Pencil skirts are easily one of the most iconic and recognizable types of skirts out there – but not many people feel confident enough to wear them!
They are very slim and cling to your curves but not a lot of people know what to wear with a classic pencil skirt or how to style them!

If this sounds like you then don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
Here’s a guide to wearing and styling pencil skirts so you can wear yours with confidence and pride! Check out the guide below!
What Are Pencil Skirts?
First, let’s define what a pencil skirt is so we are all on the same page.
A pencil skirt is a tight type of skirt that ends around the knee. Because it is so form-fitting and narrow, it earned the name ‘pencil’ skirt because when worn, it makes the form appear long and narrow – like a pencil!
The narrow fit of a pencil skirt makes it a bold piece of clothing but if paired with the wrong garments, can look ill-fitting. So, check out the information below on how to wear pencil skirts!
How To Wear Pencil Skirts
Add Volume On Top
Pencil skirts are slim and fitted, which means that they reduce the volume of your outfit on the lower half of your body.
To help balance that look, it’s a great idea to add more volume to the upper half of your body by wearing a larger garment.
Some examples include loose blouses or chunky sweaters. They create a contrast that is flattering and stylish!
Stand Tall With Heels
Being so tight-fitting, pencil skirts are often seen as a very ‘sexy’ type of skirt. They are great for flattering your shape and elongating your body to give you the appearance of longer legs.
To further complement this effect, try adding a pair of tall heels to the outfit.
The combination of a well-fitted pencil skirt and pair of tall heels can give you a boost of confidence – and height!
Go Casual With Sneakers
If heels aren’t your thing, then good news – a pencil skirt also works great with a fresh pair of sneakers!
Sneakers are the ultimate comfort shoe and many people prefer to wear them with a ton of outfits for their practicality.
They work great with longer pencil skirts and softer, cozier materials like cotton as opposed to something like silk or leather. So, go comfy and casual with this combo!
Play With Block Colors
Pencil skirts create a solid block on your outfit, and this is a great opportunity to experiment with colors!
Instead of opting for a plain neutral skirt to mix and match with other tops, why not pick one out that has a bright, vibrant color?
This can completely change the way your outfit looks and convey more character. If you want to stand out from the crowd, then choosing a pencil skirt that is colorful is a great way to do so.
You can even take it one step further and pair it with a complimentary colored top. Experiment with different color combinations to find the best match that suits your personality.
Play With Patterns
If bright colors are not your style, then try some printed patterns instead.
Pencil skirts leave a lot of room which you can fill up with stripes, checkered patterns, and more. These can help flatter your curves even more and make your outfit stand out!
However, we recommend that you keep the top part of your outfit plain and neutral.
This is so the rest of your clothes don’t drown out your patterned pencil skirt, but accessories like a bright handbag or pair of heels are a great way to add just a pop of color.
Add Texture
Classic pencil skirts are designed to be smooth and sleek for a flawless appearance – but more and more people are opting for pencil skirts with a little more texture.
These range from pencil skirts that use a different fabric like corduroy or knitted wool, or are designed with ruffled and frilled hems. However, a very classy texture option for pencil skirts is a ruched pencil skirt.
A ruched pencil skirt is a great option if you are looking for a skirt for more formal events or to hit the club. They can be paired with a loose blouse or matching bandeau top for the perfect nightlife look.
Contrast Is Key
Wearing a slim top with your pencil skirt puts your outfit at risk of becoming too one-note. So, add contrast either through patterns, color, or texture to keep things fresh and interesting!
Final Thoughts
So, those were some great ways to wear a pencil skirt! From adding volume to finding the right pair of shoes, take a look at the options above and try them out for yourself! Good luck and have fun!
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