Clothes add femininity to real ladies. A carefully thought-out image of the right things will allow you to instantly turn into a model of elegance and sophistication. That is why a pencil skirt is a must have in every fashionista’s wardrobe, because it is a basic item for creating stylish and feminine images. Having first appeared in the early 40s of the last century at the Christian Dior show, it still occupies a central place in the women's wardrobe.
Pros and cons of the model
In the post-war years, when practicality and functionality were given priority in clothing, the length of women's hemlines was shortened to the calves. The trend of the "tailed" skirt, as well as the sheath dress from Chanel in the early 40s, prompted the fashion house of Christian Dior to create a pencil skirt. As part of a women's suit, it looked very impressive and became widespread, including among the stars of the film industry. The model got its name due to its shape: narrowed at the bottom, it looks like a pencil.
The peculiarity of the cut is that the item is modeled on the basis of a straight skirt. The narrowing begins 6–9 cm below the hip line along the side cuts (2 cm from each panel). A slit is added to the back.
The advantages of a pencil skirt for a woman are obvious:
- The model favorably emphasizes the difference between the waist and hips.
- Suitable for any figure: for those with curvy shapes it will help to hide their fullness, and for slender girls it will help to emphasize their graceful silhouette.
- The skirt allows you to create completely diverse looks.
- The shape of the product limits the girl’s movements, giving her gait femininity and grace.
- Suitable for ladies of different age categories.
A pencil skirt is recommended for women with any figure type, with the exception of petite beauties whose height does not reach 165–170 cm. It is worth noting that the skirt can be made in different styles:
- Classic. Assumes a black color, standard tapered shape and length 2-3 below the knee.
- Casual. Presented by knitted skirts with elastic. The image is complemented by a T-shirt and low-heeled shoes.
- Sport-chic. Glamour with elements of sports themes suggests a combination of a classic skirt with tops, T-shirts, and sneakers.
The main disadvantage of this model is that the skirt is not entirely suitable for everyday life, which requires freedom of movement and speed.
Despite the versatility of the model, choosing the right one is not easy. For example, a long skirt with a small slit at the back or a stretchy, tight-fitting one is an unsuccessful choice.
Materials of manufacture
Natural, mixed and artificial fabrics of various textures are used for sewing. Due to the particular silhouette, fabrics that contain a small amount of stretch are best suited for a pencil skirt. Depending on the season, cotton-based fabrics, a natural, breathable material, are also optimal for making a pencil skirt. In summer, it is better to choose light, soft materials: cambric or burlap. In spring and autumn, durable and wear-resistant poplin, corduroy, and tartan are suitable. In winter, warm flannel will be relevant, as well as wool materials - felt, mohair or drape.
Silk pencil skirts shine in sunlight and artificial light. Satin and chiffon models look very expensive and are pleasant to the body. Knitted pencil skirts are universal, as they are suitable for almost any occasion.
The combination of fabrics can be selected based on the principle of compatibility of the bottom and top.
| Bottom material | Companion top |
| Atlas | Velvet, chiffon, lace |
| Velvet | Crepe, satin, silk, satin |
| Jersey | Suede, chiffon, leather |
| Jeans | Knitwear, jacquard, tweed, corduroy |
| Leather | Fleece, knitwear |
| Poplin | Taffeta |
| Tweed | Corduroy, boucle, denim, leather |
| Silk | Panvelvet, openwork, chiffon, jersey |
| Chiffon | Silk, satin, velvet, lace, panne velvet |
Clothes create a complete image, the compositional center of which is best made of the advantageous sides of the figure. Thus, thin fabrics suit slim women, and thick fabrics suit plump women, since they better hide problem areas of the figure and insufficient tone of the hips. To create bold images, the following rules for combining fabrics are used:
- If the outfit is designed in one layer, the weight and density of the material should be almost identical. In multi-layered options, matching in density is not necessary: the closer the layer is to the body, the thinner the fabric.
- When combining textures, either contrast or support is used.
A suede top in a composition with a corduroy product should be diluted with color, because the textures are almost identical. A cashmere sweater with a brocade or silk skirt is an example of contrast, a neoprene sweatshirt with a leather "pencil" is a good support.
Design and decor
Looks with a skirt vary from classic to bum style.In summer, satin and lace items are in trend. In the cold season, pencil skirts made of leather, suede, and eco-leather will be fashionable. Wrap-around and high-waisted models are still relevant.
The product can be decorated with:
- Rhinestones and sequins. Shine is associated with a holiday. It is important to choose models in calm shades: white, gray or black. In this case, the clothes will add aristocracy, will be appropriate in any situation.
- Lace. A skirt with lace at the bottom is an example of femininity and sophistication. This model is suitable for the office or a date. The product can be combined with a lace top.
- With flounces and ruffles. This decor gives the skirt a romantic, light feel.
- Embroidery or applique. A cotton pencil skirt with a floral or ethnic pattern is perfect for an evening stroll in the warm season.
Models with deep necklines have been popular for several years now. They are made in military, safari, boho styles. No trend has bypassed this basic wardrobe model.
