Continued from the series: The Ultimate Guide to Shopping & Styling Vintage
image source image source: Chicago Chic
The original pencil skirt was first designed by the French designer Christian Dior in the 1940’s.
Figure flattering and uber sexy this design has never really fallen out of fashion. This is evident in the photos I have chosen above of Marilyn Monroe and Rachel Jensen. They almost look like they are wearing the exact same version of the classic black pencil skirt.
Vintage versions were high waisted, long and sleek and fell to or just below the knee.
Although I don’t have a vintage version of my own yet, I do adore my modern versions which can fall at the knee or above but still have the same curve hugging fit. As you will see from the examples below I love to wear and style pencil skirts in every different colour, pattern and texture.
The pencil skirt is an important wardrobe basic and everyone should have at least one in their closet.
( I don’t dare count the number I have!)
I wrote a full article about them for my wardrobe staple series and also explained how to choose the perfect pencil skirt for your body type.
Here is how I would style vintage pencil skirts that I discovered online through Etsy…
Do you love pencil skirts as much as I do?
Would you or have you purchased a vintage pencil skirt?
Do you feel you could confidently style pencil skirts now?
Linking up with: Hat Attack
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I adore pencil skirts, interesting to read your thoughts. I agree you can’t have too many because they go with just about everything. Cool to see you in some of yours looking great!
blue hue wonderland
I love this selection! Lovely pieces you’ve chosen, and your own collection is quite impressive. I’d definitely like more pencil skirts – I have a modern black pencil skirt that you’d swear was ’50s, with a very high waistband, and falling mid calf. It’s gorgeous (can’t quite fit into it at the moment though!).
Lovely styling, very inspirational!
P x
Agree- I love pencil skirts!
I like pencil skirts on you! Not something that appeals to me , I like something I can run for a bus in! xxx
I do, I love a good pencil skirt whether new or vintage. I like right at the knee or just a little below for me. And I really, *really* like your green one with the hearts. xox
You pull pencil skirts off so well. I feel like I look silly because I’m so short. sigh.
xxx
Lady à la Mode
I have two pencil skirts, one at the knee, and the infamous high-waist, below the knee one that Angel hates. I still think it’s cute though. I’ve always loved the pencil skirt style and I do think it works pretty good with my body type, but I always think full or flared skirts are more comfortable.
You have always looked terrific in pencil skirts !
you rock the pencil skirts!! vintage ones work better with my body because i am small waisted and big hipped. i rarely wear them because i always have to alter them, but i think they are universally flattering!
You look amazing in a pencil skirt, Suzanne! By rights, they should be a favourite of mine; I have a classic hourglass shape, and I like fitted pieces, yet I only own a couple and don’t wear them very often. Why is that? I think I feel quite conscious of my hips in them, but perhaps I need to work harder at balancing them out with a looser top? Hmm, food for thought. You and Marilyn certainly know how to wear them! xxx
I wore a few in my last job, yet now I don’t consider them at all but I do love them styled in a vintage way (I do like the leopard print one!) – you are stunning in your collection of pencil skirts, all of them are gorgeous x x x
You look fantastic in each and everyone of your pencil skirt outfits!!
I’ve embraced them in this past year and am on the hunt for more!
Love me a good pencil skirt! That first outfit of yours is so cute!!
Jessi
http://www.haircutandgeneralattitude.com
Ok suzanne, as much as you are my soul fashion sister, Im not a big fan of the pencil. Give me a full or an a-line mini skirt anyday. I dont feel good in them. Go figure. But you look fantastic in all of them–you go girl! Xoxo
I totally am in love with pencil skirts and your collection is glorious! I especially like the first blue one and the black floral one. I only have one black one, but am on the lookout for more of different lengths and fabrics. I do have a beautiful vintage one that sadly doesn’t fit right now…they are such classics that I’ll hold onto it for now. Great tips on how to wear them, too!
What a beautiful silhouette on you – this totally works for your gorge figure!
I am truly a pencil skirt addict! I was just telling another blogger that I should have named my blog a gal and her pencil skirts. I love how classy they can dress up a look. I love all the ways you have worn your pencil skirts. The last one is my favorite because I am still trying to figure out how to wear them outside of work.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
I love pencil skirts on others, like on you. They look just horrible on me, so it’s a no-go for me:-(.
I have one pencil skirt! I just feel self conscience in them. But you are rocking those skirts! That shape was made for you!
Wait! I just remembered I have a yellow pencil skirt I just had altered! I need to wear that sucker! Thanks for the reminder. Now if only I could remember where I put it!
My favorite pencil skirt of yours is that lovely grey one. I covet it!
Jenni
Brilliant, as ever, dear Suzanne.
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I love pencil skirts too and I have many in my closet! I find it is perfect to emphasize the silhuette. As I can see you have a good set too!! I like very much how they fit you…my favourite is the cream colour version ,the one you are wearing with the lace ( wonderful! ) top.And, by the way, I was admiring your handbags:sooooo cute!
I love pencil skirts and by the look of it, they love you too. Your styling of the pencil skirts is lovely. I especially like the white/red striped top.
Today I picked up my black leather skirt from the seamstress. She shortened it from ankle /calf length to just below the knee. It has become such a beauty! Wearing it tomorrow.
Greetje
Pencil skirts are my favorite. And you my friend most definitely have the body to rock one!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com
I have several vintage pencil skirts of different lengths, and wear them frequently. Your post has inspired me to keep my eye out for more. You wear them, with different looks, to perfection!
Thank you for sharing your pencil skirt with headwear on Hat Attack!
I will admit, I’ve always been mildly afraid of pencil skirts due to my shape. While some might say my small waist and.. erm… assets… lend well for a pencil skirt, my short stature I feel always makes me look “off” in them.
Looking at your photos though makes me think (hope) I just haven’t found the right one yet.