The pencil skirt is to women what the suit is to men – the ultimate workwear uniform. When we think of the pencil skirt, we picture it in a boardroom at a bank. While tech bros have wiped the suit and tie from the corporate world, women embraced this masculine look as an empowering uniform. Emotionally speaking, that doesn’t feel entirely healthy to me. But fashion has come to the rescue, bringing the pencil skirt back – more feminine than ever, but with a twist. Shall we take a look?
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Forget the Pencil Skirt of the Past
@20thCenturyFox and @AMC
From Mad Men, the TV series about 1960s advertising agencies, to Melanie Griffith in Working Girl, the pencil skirt was the uniform of women who hadn’t yet achieved workplace equality. It was ultra-feminine, sexy, hard to walk in, required high heels, and wasn’t flattering on every body type. But that version of the pencil skirt is long gone. Over the past few seasons, fashion has proved that the pencil skirt has been redefined – and today, it’s one of the coolest pieces to have in your wardrobe.
Say Hello to the New Pencil Skirt
Remember Miu Miu’s pencil skirt styled with sneakers and boat shoes? Or Prada’s runway, where embroidered pencil skirts transitioned seamlessly from office hours to cocktail evenings? Saint Laurent is another brand that has brought the pencil skirt back into the spotlight as both workwear and leisurewear.
This evolution of the pencil skirt mirrors the evolution of women in the workplace. Today, we no longer need to dress in masculine silhouettes to earn respect. Curves and high heels are just as much a part of the modern idea of women’s power. By the way, Sylvie Grateau’s work wardrobe in Emily in Paris offers great style inspiration for women over 40.
How to Style Your Pencil Skirt at the Office
Bring back a straight, slim pencil skirt that hits just at the knee, accentuating your femininity and grace. This Spring-Summer 2025, give your masculine suit sets a break and embrace the fresh ways to style your pencil skirt, inspired by the coolest runways of the season.
- Wear it With Socks Like Miu Miu
Model One and Two Are Wearing Miu Miu. Model Three, Marie Adam-Leenaerdt.
- Swap Your Blazer for a Leather Jacket
- For a Preppy Look, Pair it With a Polo Shirt
- Pair it With a Sport Jacket
Miu Miu, Luisa Spagnoli, N°21
- We’ve Found These Models From Mango For You!
