I had given up on pencil skirts a few years back. The reason was that they're usually uncomfortable as they're so body-hugging. You have to always suck in your stomach when you're wearing them {unless you're super thin or had your stomach organs removed}, and it limits the range of your stride. Annoying for a person like me who likes to walk fast. Instead, I stuck to A-line skirts.
But I got sucked in again. I kept seeing all these pictures of gorgeous pencil skirt outfits on Pinterest, and I got tempted to try one again and see if I want to get more. Which is why I got the most forgiving colour- black. And a cheap skirt from Shein when they had their free shipping offer. I didn't want to spend a lot of money on an expensive skirt only to decide that I don't want to ever wear it again. This is an experiment, after all. I wanted to wear one and see if I like wearing it.
It's really, really hard for me to find a pencil skirt I really like. It was the same even when I used o wear them. They're either too tight or too short. It was very hard to find one that was flattering and looked elegant. What I really liked about this skirt is that it covers my knees. Also, it's a completely stretchy material. I had my misgivings about it when I was buying it from the app, but all the reviews said it was a thick material. {ALWAYS read the reviews when you're buying anything online. ALWAYS.} And they were right. It is a very thick material. So it doesn't look cheap. Plus the colour is a deep, inky black, which again makes it look elegant and expensive. The only drawback is that it doesn't have a slit at the back, so it's a bit constricting when you walk. But otherwise, it's very comfortable.
I paired it with a peach button-down from H&M, for a striking contrast between the top and bottom. I believe H&M still have this line of shirts. They're available in several colours. I have two from this collection- one in baby blue and one in this muted peach. I love these shirts as the material, though polyester, is soft and thick. My biggest peeve with button-downs is that most times the material is thin and see-through. Because this material is soft, it looks effortless and feminine. The colour is such a gorgeous pastel shade.
Although I have to admit that I've stopped purchasing button-downs recently. {This one is quite old. It ages very well. I've had the blue one for 3 years now and it looks new.} I realized that I got stuck in a rut of wearing button-downs and amassed a big collection. The thing is, button-downs are so easy to wear and they're perfect for looking professional. Which is how I found myself wearing them almost every day until I got sick of them. Even if I buy one now, it has to have really different sleeves or something really unique about it.
But I have always loved how a soft, slightly billowy blouse looks worn with a tighter, structured pencil skirt. Which is why I love this pairing. The contrast of shape and textures makes it so pretty and gives you the illusion of an hourglass shape even on someone with a straight frame like me.
Because the top and skirt are fairly simple and professional chic, I added some interest with nude heels with a knot detail. A gold flower ring and a crystal pendant kept the jewellery minimalistic and elegant.
A big, boxy statement bag adds more structure to this simple outfit, and the tan colour goes with the nude shoes.
Watch this space for more pairings with this skirt. As for the result of my experiment, I think I'll give them a try again. I'd love to try a printed skirt, maybe a floral print or a graphic print. IF I ever find one that I like.
What do you think? Do you like A-line skirts or pencil skirts? Or do you hate skirts altogether?
I talk in detail about fashion basics and looking after your clothes in my book, Loving Yourself In Style. Check it out on Goodreads HERE.
Until next time,
xoxo
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