Pencil skirts are frequently seen as office attire. However, they’re versatile enough for many occasions beyond work.
The pencil skirt remains a timeless and adaptable piece for every woman, regardless of body type. Discover how to style this chic and sophisticated garment for any event with our updated guide on what to wear with a pencil skirt.
How to Wear a Pencil Skirt
This year, pencil skirt outfits are all about texture and coordinated style. Catwalk trends highlight the importance of incorporating bold, textured prints and materials. Think suede, leather, and metallics to elevate your pencil skirt looks. Another must-try trend is the coordinated set. Find a pencil skirt that matches a top or jacket in your closet, or purchase a matching set. This creates a flattering, streamlined outfit.
The classic pencil skirt silhouette endures, but modern updates appear in fabrics and styling. These variations significantly impact how you style it. For instance, leather or knit pencil skirts offer a more relaxed, yet still chic, vibe. This makes them ideal for creating effortlessly stylish casual skirt ensembles.
Matching sets are incredibly versatile, suitable for relaxed outings and sophisticated events. Their adaptability allows for effortless transitions between casual and formal styles. Elevate your evening look by incorporating a vibrant or shimmering clutch, instantly adding a touch of glamour.
How to Wear a Pencil Skirt For Your Shape
To truly rock a pencil skirt, first identify your body shape. The goal is to feel confident, elegant, and alluring. Therefore, choose a skirt that complements your figure.
For curvy figures: A long pencil skirt elongates your silhouette, creating balance from the waist down. If you have a straighter figure, a tight pencil skirt can accentuate your waist, adding curves.
For petite figures: Opt for short or knee-length pencil skirts. Ankle-length styles might make you appear shorter. If you’re taller, high-waisted pencil skirts paired with tucked-in blouses are a fantastic choice.
If you have an apple shape… consider a vibrant pencil skirt. It draws attention away from your midsection and highlights your style. Eye-catching patterns achieve a similar effect. Pair it with a simple blouse or sweater. Color blocking is acceptable, but ensure your top remains understated to emphasize the skirt.
Pencil Skirt Outfit Ideas: The Ultimate Guide to Tops (2025 Edition)
For a professional look with a business skirt, blouses are a classic and reliable option. Tucking them in works particularly well, especially with high-waisted leather pencil skirts. This pairing creates a sophisticated and office-appropriate ensemble. Crop tops can also be a stylish choice, especially for evening wear. Consider pairing a vibrant crop top with a white pencil skirt during the summer months. It’s a fantastic way to highlight your summer glow!
What To Wear With a Pencil Skirt
Pencil skirts are incredibly versatile. They suit both daytime and evening events. The key is in how you style them. Let’s explore some stylish pencil skirt outfit ideas.
Office Wear
Let’s start with the basics: work-appropriate skirts.
For those in upscale offices, classic attire is key. A black pencil skirt suit, paired with a white or pastel shirt, remains a timeless and flattering choice. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! If your workplace is more relaxed, embrace the smart-casual style. It’s simpler than you think to make a statement. Co-ords are a great option. Look to style icons like Teigan Chrissy Fox for inspiration; she truly masters this look.
Recreate this style: White Military Wrap Pencil Skirt (River Island: £35), Blouson Sleeve Funnel Jumper (Topshop: £25), Miss KG Black ‘Cole’ High Heel Court Shoes (Kurt Geiger: £55)
Daytime Wear
Pencil skirts offer a chic alternative to maxi or denim skirts for city outings. Opt for neutral-toned skirts with interesting prints. Feeling adventurous? Try a skirt in a bold, eye-catching color. Model Miranda Kerr exemplifies daytime chic, pairing a printed pencil skirt with simple, elegant accessories.
Recreate this style: Villa Black Pleated Blouse (Dorothy Perkins: £35), ASOS Leopard Print Scuba Pencil Skirt (ASOS: £25), V By Very Hanson Point Court Heel (Very: £22), Glamorous Structured Tote Bag (ASOS: £30)
Occasion Wear
Pencil skirts are versatile. They’re suitable for both the office and formal events. Elevate your look with materials like leather, sequins, or metallics. Sequins, as demonstrated by Emma Stone, are perfect for special occasions. Combining sequins with satin creates a luxurious and unforgettable style.
Recreate this style: Navy Satin Bardot Top (Dorothy Perkins: £24), V By Very Lace Sequin Pencil Skirt (Very £30), Suede Court Shoes (Reiss: £140)
Casual Wear
Pencil skirts are now a stylish and comfortable casual option, especially with the right fabric. Knitted materials are a great choice. They offer a relaxed feel while maintaining an elegant and chic appearance. Naya Rivera, from Glee, perfectly embodies the sporty-chic style. She pairs a black pencil skirt with trainers. Sticking to a single color helps unify the outfit.
Our Top 20 Pencil Skirts
Discover our curated selection of the 20 best pencil skirts trending right now. Get inspired and find your perfect style!
Different Materials
Elevate your style with pencil skirts, reimagined for 2025.
From top left, going clockwise: A stylish Burgundy Premium Circle Lace Pencil Skirt (New Look, £27.99). Next, the chic ASOS PU Pencil Skirt with Pocket Detail (ASOS, £24). Then, the comfortable Jersey Pencil Skirt (Missguided, £24). Finally, the elegant Leather Wrap Pencil Skirt (Oasis, £80).
Coloured/Printed Pencil Skirts
If you crave vibrant colors and striking patterns, you’re in the right place!
From top left, going clockwise: Zara Pencil Skirt (Zara; £29.99). Next, H&M Short Pencil Skirt (H&M; £14.99). Then, Jessica Wright Leopard print ‘Cat’ Wrap Front Pencil Skirt (Debenhams; £40). Finally, Orange Lily Pencil Skirt (Dorothy Perkins; £12).
Lowest to Highest
Find the perfect pencil skirt, no matter your budget! Updated styles for 2025.
From top left: H&M Pencil Skirt (H&M; £7.99), Soon PU Pencil Skirt (Matalan; £18), Black Leather Skirt (Karen Millen; £350), Popper Zip Midi Skirt (Topshop; £48)
Occasion Pencil Skirts
Ideal for upscale events and memorable celebrations.
From top left: Shimmering Silver Pencil Skirt (River Island; £25), Blossom Pink Lace Skirt (Dorothy Perkins; £32), V by Very Frilled Lace Skirt (Very; £32), Elaine Lace Pencil Skirt (Reiss; £120)
A Very Brief History of the Pencil Skirt
The iconic pencil skirt emerged in the 1940s. Christian Dior designed the modern version: a sleek, straight skirt ending just below the knee. It drew inspiration from the early 1910s ‘hobble’ skirt. That earlier design featured a cinched waist and a restricted knee area.
Dior’s design became an instant sensation. Celebrated Hollywood icons, such as Marilyn Monroe, quickly embraced and popularized the new style.
The 1960s saw the debut of the mini pencil skirt. By the 1980s, the iconic sexy pencil skirt style emerged. Women combined high-waisted leather pencil skirts with camisoles. They also wore nipped-waist jackets featuring large shoulder pads. Bold prints and metallic fabrics were incredibly popular during the 80s.
