the pencil skirt – how long since you wore one?

by Sharon Santoni

I seem to have got myself onto the mailing list of Net à Porter, and consequently receive news of the latest fashion at least twice a day ….. hmmmm…  for a girl who doesn’t actually like to shop, this is a bit rich, but for now I’m sticking to it, convincing myself that it is good for my education.

One thing I have noticed as spring approaches is the slightly longer skirt, and the return of the pencil skirt.  Wow,  the pencil skirt, I mean knee length … I honestly can’t remember the last time I wore one.  Above the knee straight skirts yes, but tailored and shape- hugging waist to knee, well,  it has been a while.

Keen to benefit from the advice so freely offered by the good folk at Net, I fooled around with a couple of mood boards, imagining how I could fit this skirt into my current life.  I came up with these:  above,   in black and white for a special dinner out; I think this would be elegant although it was difficult to match a bag to this pretty skirt, and maybe I should have chosen something lighter …

Next my take on the pencil skirt for a working day, out and about.  Note the second pair of shoes for the moment when a pencil skirt plus a high heel becomes more than a girl can handle.

 

and finally this set using a really beautiful lace pencil skirt by Burberry.  I love this look, but honestly I don’t have a clue when I could wear it … maybe you lead more sophisticated lives than me, and could suggest a suitable occasion

pencil skirt 2

All of these boards are on my polyvore page, which is my visual playground and general place to experiment with clothes and interior design.     I’m sure you’ll agree, after all, we all need a daily distraction.
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23 comments

Esther George February 18, 2014 - 11:25 am

Ahh to be able to wear a Pencil skirt, the last time I wore one was 1977 gees I’m giving my age away. I must say I loved that skirt and how it made me feel wearing it. Thank you for sharing you have that elegant touch. Regards Esther from Sydney.

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Sharon Santoni February 18, 2014 - 9:23 pm

You are braver than me Esther, I haven’t dared put a date on my last PS!

xx

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Cheryl February 18, 2014 - 12:26 pm

I still have my Ann Taylor black pencil skirt from 1992. I hadn’t worn it for many years, but then a couple of years ago I thought of trying it on again. I loved it just as much as when it was new, and felt very chic in it. I have to admit though, it is hard to walk up stairs in it!

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Sharon Santoni February 18, 2014 - 9:24 pm

Ah! I had forgotten about the stair thing – happy memories! How nice to still fit into a 12 year old skirt 🙂

x

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Karen Sternberg February 18, 2014 - 1:48 pm

I have been wearing them for a couple of years now. I love them! Most are a good fit/style for me. I have a beige python one from Worth that is to die for.
xxoo

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Sharon Santoni February 18, 2014 - 9:25 pm

Well Karen, you obviously dress a lot better than I do ! 🙂

x

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Colleen Taylor February 18, 2014 - 4:05 pm

I honestly can’t remember when but it’s been a long long time. These are beauties here Sharon. I just can’t do the high heels any longer, sure wish I could but just can’t. Wish I could trade in my feet & yes legs too for a pair of longer, younger ones…sigh.

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Sharon Santoni February 18, 2014 - 9:26 pm

I still enjoy high heels now and again, for a special occasion or a dinner, but gone are the days when I was happy to wear them all day long – even run for trains in them!

xx

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Katherine February 18, 2014 - 4:47 pm

Ah yes, the longer pencil skirt requires a ‘lady-like’ lift above the knees to maneuver in and out of a vehicle {I remember this well}. It has to be in one very sleek move, otherwise you give the appearance that you are about to start a race. But the longer skirt is an elegant look and very feminine feel to wear.
I love the lace Burberry one.

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Sharon Santoni February 18, 2014 - 9:27 pm

Love the image Katherine, thank you for reminding us!

xx

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Marsha @ Splenderosa February 18, 2014 - 5:45 pm

I’m addicted to Polyvore. Love to be creative & whimsical there. I love pencil skirts if they are tapered narrower at the hemline. Of course, a big slit is needed in the back or front in order to walk. Getting in and out of a car and looking elegant requires a special maneuver.
Love the boards, love the choices. You got it right on every one in my little ole Texas opinion. Big hug, darling Sharon…

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Sharon Santoni February 18, 2014 - 9:28 pm

I can just imagine you let loose on Polyvore Marsha, a champion shopper if ever there was one! I love this tool, it is so easy to use and I love the results

xx

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Emm February 18, 2014 - 6:31 pm

I have a couple still in my closet, no idea when last worn. Maybe multiple years ago?

I like that first outfit, especially the shoes (of a heel I will never again wear). Maybe with an added shot of color, though? And the third, wow! — Burberry, not just trenchcoats any more.

These are so much fun. Thanks for the imaginary closet.

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Sharon Santoni February 18, 2014 - 9:29 pm

Oh yes Emm, Burberry has come a long way since the trenchcoat, their perfume the Beat, is a favourite with my daughters

xx

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Jackie February 18, 2014 - 9:13 pm

I still wear pencil skirts regularly for business meetings. Just a tad more elegant and feminine than trouser suits as well as being a much cooler alternative in this hot Melbourne weather. In winter , skirt, silk shirt and overcoat is an easy uniform as well. One of the advantages in Winter is if it is very wet and often is it is far better alternative to trousers if you are running around from meetings in that the bottoms of trousers can often become damp.

Your selections are beautiful Sharon.

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Sharon Santoni February 18, 2014 - 9:30 pm

I think you are right Jackie, the pencil skirt is the feminine equivalent to the suit when it comes to looking professional and business like – the difference being that a suit doesn’t stop the wearer climbing stairs!

xx

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sally February 19, 2014 - 12:42 am

I think that a lovely pencil skirt is a must-have, and especially love the gold brocade you have chosen Sharon…but more importantly, you are one of my lovely indulgences each day!! and I send my thanks for all the beautiful inspiration you share
I quite new to leaving comments ( just shy really!) but I hope you can tell me the make and shade of nude lipstick you have shown….as I would like to try out this look
Sally xx

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sharon santoni February 19, 2014 - 9:33 am

thank you Sally, you are very kind. If you pop over to the polyvore page you will see the set with the lipstick and find all the details there

best

Sharon

xx

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Gina February 19, 2014 - 3:07 am

Oh Sharon, these are all lovely and the ps is surely at the top of my “favorite classic style” list.

My suggestion for the last gorgeous skirt is to a wedding. Beautiful. I would even go so far as to say a Mother of the Groom (as I only have 3 boys) with just a switch to a high collared, wrap-around, cuffed shirt with cuff links and a belt clasp would be so much more my style than what is mostly chosen these days for that tricky position….;)

Gina

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sharon santoni February 19, 2014 - 9:34 am

I was also thinking ‘mother of the’ when I put it together … who knows in a few years time? …

xx

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Leslie in Portland, Oregon February 19, 2014 - 8:55 am

No matter how beautiful a pencil skirt may look, I would not consider wearing one, ever. I am much too fond of being able to move freely and fast….

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sharon santoni February 19, 2014 - 9:34 am

good and valid point Leslie, 🙂

xx

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Mumbai February 19, 2014 - 3:50 pm

I never worn mini , though I’m on pencil skirts for ever. …elegant,
feminin, sexy.

Reply

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