Deciding what length is appropriate for your skirt can be tricky sometimes. Do you want to get a pencil skirt but don't know how long it should be? Wonder no more; for your convenience, we have brought you the answer.
A classic pencil skirt should sit between your knee and mid-calf. Generally, pencil skirts hug your figure and should be on the longer side, especially those with slits. Whether you are tall, short, or somewhere in the middle, it is important to choose a pencil skirt that fits your waist, hips, and thighs.
As we begin, we will go over all things pencil skirts and show you how to wear one. Regardless of your height, shape, or size, knowing what length skirt to get is essential. With that said, let's dive right into this topic!
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How Long Is A Pencil Skirt Supposed To Be?
Typically, a pencil skirt should be on the longer side, reaching your mid to upper calves. Shorter pencil skirts usually won't work for taller people and can be very revealing if they have a slit.
Saying this, if you are a shorter person and want to keep the length of your skirt flattering, we think a shorter option is a good idea. It is always best to try a few options and see what length complements your body the most.
Where Does The Slit In A Pencil Skirt Go?
Although everyone is different, we recommend having your pencil skirt's slit face the front, angled over one of your legs. If you are shorter in height, you can get away with a back-facing slit, but we don't recommend it if you are tall.
In general, we would say stay away from pencil skirts with slits if you are worried about showing too much skin.
Urban CoCo Side Slit Pencil Skirt
This pencil skirt has high-quality elastic fabric, a slit hem design, comes in different colors, and promises to be comfortable.
View this skirt on Amazon here.
TheMogan High Waisted Pencil Skirt
This side slit pencil skirt is rayon, spandex, and nylon, machine washable, has a high-waisted design, and comes in various colors.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Are Pencil Skirts Professional?
When it comes to pencil skirts being professional, we say they are. Of course, length and slit size will impact how appropriate your skirt will look, but overall, you should be fine to wear one in a professional setting.
Length-wise, we recommend keeping your skirt around or below your knees so you don't have to worry about it rising.
Can I Wear A Pencil Skirt To An Interview?
As long as your skirt is an appropriate length and style, we think it is perfect for an interview. With that said, pencil skirts do tend to have a sexy look, so try keeping your top on the looser side.
Generally, it is a better idea to keep your other clothing less form-fitting when wearing a pencil skirt, so your outfit remains professional.
For an in-depth look at this topic, head over to this post: Can You Wear A Pencil Skirt To An Interview?
Do Pencil Skirts Look Good On Short People?
Although standard pencil skirts tend to run long, we believe a mid to mini-skirt option will look good on anyone shorter in height. As we mentioned, shorter women have more choices for their skirt's slit positioning, so you win some, you lose some.
On the other hand, if you are short and want to wear a standard-length pencil skirt, try accessorizing with a pair of heels or wedges to give you some height.
EXCHIC Midi Pencil Skirt
This high-waisted pencil skirt is viscose, nylon, and elastane material, midi-style, and comes in plenty of colors.
DREAM PAIRS Kucci Pointed Toe Pumps
These fashion pumps are faux leather, have a rubber sole, are three inches, and come in various colors.
Follow this link to see them on Amazon.
Are Pencil Skirts Slimming?
When it comes to pencil skirts being slimming, we think some options have that effect. Generally, bodycon pencil skirts do the best job at making you look slimmer, especially black-colored options.
Length-wise, longer pencil skirts will do a better job of making your legs look slimmer, so try to choose a skirt that falls near your calves.
Faux Leather Pencil Skirt
This bodycon pencil skirt is polyester and spandex, has stretchy fabric, and comes in a few colors.
What Tops Do You Wear With A Pencil Skirt?
For anyone having trouble finding the right top for their pencil skirt, stick with something simple. Usually, a button-down blouse or sweater is an easy choice for a pencil skirt and looks good on all types of bodies.
If you want to wear your skirt out somewhere besides work, we recommend trying a crop top or even a long-sleeve fitted t-shirt to spice things up. The best part about a pencil skirt is that it doesn't have just one occasion for which it's appropriate.
Amazon Essentials V-Neck Sweater
This lightweight sweater is cotton, modal, and polyester, machine washable, and comes in various colors/patterns.
View this sweater on Amazon here.
PRETTODAY Crop Top
This crop top is 100% cotton, has an off-the-shoulder design, and comes in many colors.
Can You Wear A Pencil Skirt Casually?
Although we usually associate pencil skirts with the office, you can definitely wear one casually. Whether you want to wear your skirt on a date or out and about, styling it casual is as easy as a simple top and shoes.
Our first suggestion is a comfortable t-shirt and stylish flats or sandals with your pencil skirt. If you want to class it up a little, try wearing heels with your skirt and a silky or satin top.
Skechers BOBS
These shoes have a soft canvas upper, polka-dot textile lining, memory foam cushioning, and come in a few colors.
Follow this link to see these on Amazon.
Cape Robbin Lithe Square Open Toe Heels
These open-toe heels are 4.5 inches, have a pyramid design, and come in four colors.
Check these heels out on Amazon here.
Miessial Women's Satin Camisole Sleeveless Tank Top
This satin tank top has a v-neck design, adjustable shoulder strap, interior chest liner and comes in various colors.
How High Up Do You Wear A Pencil Skirt?
Generally, your pencil skirt should sit right at your natural waistline. With that said, some styles have a high-waisted design, so that type of skirt needs to be closer to your belly button.
Pencil skirts, in particular, should not be super tight around your waist and should feel comfortable to wear. We recommend finding a pencil skirt with an elastic waist or stretchy material, so you don't have to choose between feeling good and looking good.
How Do I Know My Pencil Skirt Is The Right Fit?
When it comes to knowing if your skirt is the right fit, make sure it feels similar in the waist to a pair of dress pants. By that, we mean your skirt is not too tight, but also won't fall down if you aren't wearing a belt.
Especially with pencil skirts, it is essential to choose one with some stretch, so your hips and thighs have room to breathe. Curvy or not, nothing is worse than a skirt fitting perfectly in the waist and then being too tight around the hips and thighs to move in.
The Wrap Things Up
Whether you just bought a pencil skirt or want to get one, it's important to know what length looks best on you. A classic pencil skirt should fall between your knees and mid-calf. When it comes to sizing, make sure your skirt isn't too tight and is easy to move in.
If you want to wear your pencil skirt into the office, we recommend pairing it with a looser-fitting button-down or sweater to keep your outfit appropriate. Regardless of the occasion, make sure your pencil skirt fits you well, and don't be afraid to style one casually.
Do you have more questions about styling and wearing a pencil skirt? If so, head on over to these helpful style-related posts:
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