Update my pencil skirts please

[TotallyFloored]

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 ?

No no pencil skirts or killer heels!
One of the benefits of the pandemic was that I could get rid off all the business clothes!

I know this is the Style and Beauty board so I’m likely to be the lone voice here but…… pencil skirts are old fashioned????

I DIDN’T GET THE MEMO

(48 years old and clueless)

As a slim hourglass with long legs, pencil skirts really suit me. So I haven't stopped wearing them (mine are usually mid-calf) and often get compliments on how I dress.

I wear them currently with a slouchy knit, or a t shirt and an oversized blazer, with flat pointed slingbacks and some kind of oversized/cocoon coat.

I may not be current but I feel pretty amazing in them.

Take all your guidance from here, @TotallyFloored (you need nothing else):

https://eu.thefrankieshop.com/collections/womens-skirts?page=2

I think a longish pencil skirt, sort of a bit 1930s, always looks elegant.

Ahh I remember their office-wear peak vividly though. I'd say 2005-2015ish they were ubiquitous! I have some excellent ones from Boden, in very fine wool with a tiny fishtail at the back 😂

I don't know the demographic of my customers, but I sell Preloved on eBay and this month alone my top seller has been wiggle dresses aka pencil dresses and pencil skirts, Laura Ashley style floral to be exact. Mostke cream with it flowers, like a Cath Kidston print, London postcodes so it might ripple out

I agree, it depends what you wear them with and the length. However the work uniform has changed and it seems that most things "go". If men are in suits in your workplace then they will probably not be out of place.

I have a black one. I wear it with slouchy brown boots, black tshirt, and a pale pink cotton chores jacket from the men’s section of Finisterre. I channel a bit of Molly Ringwold from breakfast club and I love it.

That’s so interesting @Doggymummarthank you for the insight

Probably for weddings? I keep expecting to see people asking, is this too white for a wedding on here!

I think you could style them into a more modern look if they were of a slightly longer length. Add a slouchy knit or oversize blazer, flat or low pointed slingback shoes, or some slouchy boots.

Lots of women wear boots and longer skirts / dresses in my office. And Google yields may images of pencil skirts at Milan fashion week. Although not all of these styles would be instantly suitable for the office!

If your pencil skirts are tight and on/above the knee you’re best to keep the ones you love for when the style returns, but anything longer and less snug could be styled into something modern.

Don’t chuck them out OP - I heard they are coming back - https://www.elle.com/fashion/shopping/a70299602/pencil-skirt-trend/

I work in an office and I occasionally wear a pencil skirt, along with anything else I feel like. They look good on me and I honestly couldn’t give a shit. I don’t pay attention to what anyone else wears.

Well, actually you’re bang up to date!

Many of the fashion shows this summer have been showing 80s power dressing. While I don’t think you should go down that route, the pencil skirt is back.

Wear with low kitten heels, or heels no more than 2 inches.

I would wear a fine knit top with them or cardigan, not a blouse.

I keep hearing that pencil skirts are due a comeback but I hadn't paid much attention as I can't see them fitting into my life these days. I assume that, when they do return - as I'm sure they will at some point - there will be something about them that will look fresh and new and I haven't got the imagination to work out what that might be. However, if you held a gun to my head and made me predict, I'd probably guess that the new incarnation won't be black or knee length - sorry! But don't take my word for it, I get it wrong loads of times.

Pencil skirts are fabulous and I wear them all the time with a shirt/blouse. Gorgeous.

i don’t wear high heels though, I wish I could. I agree low kitten heels are nice.

If they were longer, maybe, but knee length? By all means wear them but I honestly can't think of a way to update them.

I think though that it's one thing for fashion shows to revive them but that it'll be whether or not high street buyers decide to go for them that'll really dictate whether they hit our shops. I can picture them weighing it up and thinking it's still a bit too soon.

I definitely think they’ll be back soon, I can remember wearing them in the late 90’s just after the grunge era. And given the grunge era is back I think they’ll come back soon. Just styled in a looser way, shirts and boots or something like that.

I agree!

Maybe not current, but these two examples look OK I think. Not 100% sure about the actual jumper she's wearing, but the overall look.

I still wear them - they suit me and look smart, what’s not to like? Mine aren’t particularly tight at the bottom though, just useful ‘ordinary’ skirts.

Have a look at the Frankie Shop examples in the link above, @Floisme.

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

Definitely this - I wore a few similar outfits over Christmas and felt good in them. And no one fell over laughing.

They are pretty much on the knee/ slightly below and have a range (some with little fishtails, some plain or with a frill) and mostly black but some other colours / prints. I even have leather, suede and sequin ones (not on the same skirt). All pretty nice quality / expensive and immaculate so I don’t mind storing them until they come back in again (if they do). I’ve held onto them this long after all.

i keep putting them on and taking them off cos they don’t look right though. I’ve never generally been really into trends, more dressing for my body type - hourglass so that silhouette used to really suit me back in the day. But there clearly must be something if I’m not happy in them. I have loads in my wardrobe that I do reach for, both in and out of the office, so it’s not like I’m desperate I just though it was a bit of a shame they’re just sat there. I may try the boxy cardy / oversized knit / fine knits suggested and the flat shoes - I have all the bits it’s just seeing if I can get them together in a way I like. Wish me luck 🍀