The pencil skirt is a classic fashion form that has remained in vogue despite the changing hemlines and styles, season to season. Although known as a staple of the work wardrobe, pencil skirts have a fun side to them as well. Beyond basic black wool, pencils can now be found in leather, knit, stretch crepe, tech fabric, in a rainbow of colors and in lengths, from demure hems at the knee to sassy mini styles.
In the late 1940s designer Christian Dior introduced the modern pencil skirt, which was distinctly different from the popular “New Look” A-line skirt of his earlier designs. It has stood the test of time with fresh appeal, and it is all in how you style it. For my Vogue a Trois this week, I have chosen the ultimate in modern pencil skirts: the Milly Iridescent Leather Pencil Skirt. This skirt has a gorgeous hologram print that is chameleon-like. It can be dressed up or down and still make you turn heads wherever you go.
The website www.yoox.com is great place for finding designer goods at about half the retail price, like this gorgeous See by Chloe Silk Tie Back Blouse in black. It has ladylike glamour when tucked into the Milly skirt. This work outfit can easily go from a day of meetings to dinner out when you pair it with Jimmy Choo Twain Iridescent Heels and a pair of Baccarat Psydelic Wire Earrings. The Fibonacci Doc Bag is practical and keeps the shimmer going strong in black patent. If you are one who wears eyeglasses to see and to accessorize, this last one is for you. Frameri is a new company that is taking eyeglasses to the next level of chic eyewear. Frameri’s innovative concept uses one set of lenses that can fit into multiple frames and even offers prescription sunglass lenses that fit into any of the frames—a genius way to change up your look.
Dressing down such a beautiful skirt is a fun and innovative way to let your playful side shine through. A well cut t-shirt in a lux fabric will compliment the skirt, and this cashmere Michael Kors t-shirt is a gold standard basic that will last you season after season. Wrap a luxurious cashmere Bajra Print Border Cashmere Scarf and twist it so the turquoise border shows just so. I love Zara shoes, and these Pointed Toe Silver Moccasins with Tassels are darling and prove you don’t need high heels to be a little bit sexy. The DFV Small Chain Mail Clutch and Rebecca Minkoff Interlocking Bangles pull your look together with a little style and a lot of substance.
The iridescent leather of this skirt certainly makes it a knockout on its own, but pairing it with bold pieces can really make a statement. The appearance of ferocious felines like the tiger have been popping up in apparel everywhere and this Kenzo Tiger Print Cardigan goes all out. Let the sassy little yellow washed silk Equipment cami peek out from underneath, and get yourself in some rock star heels, like these Balmain Suede Pumps with Gold Piping. I love the big fat yellow Kate Spade studs and the Sarah Chloe Stackable Initial Rings for points of interest. Having the Christian Louboutin Mina Spike Clutch calls back to the black shoes and has a lot of big personality as well.
Remember to make sure your pencil skirt fits you in a body-con way without being too tight. It shouldn’t pull or hug any of your “assets,” but follow the shape of your body. If it’s too big it will have a tendency to turn sideways, which is not a good look. It’s a skirt style that can go from office to errands to parties, and its versatility makes it a closet classic.
