So here is a pencil skirt...

catgirl

that makes even the model look like she has a gut! That narrow waistband style just cuts right into my midsection, where I need either stretch or support. Is this just the nature of pencil skirts?

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../28360.jsp

ETA: I am not trying to be critical of this stick-thin model! But how can my belly and I sport this look in comfort and style?

15 years ago

Dressing

25 replies

Latest reply was from catgirl

celia

Veteran

I only have one denim pencil skirt and is 2 numbers bigger than my usual size. The only way I can wear pencil skirts is if they sit on my hip.It's such a weird feeling wearing it.
But I've seen stylish people wearing a pencil skirt like there's nothing better.
I guess it also depends on the body type.
HAve you tried some?

15 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I think my waist high pencil skirts do tend to stick out a tad in the tummy region but maybe a side or back zip skirt wouldn't as much? The ones that sit a few inches below my navel don't have the gut problem because they are laying right across it, I think.

15 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Celia, I have, and I get that same poochy look (only worse) as the model has. I like everything to sit on my hips as well (to avoid what Sal of Already Pretty calls the "bisected worm" look). But that seems to miss the point of the pencil skirt. So confusing!

15 years ago

celia

Veteran

What about if you tailor a pencil skirt a size bigger so that the pooch it has enough room?

15 years ago

Marigold

Active Member

I used to wear pencil skirts to work (time before baby...), but I never attempted tucking in. Now, I'm just steering away from them, I think if you get a size or two bigger (do they have to be so constricting??), and slightly tailor down where necessary?

15 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Celia, what I should do is lose the pooch!

15 years ago

lady

Active Member

no, no, and no......i'm not sure how to fix this problem. i've got 2 conflicting emotions going on here:

1. Huh? They want me to order that when even this pencil thin model's lower tummy is emphasized......how on earth would *I* look?

2. Wow! she looks honest....I mean, they could have photoshopped the poochie effect but they *didn't*....so go JCrew for acknowledging that even the most model standard looking bodies have pooches.

15 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I only see hips bone, shadow and a little bulk where the shirt has been tucked. I'm going to go back for a closer look!

15 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Julie, I'm not saying she looks (can't say the word!), just that there would be no hope for me in that skirt if it fit like that.

15 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

I don't see a pooch, though the skirt may be ill-fitting. Even my 9-year-old daughter, who is very skinny with about 0% body fat, still has a curve to her belly :).

15 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Jonesy, exactly! I'm sure that model has negative body fat. Is this how a pencil skirt is supposed to fit? It seems cruel.

15 years ago

cloud9

Veteran

It looks too tight to me. That's the problem with a lighter solid color.

15 years ago

celia

Veteran

Don't be so hard on yourself. Remember that most part of the time garments need alterations to be just perfect.

15 years ago

Anonymous

I suspect that the "new narrower waistband" may have something to do with the pooch, and no mention is made of this knit skirt being lined. You might look for a lined skirt (especially if it's knit) with a wide contour waistband.

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

A bit of gut never hurt anyone

Just wear your pencil skirts AG, tuck in the tops and don't worry about it. Lets see some confident 'tude! No time to dilly dally about!

15 years ago

Kate

Veteran

haha, what Angie said. I'm all of 110 pounds and yet I can still find a way to think I have a gut in anything and everything I wear - humans just don't have completely flat stomachs.

Also, what bothers me more about the look you posted is that we can see the creases from the shirt tucked into the skirt. There are obvious wrinkles over her gut but under her skirt, which I think draw more attention to that area. If you have a body shape that can rock a pencil skirt, I would worry less about gut visibility and more about how tops tuck into it.

15 years ago

April

Veteran

Let's think this through, AG. Assuming that model is wearing underwear, she has on that layer, plus tights, then a denim or chambray shirt tucked in, then the skirt (which might have a lining). Last week I had on a similar combination, only with the addition of a cami and a vest. At the waist, there were six layers going on! Hard to appear slim with that many layers piled up.

To paraphrase Angie, just do it. Or don't -- you can just wear your skirts with tops untucked.

15 years ago

bella

(website)

Veteran

I happen to think that this skirt actually looks very good on her as I am sure your pencil skirt looks fabulous on you! Let's see it in action.

15 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

ha ha ha, ag, i've lost (and gained) my pooch at least 3 times in the past 12 months.

do as angie says, tuck in and add the 'tude. easier than weight loss.

of course, if you happen to misplace your pooch as a result of getting fitter, then by all means have at it.

15 years ago

Anonymous

"tuck and 'tude" - I love it !
I'm seriously cracking up here.

15 years ago

Kari

Veteran

(Angie, I want to hug you right now for that comment!)

You know, honestly, I'm wondering if it might be the way that the shirt underneath is tucked in - her tummy still looks pretty flat to me from the side view. I DO have a tummy, AND I'm short waisted to boot - which should be a recipe for disaster for tucking tops into pencil skirts, right? But some days I just go for it (and try to remember to "suck it in" during the day!)

15 years ago

D'Ellen

Veteran

Pencil skirts...grrrrr! With no waist, no hips, flat derriere and poochy tummy - they simply don't work for me. No confident 'tude here.

Yes, alaskagirl, it is cruel!

15 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Agreed, attitude is a huge part of any look! My main problem is I have to be comfortable to have a 'tude, and digging into my waist or lumpy layering are the #1 ways for me to feel uncomfortable! Not to mention, I don't yet own a pencil skirt that passes the length and fit test. I'm looking, though - there's gotta be something out there!

15 years ago

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Alaska, I am living proof that pencil skirts *can* work on curvy bodies. Mine doesn't have the narrow waistband (it's the Halogen seamed skirt that sits quite high on my waist), but it is in fact one of my most girdling, flattering items. I have more stomach action than I'd care to admit (plus-size here), and yet I feel fabulous in that skirt. If the narrow waistband isn't lighting your fire, fear not...there's a style out there for you!!

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15 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Michelle, you look freaking awesome in that skirt. I am ordering it right now - it will give me something to live for in February (the WORST month in Alaska).

I'm really not curvy in a shapely way like so many of you - if I had a derriere, it would even things out. Instead I feel like I'm just getting the beer gut my uncles all have, without the beer-drinking. It's making it hard for me to find clothes that fit. Things that would have looked great two years ago are now just awful to behold.

Oh, well - maybe I just need a 'tude adjustment.

15 years ago

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