Chambray & Pencil Skirt

J.Crew Number 2 pencil skirt, J.Crew keeper chambray shirt

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.

Purple J.Crew Pencil Skirt

Pencil Skirt, Nude Pumps

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.

Pencil skirt, Chambray Top

Casual Work Outfit

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!

J.Crew Pencil Skirt, J.Crew Chambray

Top: J.Crew | Skirt: J.Crew (similar on sale) | Shoes: BCBGeneration (similar) | Cuff: Tiffany | Necklace: Similar | Nails: OPI ‘Dutch Tulips’

Bloglovin / Twitter / Pinterest / Instagram / Facebook

Share:

23 thoughts on “Chambray & Pencil Skirt

  1. J. Parker

    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!

    Reply
    1. Baubles to Bubbles Post author

      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!

      Reply
  2. Andrea

    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.

    Reply
  3. The Leather Skirt

    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.

    Reply
  4. FashionEdible

    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!

    Reply
  5. The Lady Olive

    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!!

    Reply
    1. Baubles to Bubbles Post author

      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!

      Reply
  6. TNFashionLove

    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

    Reply
    1. Baubles to Bubbles Post author

      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!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.