Pencil it in!

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The key to fashion lies in innovation. Perhaps with that thought in mind, Christian Dior somewhere in the 1940s reshaped the good ol’ skirt to create the stylish and leaner version, popular as the pencil skirt. A survivor in the trend tsunami, hardly a season goes without reserving an applause for the pencil skirt.

Ready to follow the fashion flow, designer duo Ekta and Ruchira of Ekru label say, “Since clean silhouettes are trending this season, pencil skirts are befitting. The length can be experimented with, however an inch below the knee looks ideal.” They prefer a shade card of monochromes, but agree other ideas work well too. “Colour blocking with black and white can be flattering. Keep it embellishment free,” adds Ekta.
Namrata Gupta too has caught a fancy for the slim version of the skirt. She says, “This season the pencil skirt gets a fresh look with bold block colours, punchy prints and interesting textures such as sequin, lace and leather. Go classic, and let your tailored pencil skirt take you to work, or team with a racer vest and high-top trainers to give the ladylike look a modern, sports-luxe slant. The pencil skirt is usually worn either as a separate or as part of a suit. Its slim, narrow shape restricts the movement of the wearer, so pencil skirts often have a slit at the back, or at the sides. Sometimes a pleat, which exposes less skin, replaces the slit.”
Segregating its look as a casual day wear and cocktail hour version, Namrata says, “Look for a black, brown, white or demin skirt, belted or otherwise, and team it with a fitted tee or loose blouse in summer colours, pastels and floral prints. Belt up, tuck in, or don’t, whatever suits your shape and confidence. Boho works best with denim, and bangles make a great accessory. For a night out, the best companions for the pencil skirt can be a halter neck in silk or satin, a chiffon sleeveless top tucked in and belted. And for a jazzy look, a shiny sequinned well fitted vest is a chic choice. Team them with killer heels.”
A quick check at the shelves and designer Rasika Wakalkar rates designer Abraham Thakore’s latest line, consisting of black and white bandej pencil skirts, as the pick of the season.
Designer Chhaya Mehrotra lists the essentials that spell a picture perfect look: “A tucked in shirt is a tried and tested option, while adding a belt can do wonders to the waistline. Peplums have really enhanced the appeal of the pencil skirt, placed either on the skirt or the top is highly recommended. The upper wear is of no less importance, try a shiny or ruffled top. Likewise, a scarf brings an element of sophistication. Since the length maintained is usually, an inch above or below the knee, the feminine touch is well accentuated with the ‘leg show’, otherwise a pair of stockings.”