a week of work wardrobe basics: pencil skirt.

another staple in my work wardrobe is a black pencil skirt.

it functions the same as black pants, but allows you to show off your feminine curves...and your shoes. i'm wearing simple black pumps (also on my list), but switch them out for a colorful, strappy pair and you have an outfit worthy of happy hour drinks.

two things to consider:

fit: a pencil skirt should be fitted but not tight. too loose,

and it'll spin around. too tight, and you'll be uncomfortable.

length: a pencil skirt should fall at or just below the knees.

too short, and you'll be tugging at it all day. plus, your knees are a "skinny" point in your silhouette. a skirt that hits at the knees will be slimming and give you that hourglass shape,

if you so desire.

invest in a good black one first, then explore

other fun prints and textures.

do you know who created the pencil skirt?

scroll down for the answer.

worn here with a simple creme blouse. add color to this neutral combo with a bright cardigan, colorful skinny belt, or fun bag.

to elongate: tuck in your blouses.

to further accentuate curves: pair with a peplum top.

(bcbg skirt; JustFab uptown tote; nine west shoes)

try these:

 

french designer, christian dior, introduced the pencil skirt in the late 1940s using the term "H-line" (as opposed to A-line) to describe its straight and narrow shape. its predecessor, the hobble skirt, was created by another french designer, paul poiret, in the early 1900s. it was coined hobble because it literally hobbled the wearer with its slim hemlines.

 source: ehow, wikipedia

in case you missed it:

monday's black pants