Suzanne Carillo

The pencil skirt is a classic timeless piece that will make you look a feel like a real W-O-M-A-N.

There are all kinds of variations of pencil skirts, longer, shorter, higher waisted or very narrow. A well fitted pencil skirt should sit close to your body at the hips, but shouldn't pull across the hips. Skirts with some lycra in them can be helpful to make them cling to your curves, but not bunch up or pull at your hips or waist.

The best pencil skirt for you is the one that fits your body type correctly. Dark colours on the lower half of the body will slim the silhouette.

If you are voluptuous and want to accent your hips and waist buy a narrower skirt with a higher waist. This will really show off your sexy curves. This is what you often see Joan wearing in MadMen. It is one of my favourite styles to wear.

If you have a slimmer straighter body type and would like to create the illusion of curves try out one of the new peplum pencil skirts. They will create fuller hips while still showing off a tiny waist.

If you have larger calves make sure that the skirt hits you at the slimmest part of your leg, usually just below or just above the knee.

If you have long legs you can easily wear the longer midi versions of a pencil skirt, more the 1940's style.

If you have shorter legs go for a shorter version with a higher waist. This will create the illusion of longer legs and shorten your torso.

If you only buy one pencil skirt for your wardrobe, make it a simple classic cut in a darker neutral colour. This will ensure it matches with everything in your wardrobe.