https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 03 Jun 2026 23:37:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-639890 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 01:59:32 +0000 Ana 639890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much, Kyle! I appreciate the review. I am headed to the mall on Friday, so I will be able to check out the J. Crew and Halogen skirts. We'll see what happens. </p> <p>Thank you again everyone! This has been really helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-639857 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 01:23:30 +0000 Kyle 639857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ana, I was very pleased with my Crew skirt today. It is not wrinkle free...but it is not as bad as I thought it would be and is not objectionable to me. The fabric is VERY substantial for a cotton skirt. I like that very much. If you are very anti wrinkle, it might be too much for you...quite subjective, I think. Sure hope this helps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638897 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 06:42:58 +0000 fashionista 638897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MaryK is an expert in Halogen skirts. Maybe she could help you. And yes best of luck for the seminar. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638811 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 04:47:40 +0000 Ana 638811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! Thank you all so much. I really appreciate all your thoughtful responses. This really helps me. I've had really good luck with J. Crew stuff in the past, but it sounds like maybe this skirt could have some issues. </p> <p>Kyle, I'd love to get an update after you wear yours. I really like the idea of a bright yellow pencil skirt, but the "red lava" Halogen pencil skirt could work equally as well in my wardrobe. </p> <p>Dashrashi, thank you for the links! I will check these skirts out when I'm at the mall tomorrow. </p> <p>Suz, I will definitely be asking the forum for sizing help. From the reviews, it looks like size depends on the particular skirt. </p> <p>VC, thank you so much for the travel tips! I hadn't thought to take wrinkle releaser with me. I will be sure to take some now. I'll also take my denim pencil skirt. I need to get it altered, but luckily I have enough time before the trip. </p> <p>Thank you again everyone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638781 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 03:38:25 +0000 velvetychocolate 638781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hope it's ok to just jump in and post after being away for a few days. </p> <p>Just wanted to say that I have the Halogen stretch denim pencil skirt, and I just got back from meeting up with family/attending a trade show in Las Vegas (very, very hot there - it was 111F when I arrived) and the Halogen stretch denim pencil skirt worked out beautifully. </p> <p>If you have a J. Crew skirt that is similar, I think it would be very useful for your upcoming conference. My denim pencil skirt (the Halogen version from Nordstrom) is unlined, and it did *not* wrinkle up too much during the day. It might have been just a teensy bit rumpled at the very end of a (14+ hour) day - just a tiny bit at the back hem - but hanging it back up on a clip hanger in the hotel - the slightly rumpled effect smoothed out again by the next morning. I found it quite comfortable and not too hot at all. It looked dressed up enough, while also looking casual enough for low-key dinners/get togethers. I could wear the denim pencil skirt with a blouse and a jacket during the day (provided the a/c was sufficiently frigid) and I could also wear it during 'down time' with just a simple, well-made tee, some flats and a necklace for a relaxed and very casual dinner.</p> <p>I don't know if you've noticed this - but when it's that hot outside, the dinner get togethers are decidely casual and very relaxed. You just want to get back to your room, cool off and throw on something comfortable before heading back out for dinner. You can switch out the blouse/shirt/jacket/dressier shoes for flats and a casual top. </p> <p>Just as an aside for business travel/conferences - I'd recommend picking up Downy Wrinkle Release. You can get it in the laundry section of just about any grocery store - get the full-size spray bottle and also pick up a travel size mini bottle. When the mini-size runs out, you can just refill it from the larger bottle. Spray ...smooth clothes, hang up to dry and voila - any rumpling is magically gone. If you can't find the travel size bottle - just buy the larger bottle and pick up an empty travel-sized spray bottle from the aisle where they keep all the travel stuff/trial size items. </p> <p><a href="http://www.downy.com/en-US/product/downy-wrinkle-releaser.jspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.downy.com/en-US/pro.....easer.jspx</a><br /> <a href="http://downywrinklereleaser.com/aa/" rel="nofollow">http://downywrinklereleaser.com/aa/</a></p> <p>It's handy thing to have around when traveling. Yes, I know - there is an iron in the room, but the last thing I'm going to do when I'm traveling is iron stuff. If you're thinking you want to go to a conference with just a couple of pencil skirts, no matter what their fabrication etc. - I'd recommend getting the Downy Wrinkle Release spray- it *will* come in handy. </p> <p>In the meantime, I found it useful to hear from Suz that the famed Halogen Seamed Pencil skirt is more of a fall/winter/early spring item. That's kind of what I thought too, even though I don't have one of these skirts yet. </p> <p>In closing, I think you're very smart to just stick with skirts for this upcoming trip. The PPL thing isn't something you want to fuss with in the height of summer. Also - I'd take the denim pencil skirt, even if you didn't wear it to conference functions at all, because there might be casual dinners in the evening, and I still think a skirt looks better than shorts in these situations. Does that make sense? Even if you went with more business-like skirts during the day, what's likely to happen is that you get a chance to go back to your room, freshen up...and then meet up with a few people for a casual dinner (and these will be much more casual than usual due to the hot weather). The denim pencil will come in handy here, for sure, even if it doesn't get used during the day. </p> <p>In the end, Kyle's right though - these types of denim pencil skirts are definitely appropriate