How to Make a Pencil Skirt Look Casual

Simply changing shoes can bring your pencil skirt out of the office.

The slim-fitting pencil skirt became popular in the 1950s as a way to accentuate a curvy figure. Many people associate pencil skirts with suits or office wear, but a few small tweaks mean you can wear your pencil skirt to work one day and to an afternoon matinee the next. Don't relegate them to the back of the closet; make your pencil skirt work overtime.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil skirt
• Variety of tops: tank top, blouse, t-shirt
• Accessories
• Shoes

Instructions

1. Change your top. While most business environments require a more fitted blouse or suit jacket, switched tops change the look of your pencil skirt. A looser, patterned blouse will look great for daytime, a tank top adds a casual look or a fitted t-shirt would be the opposite of a work look. Getting rid of a stuffy top will do wonders for your pencil skirt.

2. Switch shoes. If you're wearing stilettos to the office with your pencil skirt, consider alternatives for a more casual approach. Match ballet flats with a t-shirt. Try sandals with a bit of a heel, if you're wearing a tank top. A more casual shoe changes the whole look of your pencil skirt.

3. Add accessories. At work, you may wear more sophisticated jewelry. You don't need that to be casual. Consider brightly colored bangles, chunky rock necklaces, hoop or chandelier earrings and a small, colorful handbag. Leave the pearls at home, and don't be shy with color.

References

• Wardrobe 911: How to Wear Pencil Skirts
• Seventeen: Pencil Skirt