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Sharpening the Pencil

Beth Ann

Veteran

This fall, pencil skirts with a little stretch have been my mainstay. These skirts are ridiculously comfortable and mixable with much that's already in my wardrobe. I work to bring a little bit of the dramatic and romantic into this classic mainstay because I'm not a "classic tailored" personality. Any ideas for more mixes or improvements?

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32 replies

Latest reply was from JR

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

You seem to know how to do this already! I love these outfits, because it's obvious to the observant eye that you have put emphasis on every detail, the colors and the texture. The patterned tops, the scarf, the more casual version with denim - I really, really like it all! If you want to experiment further, you could try a more boxy silhouette on top, like a short sweater or something. I find that a pencil skirt can handle that pretty well, given that the length of the garment hits you at the right place. A high-low hem could work, too.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

These all look great but OMG you absolutely slay me with #1! I would wear that in an instant! Not too many suggestions for improvement, but how about topping with a black leather jacket for #4, and wear the gladiators or black boots with #2 instead of pumps, if you wanted to make it a little edgier? You do pencil skirts so well, both dressed up and dressed down!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

They are all working so well. I would just swap the jackets & shoes/boots around to see if you can get more combinations.

rachylou

Veteran

#1, I have to tell you, hits it straight out of the ball park. Lengths, proportions, hair - all in balance. Awesome outfit.

Asingh

(website)

Veteran

Beth Ann, you really know how to pull-off pencil skirts. I love the colours, prints and textures. Outfit No.2 is my favoutire. Cobalt with black and white printed top looks great.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I think outfits 1 and 2 are both 11 out of 10! You own this look; simply gorgeous.

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

Beth Ann, you really wear pencil skirts with pizazz, all these outfits are so cool!

Day Vies

Veteran

Sorry, I have no additional ideas I am too busy enjoying the eye candy. I love your pattern and color mixing! You look gorgeous!

I like all of the looks #2 uses my favorite color, but #3 is especially inspiring because I usually don't mix work and play clothes. (not like there is a rule -- I just don't think to do it). I will be trying out this look (baby steps...).

jenanded

Veteran

Hey Beth Ann. You look totally cute in these. I have to say I do love the red skirt the very best with both boots and the sandals- and I do love your hair out and swinging too.

rute

Veteran

so gorgeous! Love!

lyn67

Veteran

I feel like I could have been written this post, too:-)).
Love printed or texturized, strechy pencils from this year- and you don't have to sharpen them anymore, if not perhaps with some kind of belting(under the toppers, on the top of your untucked or tucked tops) great looks, they are all mine, too:-))

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Gorgeous! I'm especially loving #1 but I also like the pattern mix and casual vibe of #3. These are super.

I couldn't agree more about knit pencil skirts. They have become my new best friend. The only issue I have found with them is that some do not work so well with tights (if unlined). At the moment, that is moot for me because travelling in China in warm temps I have not needed tights. Meanwhile, the skirts roll up easily in a suitcase and do not wrinkle, yet pop out looking fab!

Karie

(website)

Veteran

You are rockin' this look, girl! Well done in every photo - I will be coming back to your pics for inspiration!

krishnidoux

Veteran

Great sharpening job! I love 1 and 4 (I guess I really like this red pencil skirt on you!). All are fab though.

Anonymous

Every one of these is stellar Beth Ann. Do you have a neutral blazer (like charcoal colored)? You could wear it and a grey/white striped T with the red skirt. Maybe with the black skirt too. It would go with the animal print skirt too, over a black/white/denim shirt.

Kat

Veteran

You look fabulous in all of these, wow can you work a pencil skirt! Nice wordplay too

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I think pencil skirts are your signature look Beth Ann - you just wear them so beautifully and all of these outfits are fantastic. I have no suggestions for improvement since I don't think you need any!

Beth Ann

Veteran

Thanks, all. Encouragement and great ideas give me a good start for the day!

Ingunn: Thanks for the thumbs up on a boxier top -- I'm open to trying that newer silhouette this fall.

Natalie/Caro: Swapping is a great idea, particularly since I've been too busy for a real remix session in my closet. Perhaps trying one "swap" every morning would keep the creativity coming!

DV: I am indeed trying to learn to mix my capsules. I work at a University part time, and teach from home (voice) while raising a family. I need to look polished, but be able to change environments quickly.

Suz: So enjoying your China updates! I traveled there in 2002 and came back with lots of great memories ------ and a baby (now my 11 DD). Glad to hear the pencil skirt is working for you, too!

Beth Ann

Veteran

Claire: I do have a grey jacket, and several striped tops. Thanks for the inspiration!

Anonymous

You look fantastic. Have you thought about trying a sweater? I think Angie did a blog post on sweaters with pencil skirts.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You get an A++ for this round of pencil sharpening!

kellygirl

Veteran

Wow! You did your homework. I can't pick a fave--they are all so fab. I think #4 would look great with boots too. You really make these look polished!

trinity

Wow! I am on the hunt for a collection of pencil skirts. I can't wait to find them so I can copy some of your looks. These are GREAT.

Aida

Veteran

All fab Beth Ann, I can see why you keep going to this look! Since the skirt IS classic (especially the solids, and double especially the black) you could certainly try paring any of your trendier pieces because the skirt will help ground them. Or test out new trendy type pieces that you've been wondering about!

Anonymous

Totally awesome round. I'm so copying #1 and #2. So much inspiration here. I love the sandals on #4.

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

All wonderful looks! As a fan of pencil skirts myself, I understand the appeal. Do you have any drapey/ dolman sleeve tops? They can work really well with a pencil skirt. Or what about belting an untucked blouse, like the one in 4?

bj1111

Veteran

hey, great to see you again...love these looks. that jacket in 1 is tdf!

ritu

I really like first and second. you look fab in both.

Kiwichik

Veteran

You can really rock a pencil skirt. I especially like #1 but these all look good.

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