for a conference, especially in the middle of summer. </p> <p>Take the denim pencil skirt for sure </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638692 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 01:36:03 +0000 Kyle 638692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a different Halogen skirt -- it's more of a ponte that the one you show. Wrinkling is not a problem -- great for travel. No experience with this one, though. </p> <p>I have the longer version of the J Crew double serge cotton skirt in green but have not worn it out yet. I will tomorrow, Ana, and will let you know my results after a day at work, if it's not too late for you. </p> <p>I also have the J Crew denim skirt you are referencing. It would be perfectly appropriate for business casual. Many people would not recognize it as denim unless they are looking closely. It's such a versatile piece. I love mine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638653 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:18:43 +0000 Dashrashi 638653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love J. Crew pencil skirts in general (and own, like, a LOT of them) (I'm too apple for the Halogen skirt--I get little hip wings because my hips and butt are not big enough), but I really do not care for the fabrication of the one you have linked. The cotton is thick, stiff, and canvas-y in a bad way and is very, very prone to creasing (the ones in store are so creased from storage!). The printed ones are better for disguising creasing by a mile, and they have other pencil skirts in differently-textured fabrics (pique, eyelet, etc.). And they also have some lightweight tweed ones that don't have that problem at all.</p> <p><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/skirts/pencil/PRDOVR~79134/99102682170/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~P_saleprice%7C0~20+17+4294967041~90~~~~~~~/79134.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../79134.jsp</a><br /> <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/Sale/AllProducts/PRDOVR~63598/99102641017/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~P_saleprice%7C0~20+17+4294967041~90~~~~~~~/63598.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navig...../63598.jsp</a><br /> <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/skirts/pencil/PRDOVR~82131/82131.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../82131.jsp</a><br /> <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/skirts/pencil/PRDOVR~77760/77760.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../77760.jsp</a><br /> (I have the seersucker one. It's adorable. I plan on wearing it to court all summer.)</p> <p>You might also want to try the lightweight wool ones--the super 120s is absolutely wearable even in very hot and sticky weather, and the fabric is much less wrinkle-y than the double-serge cotton. The crepe is a bit heavier but also a bit less prone to creasing.</p> <p><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/skirts/pencil/PRDOVR~86013/86013.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../86013.jsp</a><br /> <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/skirts/pencil/PRDOVR~90795/90795.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../90795.jsp</a><br /> <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/skirts/pencil/PRDOVR~91380/91380.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../91380.jsp</a></p> <p>ETA: I've also been relatively happy with my Loft pencil skirts, FWIW. Some potential contenders:<br /> <a href="http://www.loft.com/loft/product/LOFT-Apparel/LOFT-Suits/Linen-Cotton-Pencil-Skirt/276760?colorExplode=false&#038;skuId=11102922&#038;catid=catl000017&#038;productPageType=fullPriceProducts&#038;defaultColor=9000" rel="nofollow">http://www.loft.com/loft/produ.....Color=9000</a><br /> <a href="http://www.loft.com/loft/product/product%3A280338/LOFT-alternate-pieces/Cotton-Sateen-Pencil-Skirt/280338?colorExplode=false&#038;skuId=11390145&#038;catid=catl000017&#038;productPageType=fullPriceProducts&#038;defaultColor=9000" rel="nofollow">http://www.loft.com/loft/produ.....Color=9000</a><br /> <a href="http://www.loft.com/loft/product/LOFT-Apparel/LOFT-Suits/Leigh-Stripe-Pencil-Skirt/276354?colorExplode=false&#038;skuId=10943557&#038;catid=catl000017&#038;productPageType=fullPriceProducts&#038;defaultColor=6582" rel="nofollow">http://www.loft.com/loft/produ.....Color=6582</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638651 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:16:19 +0000 Suz 638651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Check out Banana Republic, too - they have a sale going on, I think. And they have some decent basic pencil skirts. </p> <p>It might be worth ordering one of the Halogen skirts regardless. It's an amazing basic.</p> <p>When you get ready to start ordering, ask the forum for size recommendations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638606 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 22:50:03 +0000 christieanne 638606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to say that your denim pencil will be perfect to work into the capsule. Angie had one similar to yours (actually I think it was the Halogen) in a work capsule recently. Very versatile too.<br /> Hope you can find a couple of skirts you love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638567 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 20:50:29 +0000 Ana 638567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the feedback, everyone! I really appreciate it. :)</p> <p>The conference will be in Anaheim, but I'll be indoors pretty much all of the time. I've heard from others who have attended that the AC is always on full blast, I'm likely to be cold, rather than hot. I thought I had all my clothes in order, but when I showed my outfits to friends who have gone to previous conferences, they said they seemed more "garden party" than "business," lol. That's probably a fair criticism since I don't have any "office" clothes right now.