blouse. If there are, people will think the bumps and lumps are part of you and it just ruins the outfit. If you want to hide your waist there are a couple of things you can do. First is to wear a big slouchy sweater over a pencil skirt. Secondly you can tuck in a nice t-shirt and put an oversized blazer over it.

As for the tops, there is plenty for you to work with e.g. crop tops, v-neck sweaters, high neck sweaters, full sleeve shirts and so much more.

Are pencil skirts comfortable

If you buy them too tight you will definitely be uncomfortable. You might even find yourself walking like a penguin. From personal experience the pencil skirts made out of stretchy material are the most comfortable. The key to enjoying wearing a pencil skirt comfortably is size. Find the right size and you’ll love wearing them. Every woman is built differently so if you can’t find one that really fits you well it’s time to go pay the tailor a visit.

Pencil skirt outfits

Here is a list of articles that you can use for inspiration when deciding what to wear with pencil skirts:

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