Pencil skirt
A pencil skirt is a slim-fitting skirt with a straight, narrow cut. Generally the hem falls to, or is just below, the knee and is tailored for a close fit. It is named for its shape: long and slim like a pencil.[1][2]
Style
The pencil skirt may be worn either as a separate piece of clothing or as part of a suit. The slim, narrow shape of a pencil skirt can restrict the movement of the wearer so pencil skirts often have a slit at the back, or less commonly at the sides. Sometimes a pleat, which exposes less skin, is used instead of a slit.
Some classic shoes for wearing with a pencil skirt are pumps, or high heels,[3] with sheer stockings or tights. Back-seamed hosiery recalls the classic pencil-skirt era of the 1950s.[4]
Pencil skirts can also be worn with flats for a more casual, youthful appearance that echoes the 1960s. Pencil skirts and loafers are classic "Prep."
History
Narrow-fitting skirts have a long history in western fashion. The predecessor to the pencil skirt is the hobble skirt, a pre-WWI fad inspired by the Ballets Russes. This full-length skirt with a narrow hem seriously impeded walking.
The French designer Christian Dior introduced the classic modern pencil skirt in his 1954 Autumn Winter collection.[5]
The pencil skirt quickly became very popular, particularly for office wear. This success was due to women's desire for new fashions in the wake of Second World War and Cold War rationing, coupled with the austere economic climate, when fabrics were expensive.[6]
Wearing
The pencil skirt feels different from looser skirts, and impacts the wearer's movements and posture. Walking needs to be done in short strides; and entering and leaving a car gracefully takes practice. When sitting, the legs need to be close together. Activities such as climbing ladders and riding bicycles can be very difficult in a pencil skirt. The pencil skirt is warmer due to the reduced ventilation, and is less likely to be blown up by gusts of wind.[7]
A vent or kick pleat in the center back seam of the skirt makes it easier to walk with a normal stride, while preserving the slim line.
References
- ^ Givhan, Robin (August 18, 2003). "Fall Fashions". The Washington Post.
- ^ "Glossary of Fabric & Fashion Terms". Kohl's Corporation. Retrieved February 3, 2010.
- ^ Brulin, Diana (February 19, 2009). "Drafting the pencil skirt look". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ Thomas, Pam (September 28, 2003). "The feel of fall: Clothes are cozier, more sumptuous, and marked by a bit of polish". Providence Journal.
- ^ Matheesha Abhishek. "Christian Dior the magic of fashion". Retrieved 3 February 2016.
- ^ "RL Glossary: An A-Z Guide to Fashion (P)". Ralph Lauren. Retrieved February 3, 2010.
- ^ "How to Wear a Pencil Skirt".
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