Fashionable colors
It is better to have several colors of pencil skirts in your wardrobe - this will allow you to create bright, unique images. Black and light knee-length items are basic items. While there are no problems with dark colors, an outfit with a light shade of skirt needs to be carefully thought out. It is not recommended to use bright white: it does not suit 80% of women at all. Milky or pink shades will suit those with a warm color type, and blue-white - with a cold color type.
Skirt models in red, black, white, and gray are classic. The latter symbolizes restraint and professionalism. It goes well with most shades and fits harmoniously into the office style. Red is a great bright option for a date. These colors are always in fashion. The summer trend for an everyday set is deep, rich shades: crimson, purple, yellow, turquoise. In this case, color companions are selected according to the chain principle. A blue or yellow jumper will suit a malachite skirt.
Fashionable prints are checkered and all types of stripes. A vertical middle stripe is perfect for a pencil skirt. Animal prints are still popular. It is more difficult to select companions by image. If the top and bottom patterns are different, the size should be identical. If the image motifs are the same, the size must be different.
Bright, deep shades are suitable for summer and spring, while dark and rich shades are suitable for the cold season.
Select length
It is better to choose the length of the skirt according to your figure type:
- Narrow shoulders and wide hips. The optimal "pencil" below the knee, medium fit. The skirt will hide wide hips, visually stretch the legs, emphasize the waist.
- Shoulders and hips are in line. A narrow pencil skirt will do, it will outline the silhouette, giving it femininity.
- Broad shoulders and narrow hips. It is better to choose a model above the knee with large prints or leather. This trick will distract from the large upper part of the figure.
- Massive belly and chest on thin legs. The combination of a straight skirt with a blouse will help to correct the figure. A pencil skirt with a high waist will give a 100% result.
- Narrow waist, equal hips and shoulders. You can wear any variations of the skirt - the figure is ideal in proportions. Even a large aggressive print will do. If you have questions about the slenderness of your legs, you should stop at the maxi length.
Whether a short pencil skirt suits a woman depends on the shape of her legs, since the horizontal hemline draws attention to the highlighted part. To get the visual effect of slender legs, you need to skip the bottom line along the least voluminous part. If you have a full lower figure, you should choose a long pencil skirt.
The length of the model also depends on the specifics of the event: for business meetings and social events, a classic product just below the knee is suitable, for a bohemian party - a pencil maxi, for a party with friends, a mini will look appropriate.
Creating a fashionable image
The looks created with a pencil skirt are very diverse. With the help of this wardrobe item, you can choose an outfit for any style:
- A classic skirt fits into a "marine" ensemble: striped prints in traditional colors will be relevant. Thus, a stylish pencil skirt with horizontal blue stripes of medium width, a white shirt, a jacket with vertical wide red stripes - an interesting summer combination. Gold accessories, a clutch will be the "cherry on the cake" of this image.
- Monochrome looks, that is, with a stretch of color, are perfect for business meetings or official events. The image will be harmoniously complemented by pumps and silver accessories. The bag should be of a classic shape, medium size.
- For an evening look with a skirt, it is worth creating a duet of an openwork top with a silk model of classic length. The shine of the fabric will draw attention to the shapes, and the length will emphasize the restraint and aristocracy of the outfit.
- A casual look for every day can be easily put together from a knitted pencil skirt, light-colored sneakers and a top.
There is even a sports version of the skirt, which goes well with sneakers and is suitable for creative girls.
A pencil skirt easily serves as the basis for outfits of various styles. TOP-13 ideal looks with this universal item:
- You can combine the skirt with voluminous sweaters, knitted jumpers are suitable. By tucking the sweater in the front, the girl will emphasize the thin waist and the length of the legs. A shirt under the sweater will add layers to the image.
- Pair the piece with a loose printed T-shirt for a bold look. The top can be tucked in or tied into a knot.
- The classic model goes well with sports bombers and sweatshirts. You can complete the look with shoes in the same style.
- Knitted skirts below the knee go well with shirts and blouses.
- Models with sequins are part of the everyday look, if you choose the right top. Shirts made of denim, sweaters made of knitwear will be appropriate.
- A scarlet leather pencil skirt will look ultra-fashionable if you wear it with a pastel cream blouse with a small red print. The look will be completed with neutral-toned pumps, a small clutch and elegant jewelry.
- A shirt with a bright large print and a white ruffled skirt is a win-win option for a romantic date.
- Jeans are a classic casual style. To add brightness to a girl in a skirt, it is recommended to combine the product with a light top in bright colors - orange, red, coral, yellow.
- A seductive look can be created by combining a pencil skirt with a provocative neckline and a short top made of velvet or lace.
- Attire for a corporate party: a pencil skirt with a taffeta peplum, a tight top made of expensive fabric and high-heeled shoes.
- A colored leather model paired with a pullover or turtleneck is perfect for hanging out with friends.
- A thick knitwear item can serve as the basis for a sporty look. Just add sneakers and a T-shirt - and the outfit is ready.
- The long model with elastic band is distinguished by its conciseness and elegance. If you add a white T-shirt, high-heeled shoes and a clutch, you will get a stylish look for every day.
When putting together outfits, don't forget that models with a high waist and belt decoration generally require a tucked-in top. It's important that the fabric is thick and not see-through. Low and mid rise pieces can be worn any way you like. A loose shirt can be accentuated with a belt. You can tuck it in only halfway as a stylish experiment: either the left or right side should lie freely.
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