Pencil Skirt | Pencil Skirts

Pencil skirts are sexy and slimming. Black pencil skirts and white pencil skirts. Denim Pencil Skirts and Leather pencil skirts. There are literally hundreds of styles. What makes this skirt style a must have for every wardrobe? Simply its classic beauty and enduring style that fits every occasion.

The pencil skirt is considered classic, much like the little black dress (which coincidentally is associated with pencil skirt style) because of it's functional, flexible style. The style of skirt has been part of women's wardrobe since it was introduced in the 1940s, although the original concept was a long floor length skirt which inhibited women's walking styles (the hobble skirt invented by Paul Poiret). Today's modern style is the pencil skirt which generally has a flexible material to enable walking, or a slit in the back. The hobble skirt, while still in existence, is usually seen in more exotic styles of clothing such as goth or fetish.

The unique style of the pencil skirt lends itself to a certain style of decorum that is avoided in other types of skirt styles. For instance getting out of a car may be difficult since the skirt hugs the hips. It's important to put both feet outside the car and push up off the seat using your hands and hips and feet at the same time. Alternatively you can pull the skirt up a little to allow more movement in the leg, though this isn't considered very lady-like.

Sitting in this style skirt is comfortable, however, there are some general rules. Putting your legs and feet at a slight 20 degree angle, with one foot next to the other and your knees touching, is the proper way to sit. Crossing legs is extremely difficult in a pencil skirt, but not impossible.

Walking in the pencil style skirt is considerably easier today with the slits and pleated backs which allow freer movement of the legs. Previously, women had to walk in short strides due to the constriction of the legs inside tight skirts. This was known as the "wiggle walk" and was made quite famous by Marilyn Monroe. In her movie Some Like it Hot, Marilyn is seen walking on a railway platform while wearing a white pencil skirt and her hips wiggling.

The pencil skirt itself is already sexy and feminine. By hugging the curves it accentuates a woman's natural form. To emphasize the sexy quality of the skirt, wear pantyhose or a great pair of back-seamed stockings, as worn in the 1940s and 50s.

Higher heels look best with the pencil style skirt, and especially wedge heels. Knee high boots are another great way to accentuate a pencil skirt. Stay clear of flat shoes and ankle high boots as they look a bit awkward.

Black skirts are always a great choice for a classic look that never goes out of style. Black is the choice for professional looks as well as evenings out. The great thing about a black skirt is that its interchangeable with work and evening, with the right accessories. White silk shirt, blazer and black pencil skirt with a wide faux alligator belt for the office. Remove the jacket and change the belt to a gold chain, add some sparkly pantyhose and fashionable evening heels and you're ready to hit the pub.

Black is also a great slimming color. If you're worried about the hip hugging pencil skirt, stop worrying, the pencil style is slimming at best, but buy a pair of Spanx and you'll be looking even slimmer.

Where black is the choice for professionals in the business model, the choice for professional designers is white or off-white. The white pencil skirt is stylish and sexy, but also a little more glamorous. Paired with a light print, this style and color of skirt is perfect for every summer business meeting.

Wear white skirts with matching white heels for a perfect streamlined look in during the daytime. At night, brighten up the look with brightly colored belts and shoes. Don't be afraid of patent!

The best part about a denim pencil skirt is that its perfect for any casual day out shopping or slipped on over a swimsuit for a cover-up which can be worn to the ice cream shop or an outdoor restaurant. Denim is light and breathable and very comfortable.

Worn with a pair of sandals, a denim skirt can be the most comfortable clothing for summer. Add the new styles of wedge sandals for a look that's stylish, comfortable and infinitely sexy.

Nothing says glamor like a leather pencil skirt. While the material is not as breathable as a denim skirt, there isn't any other skirt that will keep you as warm as the leather pencil style. Pencil styles are already made for warmth, holding the legs and heat into a small area, and leather adds to the effect by creating a buffer against wind and snow. Treat your leather before wearing it and it will wear well through any weather.

Rock out with a pair of platform knee high boots or glam up your leather skirt with knee high heeled boots. Leather styles are versatile and sexy enough for the office or out at a concert, but even better, leather is classy and sophisticated enough for any high class luncheons or dinners. Leather never goes out of style and lasts forever when treated properly.