Longer pencil skirts--fab or fraught?

Any thoughts on longer-length pencil skirts—say below knee?

The Find photo below does not represent the true length of said BR Sleek Suit pencil skirt.

I don’t do so well with knit tube skirts that often are at this
length, because I need more skimming fabric and fit. Then, if too “skimming”,
they are sometimes too A-line and not flattering at longer lengths.

I saw this on BR website and was intrigued, yay high waist,
but almost did not try on in store because it is much longer than on the model.
It IS below knee on me in Regular, and almost to the dreaded “widest part of
calf”—maybe 1.2 to 1” shorter would be ideal (could be hemmed). But still I
thought it looked quite elegant. It fits really well elsewhere even with the high
waist, which is sometimes not kind to the tummy. I did not buy the Regular yet ,
but ordered in Petite, to compare, which might be “regular” length vs. just
below knee.

I loved the kind of ‘40’s (?) tailored glam look, but wonder if
it is not going to hold up to styling and scrutiny. I would tuck to take advantage of the high waist, or use
semi-cropped top, the cool thing being the high waist allows a shorter top
without midriff showing. Also, I would wear with nude hose, would have to try
on with various shoes, which may be problematic for proportions--I think that would be my main issue. For daily use, that is. I could always wear more special shoes for a special occasion. But I like the idea that longer
is good for sitting and not having too much leg showing (compared to winter
tights, which allow shorter skirts).

The just above or mid-knee length is clearly more my go-to,
kinda foolproof length, but is anyone currently wearing the longer lengths or have good or bad experiences with making them work? If this one fits well, could it be a "classic", so I bring it out to play when I'm feeling the longer length?

Banana Republic

Sleek Suit Pencil Skirt

$89.50 $79.98

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9 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I'd have to see it on you. It sounds very late 90s, though. I like pencil skirts that hit at, right above, or right below the knee the most. Since having babies, tube skirts have not loved me back!

Maneera

(website)

I do have a black pencil skirt that covers the knee. I love it with tops tucked in, and it definitely provides more coverage when I sit.

I like to wear it with higher heels, but often also pair it with pointed toe black pumps that have just 1.5 inch heel. They are patent leather, and somehow the proportions don't look odd as the pointed shoe elongated the leg line visually.

However, tobe honest I have never styled the skirt with short cropped tops as yet, so will have to try that.

Jenn

I just recently got rid of a skirt in this style. I thought the same thing in the dressing room, that it was a fab 40s glam look, and I still think it could be. The skirt I bought was too casual in fabrication (it was merino wool, but a sportier travel weight) to look right with heels, but flats or boots just left me looking stumpy and short. I'm 5'9", so anything that makes me look SHORT is working hard at it. It just wasn't a fit for my life.

I think it might work if you wear it in dressy situations, pair it with pumps, and play up the 40s look with some wide shoulders to balance out the length.

rachylou

I'm into this length skirt right now...

Alassë

I have a skirt in this style - high waist, below knee, quite fitted. I wear it with 1.5" heels (doesn't look good with flats) and a tucked or short hip-length top. It looks elegantly retro, 40s/50s, so I pull it out when I'm in the mood.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

I used to take the standard advice to go for skirts at the top of the knee, until a few years ago when that just below the knee 40s look was in and realized how much better the right at the bottom of the knee length looked on me. Now most of my more formal skirts are that length.

Something a bit longer, top bit of the calf, can be harder to pull off depending on the shape of your legs - heels help make it look intentional but one doesn't always want to be limited to heels only. If we're talking about traditional figure flattery what else you're wearing and your own body proportions make a difference too. Generally, you don't want to chop your body in half visually; you want any horizontal lines to fall more at a third up or a third down, and the relative length of your torso, limbs, and pelvis will make that slightly different for everyone.

unfrumped

Those are great observations and comments--thank you.

I think I will try both the P and R and see, the P might look almost "usual" length and then I'd have the fun of the high waist in a go-to length, or I could see if I wanted more drama, or if I won't like my footwear choices. If more dramatic look, I might still bite at a sale price, using it as a fun piece that might not be a year-round workhorse. Will have to try to employ a hefty dose of anti-imaginary lifestyle restraint, though.

Sounds good!

Anonymous

I own two pencil skirts. One hits right above the knee and the second one is considered midi length. I wear both skirts a lot. In fact, when I am feeling fat, the midi length skirt is my absolute go-to skirt. This said, I do feel more frumpy in the midi length.

Brooklyn

I have a couple of pencil skirts that end just below the knee. I do think it is a flattering length and also it tends to stay put better when you are walking. Above the knee skirts (I do have some) have a tendency to climb. I do like them with tops that are a little shorter at the front (hip length or higher).

deb

All of my pencil skirts are above the knee and when I put them on I end up taking them right off. They do not feel current for some reason. I am thinking of purging them. I will definitely be following this thread.

Aida

I like above the knee in fall/winter for use with boots and tights, and below the knee for spring/summer with bare legs

Sal

I love skirts below the knee, and my three favourite dresses all are this length with a pencil skirt. I do wear with heels, but this is me!

Ok. I have 2 examples for you.

#1 - I wore this recently and the skirt is below my knee. I am wearing heels and I didn't feel frumpy at all.

#2 - I wore this a few weeks back and took the picture after I had already removed my grey jacket. This skirt is just above the knee and I am wearing flat shoes.

Both these skirts are favourites, but if I had to pick, I like the one covering the knee more. For some reason, I felt better in that one. I'm not sure why though. I do have a few more pencil skirts that cover the knee, I'll style them in the coming days and try to assess again.

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Maneera, so nice of you to show some examples! Those outfits are great and track with my ideas for skirt.
I know the adage of, longer the skirt, the higher the heel and so it may be I won't feel I can style it. I'm my own critic as well, having my own poison eye for some proportions. But will play with it first and decide. It may help even if just, been there, tried that, for style options.

I do think there is a way to wear longer skirts without killer heels. Like you, I am very particular about proportions and try to find a way out of wearing high heels. I do have some 1-1.5inch heels and I'll try my longer skirts with them soon to see how the proportions work. I'll come back and post here once I have tried it for myself!

But I have to ask - how much heel would you be comfortable wearing? 1 inch? 1.5 inch? Or none?

Karie

I love pencil skirts! In fact, I love skirts of all types and I have a fairly extensive collection of them. My preference has always been (even when I was a little girl) for skirts and dresses at knee length, which is not easy since I am tall. My tube skirts hit below the knee, and my pencil skirts are at/slightly above the knee. I wear them with comfy flats (#1), dressy flats (#2), and low-ish heels (# 3). So basically it's a free-for-all with the footwear for me, anything goes. My shortest skirt (#4) is the one that gets the least amount of wear. My tube skirt (#5) gets the most amount of wear.

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Great pictures Karie. Thanks for these!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

LOVE longer pencils skirts - as long as the side seams are sufficiently tapered. Very elegant to my eye.

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