</p> <p>I'm planning to wear the two pencil skirts all that week (need to buy these) and a mix of silk blouses and cardigans that I already own. I'm trying to find skirts in fabrications that I could wear here in Austin, so no wool at all. Maybe I will just have to live with the creases and iron my skirts or hang them in the bathroom when I take a shower to steam out in the mornings. I don't travel that much, so I'm not used to putting travel clothes together, definitely not "business-ey" ones. </p> <p>Thanks again everyone! This info is really helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638554 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 20:32:32 +0000 Suz 638554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The seamed pencil skirt is SO fab. It does not wrinkle. It just goes on looking wonderful no matter what. I love it. It does fit on the large side. I can't remember your height, but it's available in petites if you need that. </p> <p>However, in extreme heat it would be uncomfortable for me. Depends on whether you run hot or cold. For me, it's definitely a late fall/winter/early spring item. I couldn't comfortably wear it in summer unless I was going to be in air conditioning all day - or even then. I've put mine away for summer. </p> <p>The Halogen cotton skirts apparently don't fit quite as well. But Velvety Chocolate gave a hugely positive review to the Halogen denim stretch skirt. </p> <p>I think Kyle is modelling some J. Crew pencil skirts in a recent post and Denise has a printed one as well. I tried on when I was in the US but unfortunately they didn't have my size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638553 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 20:30:26 +0000 Isis 638553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Halogen seamed skirt is a poly (I think) knit. It doesn't wrinkle, but it seems heavy for a summer conference......</p> <p>I'd be curious about the cotton version.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638542 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 20:19:59 +0000 Jonesy 638542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have several J. Crew pencil skirts, but they are either solid wool (very little wrinkling because of the wool) or patterned cotton (the pattern helps to disguise the wrinkles). I tried on the double-serge cotton one you are linking to (I think--you know how they have so many versions of their pencil skirt!) at the store in citron, and it was so wrinkly just standing there that I had to pass.</p> <p>Long story short, I would go with the Halogen if you want to avoid wrinkles, or consider a print pencil from J. Crew. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638505 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 19:27:19 +0000 Ana 638505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Rita! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638501 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 19:14:44 +0000 modgrl 638501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess it is like a thick ponte, I'm sorry I don't remember the fabric content. It has a lining to keep it in place too. The outer skirt always looks fresh, even if the lining starts to move around a bit as you walk, stand or sit throughout the day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638489 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 19:03:29 +0000 Ana 638489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Meredith and Rita! I appreciate the responses.</p> <p>Rita, thanks for the review on the seamed pencil skirt. It sounds great. Is it made of very stretchy material, like ponte or something? I'm normally not a big fan of ponte knit, but I'd definitely be willing to try it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638483 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:58:02 +0000 modgrl 638483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Would you consider the seamed skirt? It simply does not wrinkle. Mine still look as good as new. </p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-seamed-pencil-skirt/3093787?origin=keywordsearch&#038;fashionColor=&#038;resultback=1596" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....tback=1596</a></p> <p>Also, if you would consider slim knit ponte pants, you wouldn't really need to worry about ppl. </p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vince-camuto-ponte-pants/3242815?origin=keywordsearch&#038;fashionColor=Dk+Heather+Grey&#038;resultback=0" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vi.....sultback=0</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638476 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:55:37 +0000 Meredith1953 638476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just got a Halogen seamed pencil skirt and it is very comfortable. It has a great weight to it and I love that it is fully lined. It also doesn't have "cling" factor which is a plus for me. I like the look of the denim Halogen stretch skirt and I think it would do for business casual but I'm am by no means an expert in this so TIFWIW. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-halogen-and-j-crew-pencil-skirt#post-638466 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:49:04 +0000 Ana 638466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Everyone!</p> <p>I'm attending a professional conference at the end of July and the dress code is "business casual." I'd rather not take pants because of the PPL issue. Skirts are much more versatile if I want to change shoes at any time during the day. Plus, dressy business pants just aren't really me. </p> <p>So I'm planning to pick up one or two pencil skirts in black and either yellow and/or red. I know many of you have this Halogen pencil skirt:</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-stretch-cotton-blend-pencil-skirt/3210446?origin=keywordsearch&#038;fashionColor=Blue+Marine&#038;resultback=0" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....sultback=0</a></p> <p> and some have the J. Crew pencil skirt in double-serge cotton:</p> <p><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/skirts/pencil/PRDOVR~59369/59369.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../59369.jsp</a> </p> <p>I will be doing a lot of sitting and standing/walking during the conference. Could anyone tell me how these skirts wear? Like, do they wrinkle and crease a ton when you sit in them? I know some wrinkling is unavoidable, but I'd just like to get an idea. My express pencil skirts weren't too bad in this area, but they don't currently have any skirts I like. </p> <p>Also, I have a denim pencil skirt from J. Crew that looks almost identical to this one:</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-stretch-denim-pencil-skirt/3295803?origin=keywordsearch" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....wordsearch</a></p> <p>Would this be appropriate to wear for "business casual" with a silk blouse and cardigan or something like that? </p> <p>Thanks for any advice! </p>