Nov 03, 2014 02:22
by Natasha Saroca

A few seasons ago we were all about flouncy skater skirts, full-bodied midis and ankle-skimming maxis, but this spring/summer we’ve fallen back in love with the classic pencil skirt. Why? These slim-fitting skirts are ultra chic and will instantly add polish to any outfit, plus they’re ridiculously versatile, too, and will serve you well whether you need to pull together a sleek ensemble for the office or a casual look for when you’re off the clock.

We’re also a big fan of this wardrobe staple as you can make it work with pretty much every other trend that’s making waves (of the sartorial kind) at the moment. Pencil skirts with boxy cropped tops? Definitely. Styled in a sports-luxe look? Of course. Teamed with a coordinating top or used in clashing prints combo? Yes and yes.

Whether you share our enthusiasm for this wardrobe classic (and this season’s hottest skirt style) or a faithful fan of fuller skirts who may take a little longer to get on board with this trend, we think you’ll be pretty impressed by the five killer pencil-skirt combos we’ve put together for you below. And not only do the ensembles showcase how the hardworking pencil skirt can be styled to suit any occasion, but they also prove just how well the skirt works with other trending pieces and looks, too.

The Skirt:
Rodeo Show Gemstone Skirt, $229.

1. Cold shoulder

While pencil skirts reign supreme when it comes to the skirt department, off-the-shoulder necklines (which offer sultry appeal, without being too obvious) are where it’s at up top. Try a boxy top with shrugged-off sleeves (like the one shown here) for a polished, ladylike look that plays up the outfit’s different proportions, or opt for a figure-hugging style for an extra hint of va-va-voom appeal.

Shop the look:

Zimmermann Tempo Off Shoulder Top, $750; Zimmermann Raffia High Heel Sandals, $495; Olga Berg Sleek Metallic Pod in Black, $69.95; Bauble Bar Milky Galactic Drops in Pink, USD$32; Mimco Alma Stretch Wrist, $89.95.

2. Short and sweet

Don’t think cropped tops (another of this season’s #trending items) are very office appropriate? Well, a prim and proper pencil skirt will go a long way to making a shortened hemline shirt more suitable for the workplace. That being said, we suggest steering clear of belly button-baring, form-fitting numbers and sticking with an oversized or boxy top that sits just above the waist to ensure your ensemble really is A-OK (and not too OTT) to wear to work. A collar and luxe material will help, too.

Shop the look:

Forever New Lissie Cropped Short Sleeve Shirt, $59.99; Siren Shoes Riley Pink Pastel Leather Heels, $139.95; Milana Small Bugatti Bag in Blue from David Jones, $399; Bauble Bar Viola Gem Bib, USD$44; Mimco Moon Tide Timepeace, $299.

3. Slip-on chic

You either love ‘em or you hate ’em. What are we talking about? The slide sandal. We’re a bit on the fence about the ‘ugly shoe trend’, but when we see designs made from luxe materials (like leather) or dressed in classy hues (such as cool metallic tones, like the ones shown above) – which make the laid-back slip-on shoes look less hippy or hobo (and more haute) in style – we soften up a little toward this season’s ‘must-have’ (we use that label loosely) shoe. In fact, we’re more than a little partial to this stylish pair of gold slides, which is why we’ve created the casual yet chic pencil-skirt combo above to show you how these two contrasting trends can coexist together.

Shop the look:

Witchery Denim Shirt, $129.95; H&M Men’s Singlet with a Print, $14.95; Country Road Harriet Sandal in Gold, $79.95; Country Road Painted Logo Shopper, $79.95; Amber Sceats Metal Alexia Ring, $69.

4. Sports luxe

Sports luxe is a trend that’s been in circulation for a few seasons now, but this spring/summer sees the sporty look take on a more feminine vibe. Here, the dreamy pastels of this graphic print pencil skirt – a.k.a. the hero (or heroine) of each of the outfits – softens the clean, minimalist aesthetic of the other pieces and lends the sports luxe ensemble a touch of pretty, ladylike appeal.

Shop the look:

Manning Cartell Frostings Top, $349; Alias Mae Dawn Heels in Orange, $149.95; Mimco Newton Mini Pouche, $299; Amber Sceats Shiny Classic Necklace, $349; Country Road Leather Resin Stone Cuff, $99.95.

5. Pretty mixed prints

This ensembles dips its toe into two of this season’s biggest trends: mixed prints and sweet sorbet hues. Animal prints, like this leopard print motif, are a failsafe option when it comes to mixing prints (they’re also a major trend this season), as you can see looking at this stylish combo. Other global-inspiring patterns like tribal prints, plus large botanical and tropical motifs are also trending this season, and work well in mixed-pattern ensembles.

Shop the look:

Topshop Leopard Jacquard Sweat, £65; Alias Mae Celine Heels in Nude, $159.95; Marc by Marc Jacobs Hoctor Crossbody in Tile from David Jones, $339; Peter Lang Sea Breeze Bead Earrings, $45.