All hail the revival of the pencil skirt – an elegant, figure-friendly trend that is banishing micro-minis to the back of wardrobes.The slim-fitting garment – a time-honoured silhouette created by Christian Dior in the late Forties – dominated on the fashion week runways.In a celebration of the feminine form, Chloe, Lanvin and Louis Vuitton took a trip down memory lane with various versions of the vintage classic.
And the pencil skirt is a draw with A-listers like Heidi Klum and Jennifer Lopez too.The trendy garment provides a solid foundation for Autumn/Winter wardrobes.It allows women to exude sexiness in a subtle way, and flatters all figures.The secret's in the shape, which adds curves to boyish frames but also makes the most of an hourglass silhouette by following and contouring the natural form.But here are some pointers.This season’s pencil skirt is sexy. To avoid looking too prim, leave the flats at home.Instead, pair with heels, which will elongate the legs and create a slimmer silhouette.
For a more daring look, slip on a sheer blouse in a neutral colour. Take your cue from J LO (above), who preserved her modesty with oversized chest pockets.For everyday use, team with something unstructured – try a loose textured piece, a casual, pocketed T-short or a silk vest like Heidi – or add oversized knitwear.If you need to hide a belly, invest in a good pair of control pants to smooth lumps and bumps. Or try a loose-fitting vest top with a sequinned, waterfall jacket to draw attention away from the problem area. This is a great going out outfit.For the office, tuck in a tailored sleeveless blouse and top with a sleek cardigan.To take your pencil skirt into ultra modern territory, choose a shirt in a clashing colour and pair with a bright red lip, a la Emily Blunt.