The pencil skirt is a versatile piece that can be effortlessly paired with a shirt or a basic tee, creating an intellectual and elegant look while remaining attractive. Amidst the prevailing trends of “comfort” and “free styling,” this skirt has become a perfect choice for everyday fashion, allowing you to confidently express your unique personality.
However, the fitted nature of this skirt style, particularly around the waist and stomach, has always been a concern for many, as it can make one appear fuller. So, how can you choose and style it subtly to flatter your figure?
Who does the pencil skirt suit?
Pencil skirts, with their delicate and well-tailored designs, create a visual effect that accentuates a slim waist and the soft curves of the body. Once a symbol of office fashion and a popular wedding dress style in the 1980s and 1990s, pencil skirts have now evolved into a favorite choice for their subtle and elegant figure-flattering qualities.
Pencil skirts – a summer staple to flatter any figure.
Despite being jokingly referred to as “exclusive to models” due to its figure-accentuating nature, the pencil skirt, in fact, suits a variety of body types, from pear to rectangle shapes, thanks to the diversity of modern designs – from mermaid skirts to unique cut-out details – and a fashion ethos that celebrates self-expression. The key lies in knowing how to choose the right silhouette and style it intelligently, allowing everyone to shine in their unique way.
3 tips for choosing a pencil skirt to flatter your figure and conceal flaws
For ladies with fuller hips or concerns about wider hips, choosing a pencil skirt requires subtlety to create a slimming effect. Here are three important points to consider:
1. Smart Slits
Slits not only add allure but also “adjust” the overall shape of the skirt. For those who want to discreetly conceal their hips, a slit skirt helps disperse the focus from the hips and legs, creating a vertical line that elongates the legs and shifts the focus away from the hips. Exposing a portion of the calf also adds a sense of lightness and fluidity to your stride. Particularly, a narrow slit increases allure while providing comfort in movement, avoiding a constricted or cumbersome feeling – an ideal choice for those prioritizing practicality without compromising on seduction.
Slits provide comfort and elegance in your stride.
2. Prioritize Thick Fabrics
Fabric is the “key” determinant of how well a pencil skirt flatters your figure. For popular summer designs like satin or acetate skirts, opt for fabrics with a certain thickness and weight. These fabrics hold their shape well and have a soft drape, effectively concealing the lower abdomen and hips while minimizing the visibility of underwear lines. Additionally, consider sturdy denim skirts: they hug your hip and thigh curves while camouflaging flaws due to their natural stiffness and thickness, creating a slimmer silhouette.
Thicker fabrics can better conceal belly fat.
3. Avoid Too-Tight Skirts
When trying on pencil skirts, don’t hesitate to go one size up from your usual, paying particular attention to the outer thigh area. If you notice distinct wrinkles in this area, it’s a sign that the skirt is too tight and not suited to your figure. Opt for a slightly looser fit that provides comfort and avoids unwanted flaws.
How to style a pencil skirt to cleverly conceal belly fat
1. Pair with an Oversized T-shirt
One of the go-to styling tricks for ladies wanting to conceal their less-than-toned midsection is to pair a pencil skirt with an oversized T-shirt. This style is also highly favored for its relaxed, carefree vibe while remaining fashion-forward.
Especially, the oversized tee subtly “hides” the waist, reducing focus on the belly, while creating a balanced look, avoiding forced curves – and that’s precisely what makes this style appealing to modern women.
An oversized white tee with a white silk pencil skirt creates a perfect balance between casualness and femininity.
A gray satin pencil skirt, a declaration of understated seduction, paired with an oversized white tee and burgundy sneakers, exudes a charismatic yet feminine vibe.
2. Blazer Combo
Similar to the oversized tee combo, pairing a pencil skirt with an oversized blazer creates a refined, graceful look while conveying intellect and precision. Don’t forget to accessorize with subtle jewelry and a small leather bag – this ensemble strikes the right balance between formality and comfort, maintaining the necessary softness and trendiness.
The combination of a striped blazer and a beige pencil skirt exudes a classic, understated, yet refined elegance.
A long pencil skirt in a muted tone, paired with an oversized blazer, epitomizes “office chic.” This layering style draws inspiration from menswear but retains a soft, trendy vibe.
3. Polo Shirts
Pairing a pencil skirt with a short top creates an intriguing layer effect around the waist, making the outfit more captivating and distinctive. Polo shirts, sleeveless tops, or tube tops are ideal choices, infusing the look with sweetness, femininity, and a touch of freedom and seduction.
A small tip for effective figure-flattering is to tuck the top into the pencil skirt and add a leather or metal belt. This not only accentuates your curves and highlights your waist but also creates a subtle slimming effect.
A figure-hugging white polo shirt with a denim pencil skirt featuring unique fabric applique details makes for a trendy ensemble.
A youthful street style look with a long denim pencil skirt, a color-contrasting polo shirt, and sneakers. The figure-hugging denim skirt exudes retro vibes while remaining contemporary, thanks to the combination of sporty sneakers and a radiant smile.
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