https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusion-over-pencil-skirt-and-body-type Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:30:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusion-over-pencil-skirt-and-body-type#post-101871 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:13:59 +0000 malcontent 101871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It can be challenging to find a pencil skirt that fits well if you have wide hips, though I think pencil skirts look good on curvy women. I recently bought a pencil skirt, but to get a size that fit my hips without looking vulgar I had to go up so many sizes at the waist that the alterations are going to be very expensive. The skirt looked much nicer once the tailor had pinned it, and I'm hoping the investment in fit will be worthwhile. However, the tailor warned me that she probably wouldn't be able to get the waist small enough, even though she was already taking it in in three spots, and, at that, she suggested I go up another size in the hips the next time. It's frustrating that pencil skirts are frequently recommended as flattering for hourglass women but not really cut to fit them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusion-over-pencil-skirt-and-body-type#post-98515 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:48:31 +0000 Cyndi 98515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to agree that, in my opinion, a pencil skirt actually looks better if you have some curves. I have a rectangular figure, with a bit of a belly, and look silly in a pencil skirt, but I bet you'd wear one well if you find the right fit.</p> <p>Like finding the perfect pair of jeans, you may have to try on 50 before you get the right one, but when you do, it will be well worth the effort. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusion-over-pencil-skirt-and-body-type#post-97966 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:54:12 +0000 Sarah 97966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are at JCrew in your size:<br /> <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/skirts/pencil/PRDOVR~19326/19326.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../19326.jsp</a><br /> <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/skirts/pencil/PRDOVR~17607/17607.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../17607.jsp</a><br /> <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/skirts/suitingskirts/PRDOVR~91380/91380.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../91380.jsp</a></p> <p>Banana Republic:<br /> <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=26498&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=685380" rel="nofollow">http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=685380</a><br /> <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17051&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=674695" rel="nofollow">http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=674695</a><br /> <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17051&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=670881" rel="nofollow">http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=670881</a></p> <p>Let me know what you think of these and if you want more links. These look straighter to me in the photos, but as always you'll only know if you try them on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusion-over-pencil-skirt-and-body-type#post-97963 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:48:30 +0000 Sarah 97963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find that you need a longer skirt if it tapers slightly. I have this one, and love it to pieces:<br /> <a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=21211&#038;N=1200010&#038;categoryId=185&#038;pCategoryId=3939&#038;Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_185&#038;Nty=1&#038;No=14&#038;loc=LN&#038;defaultColor=Dark%20Rinse&#038;defaultSizeType=Regular" rel="nofollow">http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....pe=Regular</a></p> <p>Maybe this visual will help. Here's a straighter pencil:<br /> <a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=21649&#038;N=1200010&#038;pCategoryId=3939&#038;categoryId=185&#038;Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_185&#038;Nty=1&#038;No=0&#038;loc=LN&#038;defaultColor=Dark%20Heather%20Grey&#038;defaultSizeType=Regular" rel="nofollow">http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....pe=Regular</a></p> <p>And here's a severely tapered pencil:<br /> <a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=21388&#038;N=1200010&#038;pCategoryId=3939&#038;categoryId=185&#038;Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_185&#038;Nty=1&#038;No=0&#038;loc=LN&#038;defaultColor=Black&#038;defaultSizeType=Regular" rel="nofollow">http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....pe=Regular</a></p> <p>Fabric has a lot to do with it too. Maybe you could make a trip over to Ann Taylor and try on the various pencil skirt styles to see which one/s you like best? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusion-over-pencil-skirt-and-body-type#post-97962 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:47:50 +0000 50andstylish 97962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks...I am willing to try if I can find the one that hangs straight down and doesn't taper that is avail. in a size 16...any links you can refer me to? I so much appreciate this wonderful community who are so helpful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusion-over-pencil-skirt-and-body-type#post-97959 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:37:42 +0000 Alexandra 97959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pencil skirts, to me, are particularly gorgeous on curvy women of ALL sizes (and great for giving the illusion to less curvy women as well)! I'm about a 12/14, and I definitely understand how frustrating it is to find the right type of pencil skirt. I managed to find two in the past few months that fit well, one from Ann Taylor that has more of a straight cut and one from Macy's (Calvin Klein brand) that tapers a bit. In addition to what Sarah, Khris, and Angie have told you, I'd suggest trying a skirt with just a little stretch to it. It should help with that tight fit feeling, especially through the hip and thigh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusion-over-pencil-skirt-and-body-type#post-97944 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:13:40 +0000 Angie 97944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great advice from Sarah and Khris. </p> <p>Pencil skirts do not need to taper at the hem. If you're bottom heavy, you need a pencil skirt that falls straight from the hips down. That will flatten the curve. Its when you want to accentuate the curve that you taper in at the hem. </p> <p>I have clients from size 0 to 22W in pencil skirts. It’s a great look if you get the shape AND length right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusion-over-pencil-skirt-and-body-type#post-97927 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:23:34 +0000 chewyspaghetti 97927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Somepencil skirts narrow toward the bottom, and some are more straight and go straight down from the hip. Of course, your body shape will influence how the skirt falls as well. If you have heavier thighs, try a stright cut pencil skirt that does not narrow. You shouldn't have to size up for a pencil skirt- they are cut to fit close to the body. I hvae seen denim pencil skirts at Old Navy and Kohl's, banana republic and Ann Taylor. Have you actually tried any on yet? You might be surprised. They really are not just for the model thin girls. I am currently sporting a size 14 denim pencil skirt, and I am loving it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusion-over-pencil-skirt-and-body-type#post-97925 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:17:18 +0000 Sarah 97925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, 50! I think body shape really has more to do with it than size. When you try on the skirt you are probably more focused on what you think is your worst feature. But we have to look at the big picture.<br /> Would you be able to try one and take a photo?<br /> I'm very curvy and a pencil skirt is the only way to go. Length is also very important. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusion-over-pencil-skirt-and-body-type#post-97923 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:08:43 +0000 50andstylish 97923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi all-This question is generated by Michelle's postings on her best look and the topic of skirts. I am a size 14/16/18 depending on brand/style, etc. I have been trying to find fall skirts and all I see are pencil skirts which I love on others but didn't think was flattering on my size. Don't pencil skirts almost go in towards the bottom and not straight down? Wouldn't that make me look even more bottom heavy? I have looked for basic black, choc. brown and navy a line skirts and cannot find any in my size. I feel like in order to wear a pencil skirt which is a tight fit it seems I would have to size up alot and then where would one find these skirts? I have seen a few black ones on Macys and Nordstrom websites but that is about it. Sorry for long post but I am SO FRUSTRATED! All help greatly appreciated. </p>