Fashion

In Praise of the Pencil Skirt

Ah, the pencil skirt. The form-fitting, figure-flattering ‘H-line’ is a universally stellar buy for all shapes and sizes, making it a wardrobe essential. But its slim, long lines were hugging curves well before the advent of Mad Men.

The pencil skirt is predated by the World War I era hobble skirt, which included a knee-long corset that prevented the skirt blowing up in wind and limited stride. HWhile hobble skirts soared in popularity due to the slim-styled fashion drawings produced in Paris, and fittingly, pencil skirts were first produced by French house Dior in the 1940s. The skirts became synonymous with women’s office wear throughout the 1950s, and since have served every style purpose from preppy to sexy.

But which pencil skirts are strutting through stores this season?

 

Miss Selfridge

miss selfridge, grey pencil skirt, skirt

Miss Selfridge

If you’d like to try the trend, but aren’t into dressing it up, this grey rib midi skirt from Miss Selfridge is the perfect pick. It’s great for festivals, days out, and gigs – and there’s no worry about wrinkles or spills, as it’s made of a polyester blend and is machine washable. £18

 

Zara

zara, floral pencil skirt, skirt

Zara

Zara’s knee-length option combines a wearable ecru colour with spring’s on-trend floral print. If you’re looking for a skirt for a daytime occasion, this one will fit in with all your events. £29.99

 

Topshop

topshop, beaded pencil skirt, embellished skirt

Topshop

Looking for a new look for a night out? Topshop’s bead-embellished grid-patterned pencil skirt is versatile in that it can be dressed up or down and is appropriate for everything from cocktail drinking to clothes shopping. £35 (on sale)

 

H&M

h&m, leather pencil skirt, skirt

H&M

This leather look from H&M, much like Topshop’s skirt, is wearable for loads of occasions when paired with the right top. Leather is a wardrobe staple that never seems to go out of style – and the longer you wear it, the better it looks. £59.99

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