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Update my pencil skirts please

79 replies

TotallyFloored · 19/03/2026 12:28

So the last time I was in the office it was all pencil skirts, killer heels etc…

I have loads in my wardrobe - is there any way to update these so I can get some wear out of them ?

OP posts:
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TheBeaTgoeson1 · 19/03/2026 12:55

When were you last in the office? 😮

Catcatcatcatcat · 19/03/2026 12:57

Nope

Onebattleafteramother · 19/03/2026 13:00

TheBeaTgoeson1 · 19/03/2026 12:55

When were you last in the office? 😮

That was peak 2010s era I reckon at a guesstimate.

Op I am not sure they can be made completely up to date. A black one might be updateable as staple piece perhaps.

Photos?

Catisheavyonmylap · 19/03/2026 13:00

I have a beautiful pencil skirt that I last wore in the office in 2019 - I was looking at it yesterday and telling myself that now I’m 50+ I really shouldn’t give a crap whether it’s in fashion but just wear it anyway. And I think I probably will having read this and that clearly we should start a movement to bring the pencil skirt back

SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePlease · 19/03/2026 13:11

All is not lost depending on the skirts themselves.

I wore a leather pencil skirt with knee length suede boots and a fine knit jumper for dinner a few weeks ago with a slouchy oversized suede clutch. I felt nice in it.

InconvenientlyMaterial · 19/03/2026 13:48

Pencil skirts and cigarette trousers are waiting in the wings for their reincarnation. I can feel it in my bones.

I love a wide leg trouser but fuck we've had a lot of them. At some point, in the right atmospheric conditions, new (old) shapes will drop.

Catisheavyonmylap · 19/03/2026 13:57

InconvenientlyMaterial · 19/03/2026 13:48

Pencil skirts and cigarette trousers are waiting in the wings for their reincarnation. I can feel it in my bones.

I love a wide leg trouser but fuck we've had a lot of them. At some point, in the right atmospheric conditions, new (old) shapes will drop.

I fell up the stairs having caught my foot in my wide leg trousers in town the other day - it’s so much easier to waddle gently in a pencil skirt.

CookingFatCat · 19/03/2026 14:02

Are they long or short? I think it’s not what you wear. It’s how you wear it.

TotallyFloored · 19/03/2026 15:33

Knee length ones - it may have been a little while since I was in the office properly… 😳 maybe up to 2015 before I went on mat leave… I’ve worked in more casual offices since then.

Surely there’s something I can do - I have loads of the little b*stards… I’m back in corporate type job but in a more casual office (not requiring suits unless I have meetings).

OP posts:
TotallyFloored · 19/03/2026 15:34

CookingFatCat · 19/03/2026 14:02

Are they long or short? I think it’s not what you wear. It’s how you wear it.

That’s essentially what I’m asking - how can I wear them now (although based on some posters thinking only in a dark room might be the way to go🤣).

OP posts:
ThisSunnyBee · 19/03/2026 15:35

Nope

TaraPup · 19/03/2026 15:35

Honestly OP you can wear what you want and more power to you, but no way can you make them look current.

Onebattleafteramother · 19/03/2026 16:00

We need pics op, there will be some you can salvage! Just no cinch belts (2008 anyone?) or sky scraper heels. They were dressy times! As ever the ones in neutral colours and better fabrics will fare better in the test of time. Go for a slouchy fine knit at this time of year, update the accessories and I reckon it could work in rotation with more up to date items

sociableintrovert123 · 19/03/2026 16:30

Trends and fashion changes. I think as we get older we need to update our style every few years to avoid looking dated. You need to get rid of the skirts OP. Pencil skirts are incredibly old fashioned and will date you. Treat yourself to some new clothes!

Graceyfields · 19/03/2026 16:42

I have a black leather one I wear with jumpers and boots in the winter

Cupofteaandagoodbookthensleep · 19/03/2026 16:45

I’m thinking plain black ones or could be worn with flats and then oversized chunky wool jumpers or cardigans - hope MacCaulay style.

Im thinking it through as I’m typing and I don’t think all is lost. I’d even try some types of trainers with them such as leopard print adidas sambas and then wear a really casual loose fitting top. I think it’s about balancing the tight fit of the skirt with a loose top and wearing flats that will make it feel more current as opposed to the fully fitted from top to bottom and with heels of the 2010s

AuntieDolly · 19/03/2026 17:12

Young execs in our office are in tight skirts and heels

TealReader · 19/03/2026 18:27

I love pencil skirts and never stopped wearing them. Try a more oversized or slouchy shirt, oversized knit or oversized blazer. Or a simple boxy t shirt. Or something with a strong shoulder. Knee length is tricky - try a pointed toe flat with them?

mcmuffin22 · 19/03/2026 18:33

TotallyFloored · 19/03/2026 15:34

That’s essentially what I’m asking - how can I wear them now (although based on some posters thinking only in a dark room might be the way to go🤣).

A t shirt and trainers?

Pearlstillsinging · 19/03/2026 18:42

TotallyFloored · 19/03/2026 15:34

That’s essentially what I’m asking - how can I wear them now (although based on some posters thinking only in a dark room might be the way to go🤣).

So long as you are decent, you can wear whatever the heck you like! I can't imagine that your manager is going to pull you aside and say that your skirt is inappropriate office wear, as they might if you turned up in a bikini!

Thecows · 19/03/2026 18:50

Lord no way, depends if you want to look current or not though.

DisplayPurposesOnly · 19/03/2026 18:59

I think pencil skirts are classic. Try to go for a boxy/wider/flowy top rather than fitted.

Loafers or knee high boots would work. Probably avoid kitten heels for day (but ok for evening).

screamtoabloodysigh · 19/03/2026 19:09

I'm mid 40s. My pencil skirts are just below the knee, for wiggle. I wore one to the pub the other week with a tight band t shirt (that i love- not a random one) and my chunky heeled, victorian orphan style boots.

For work, although 20s me wants heels, now me wears lower heels or brogues.

GoldenCupsatHarvestTime · 19/03/2026 19:20

Just flog them on Vinted and use the cash to buy updated outfits

minnowonthesay · 19/03/2026 20:29

I think with the short sleeve t shirt style fine knit jumpers and loafers would be fine.
Could you wear one with a denim shirt?
With a quality t shirt and bubble hem style bomber jacket?