|
 The pencil skirt is
closely related to the iconic sheath dress invented by Coco Chanel in 1926. It
was a short, simple, calf-length, straight black dress decorated only by a few
diagonal lines. In addition to their hip-hugging cut and length, they have
another similarity - their elegant practicality and versatility. If the dress suits
many occasions, being the centerpiece of the unspeakably elegant look, the
pencil skirt with its provocative hipline is even more suggestive.
The pencil skirt is
regarded as a classic fashion piece, a wardrobe staple, either on its own or as
part of a suit. Its narrow shape can restrict movement, so pencil skirts often
feature a slit, usually at the back, but sometimes instead a back pleat which
is considered more modest. The classic shoes for wearing with a pencil skirt
are a pair of high heels, with sheer stockings or tights.
Narrow-fitting skirts
have a long history in western fashion. However, it was the French designer
Christian Dior who pioneered with his New Look and introduced the pencil skirt
in the late 1940s, using the term H-line to describe its shape. It quickly
became very popular, particularly for office wear. This success was due to
women's desire for new fashions in the wake of the drudgery of the Second World
War coupled with the austere economic climate, when fabrics were expensive and
still rationed, and full-skirted garments were seen as wasteful. It again
became popular for business women in the 1980s, as part of the «power suit»
style of dressing, and has remained a popular mainstream fashion choice ever
since.
However, this is one
version of the emergence of the pencil skirt. According to another story, pencil
skirt as we know it is nothing else but a modification of the hobble skirt
introduced in the early 1900s by the French designer Paul Poiret who fashioned
long skirts that were narrow at the hem which «hobbled» the wearer (therefore
the hobble skirt). This idea brought about accessories such as the hobble
garter. The hobble garter limited a woman's stride so that she would not cause
the skirt to rip. Eventually the trend faded with the invention of cars as it
was difficult to climb in and out of vehicles in such tight fabric.
The pencil skirt feels
different from looser types of skirts, and can take some adjustment by the
wearer in terms of movement and posture in order to manage it successfully.
Walking needs to be done in short strides; entering and leaving a car
gracefully takes practice; and when sitting the legs are held close together
which some can find restrictive (though others like the feeling of their legs
being «hugged» by the skirt). In spite of these apparent disadvantages, the
pencil skirt does have practical benefits: it is warmer due to the reduced
ventilation, and is less likely to be blown up by gusts of wind.
Pencil skirts are very
fashionable because of their versatility and ability to accentuate a woman's
natural curves. Pencil skirts can be worn at work, and can be dressed down with
different colored tights, shoes, and accessories for casual wear. Also, a pencil skirt can be bought with slits
on the sides for greater mobility when out dancing or walking around town.
Fashion experts
suggest wearing dark-colored pencil skirt with a light colored sweater because
the light colors will accentuate and dark will be less vivid. Also suggested is
wearing a longer shirt with your skirt that stops at the widest part of your
hips, or wearing a fitted blazer that is left open, showing your waistline.
They also urge you to wear sexy pumps with the highest heels you can handle.
This season, the
pencil skirt is the favorite, which evokes a vintage feel when worn with a
shrunken jacket or cropped cardigan and high heels, pearls or a brooch. If you
like a demure look, go for classic black, adding a fine knit top and peep-toe
heel. Neutral shades like grey, beige and black are always chic, make for great
basics and are very forgiving on the figure but don't be afraid to embrace
print and colour. Contrast is the way to go, or wear tonal shades top and
bottom to exaggerate your form. A white shirt looks fresh with a pencil skirt
and will pop when accessorized with orange or tan. The trick to wearing bold
prints and patterns is to keep things simple up top and go for a nude shoe.
|
