Pencil skirts are an acquired taste in Summer because they’re constricting and not very breezy. That said, some pencil skirts aren’t as tight and tapered as others, Summer days and nights can be cool by the water, and there is Summer air conditioning to consider.
Then there’s the knee-length or midi stretchy and body-con knitted tube skirt that’s very tight but extremely comfortable because it’s soft and stretchy. It’s popular with my clients because it creates a slim silhouette, is forgiving on the midsection, and is machine washable. Knitted tube skirts are versatile and can be styled with an untucked top. For those who enjoy wearing easy pull-on-and-go Summer tube skirts, feast your eyes on these.
The following four Summer skirt outfit ideas are more about woven pencil skirts than knitted tube skirts, although there’s one of the latter in the mix. Two casual and two dressy, just to mix it up. Choose any colour palette.
1. Tubed Two-Piece Dress
Combine a knitted tube skirt with a knitted top in the same or similar fabric or pattern. Wear the top over the skirt, or semi-tuck if it has a drawstring. Add sneakers, slides or mules, and a backpack as the finishing touch. A denim jacket is a fab idea for arctic air conditioning.
2. Tank & Sneakers
Combine a patterned woven pencil skirt with a tank top and fashion sneakers, and you’re done. Choose wedge sandals, mules, slides, ballet flats or platform sandals if sneakers aren’t your thing. A sleeved tee is another way to go, which you can tuck or semi-tuck, unless you can find a tee that is sufficiently structured to wear untucked.
3. Classic Cardi as a Top
A classic short cardigan can be worn as a top when it’s buttoned through. Wear a camisole underneath, and it’s a great top to wear over a range of skirt silhouettes. Here it is paired with a pencil skirt and heeled sandals. Add a tote or satchel and you’re ready for the office.
4. Fluid Classic
This is a classic dressy combination that always looks sharp when the pieces fit and are made of gorgeous fabrics. Combine a pencil skirt in a fun pattern with a fluid woven top that blousons when it’s tucked into the skirt. The juxtaposition of soft and fluid + super structured is a lovely one. Finish off the look with dressy heels that work with the outfit. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.
I have ONE pencil skirt, and it’s a Summer one. It’s a cotton lace, very lightweight, and not very tight, all of which makes it delightful to wear in high heat. I combine it with a fitted striped or white knit top, a linen flutter sleeve shirt, or an oversized striped shirt. All tops are semi-tucked. I usually wear white sandals or flats for footwear. Here are the exact items from my wardrobe.
