Earlier this year, I wrote about one of my first encounters with a pencil skirt. Basically, I avoided them like the plague until I bought this purple one from J.Crew. Although my heart has softened for this long, fitted skirt, I still have struggles with it. My main issue is that I get extremely anxious when I wear them because I feel so restricted. This is weird, since I’m used to wearing tight pants (self-proclaimed leather pants addict), but for whatever reason a fitted skirt that runs from above my belly button to my knees just gives me anxiety.
I’ve come up with a few ways to ease my pencil skirt panic, though. To offset the straitjacket situation going on below, I look for loose tops without any structure. Maybe it’s all in my head, but this works for me. It feels freeing to not have something clinging to your body.
My second trick has nothing to do with feeling constricted, but is more so a way to not take myself (or my outfit) so seriously. To balance out the seriousness of the pencil skirt, I’ll pair it with a casual top. This is nice for a business environment that allows flexibility with the dress code. Since I work in real estate, I don’t really have any set rules to follow when it comes to my outfit. A chambray shirt and pencil skirt is professional, while also being approachable.
Also, I wrote my Cincy Chic column this week about outlet mall secrets. If you’re an avid outlet mall shopper, there may be some things the retailers don’t want you to know!
Top: J.Crew | Skirt: J.Crew (similar on sale) | Shoes: BCBGeneration (similar) | Cuff: Tiffany | Necklace: Similar | Nails: OPI ‘Dutch Tulips’
I am also not a huge fan of pencil skirts for many of the same reasons actually! Hah I’m a “fast walker” and I think those tight little skirts to restrict my stride and slow me down… It’s weird but true! Usually I stick to bubble or A-line skirts but this is such a cute pairing that I really want to try it out. And I especially love that necklace – absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you! I’m glad I’m not alone! I’m a fast walker too, and now that you mention it, I think my power walking is what makes me dislike pencil skirts so much! A-line skirts are so much better and less restrictive, and wearing pencil skirts makes me appreciate them more!
Love the color of that pencil skirt!
XOXO
inconformistafashionista.wordpress.com
Cute outfit! I really like JCrew pencil skirts too. I think their fit is more comfortable/flattering than a lot of others that I’ve tried.
Thank you, Andrea! I agree about J.Crew’s pencil skirts. They’re a little bit thicker and you can tell they’re well-made!
Love this! Will need to copy it 🙂 I need a Jcrew pencil skirt as well. Thanks for posting the link to the sale one.
Thank you, Ashly! I’d love to see how you wear it!
First… you look FABULOUS! This whole ensemble is fantastic and the color of that skirt is just perfect for year round wear. If the balance between loose and fitted suits your style… go for it! I tend to wear my pencil skirts in a very similar manner and I wear them frequently.
Now… as a devoted member of the Community of Girls Who Love Skirts… let me welcome you! You may not realize it, but you’re one of us now. Hee Hee
First it’s this fabulous purple skirt, next it will be another one that you can’t live without. Hee Hee J. Crew is great but for some other wonderful pencil skirts I recommend you give Ann Taylor LOFT a try, too. My personal favorite.
Thank you! I have a pencil skirt from Ann Taylor, and it’s actually really comfortable! It’s a little bit shorter than the typical pencil skirt, so I think that’s why I like it.
I’m not a huge fan of pencil skirts, mainly because they have a tendency to make me look short. I have one, though, that I do like. I know I’ve seen them on other people and loved them but I just think they’re one of those pieces that are hard to find the perfect fit for. I think you did a great job with yours!
Thank you! Yeah, I do agree they are a tricky piece to find the perfect fit.
I am raiding your skirt wardrobe… too many perfect pieces!
xx Cara
Thanks, Cara! Now I just need to raid yours 🙂
the purple is such a fun pop of color for the classic pencil skirt! love it!
xx
jmb
http://www.friendswithdistance.com
Thank you!
I work at a law firm, which sadly doesn’t allow denim shirts (wtf) but I love pairing pencil skirts with cable knit sweaters and striped tops. The good news about J.Crew pencil skirts is they go on sale A LOT! The only thing worse than feeling constricted in a pencil skirt is when you’re wearing said pencil skirt with TIGHTS!!
I bet cable knit sweaters look amazing with pencil skirts! I’m freezing right now, and that sounds really warm so I want to try that sometime. And tights with a pencil skirt sounds like my worst nightmare!
I absolutely ADORE a pencil skirt! They never go out of style, so, glad you’re conquering your fears! This purple one is adorable and I really want it. I always got 99% of my work clothes from The Limited — so check them out too (great sales as well).
P.S. I WANT YOUR HAIR! It always looks so fab. XOXO – K
Thank you, Katie! They are timeless, so I’m glad I’m slowly warming up to them! I need to check out The Limited’s selection, because they probably do have a lot of cute skirt options. As for the hair, it’s SO thick, but I try to remember that I’m lucky to have it. I get very frustrated when it takes me like 30 minutes to straighten my hair, so I’ve been curling it a ton lately!
Cute look, I have a shirt just like this but no pencil skirt maybe I need to get one : )
Ali of Dressing Ken
Thank you, Ali! You should definitely get one 🙂
I’m so in love with the color of your skirt, it’s so beautiful! I love how you paired it with a chambray shirt, the pale blue and purple look so nice together!
xo jen
Pearls & Lace
Thank you, Jen!