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2018 Update: We still think this is a great roundup of the best black pencil skirts, but you may also want to check out our latest discussion on pencil skirts for work.
Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
I have had two favorite black pencil skirts in my closet for years. The first: a thick black wool one from Ann Taylor — perfect for winter months with tights (although I’m sure I’ve worn it bare-legged as well, whether advisable or not). The second: a lighter weight Celine skirt, inherited from a friend when she left Wall Street for a more casual lifestyle in California. Readers, which are your favorite pencil skirts? Are there any that you buy year after year in different colors and fabrics?
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: for affordable suit separates I really like the “every day value” lines at Macy’s, with pieces such as this Anne Klein Pencil Skirt. It’s available in sizes 0-16, it’s lined, and it has a matching jacket and pant. The skirt is $59.98. Anne Klein Skirt, Pencil |
A few months ago, Nordstrom changed the design of the Halogen skirt, angering many readers who had considered the prior incarnation to be the perfect pencil skirt. While change can be maddening, I still hear many readers singing the praises of this one, and it’s still highly reviewed on the Nordstrom website. It’s currently available in more than a dozen colors, regular and petites, for $34-$69. Halogen® Seamed Pencil Skirt |
J.Crew’s No. 2 pencil skirt in double-serge wool is another classic. Right now it’s available in 3 basic colors (black, tan, gray) for $130, and a variety of fun colors for $98. (Oh, and it’s available in regular, petites, and talls, sizes 00-16.) No. 2 pencil skirt in double-serge wool |
I think this woo/Lycra blend looks like the perfect pencil skirt. I like that it’s fully lined and has an invisible zipper. It’s $148 at Brooks Brothers (sizes 0-16). Wool Pencil Skirt |
This well-reviewed skirt from BOSS Black is a tropical-weight wool, with a bit of stretch for added comfort. I like the slightly wider waistband. It’s available in sizes 2-14, for $250. BOSS Black ‘Veronice’ Tropical Wool Skirt |
Bouclé can be tricky in jackets (it never seems to lay right, it always seems to add weight, etc) but it works surprisingly well for pencil skirts. I love the bit of nubby texture, as well as what looks like a nice fitted shape. It’s $395 at Nordstrom. Moschino Cheap & Chic Bouclé Wool Pencil Skirt |
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Workwear sales of note for 4.18.24
Our favorites are in bold!
- Ann Taylor – 50% off full-price dresses, jackets & shoes; $30 off pants & skirts; extra 50% off sale styles
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything; extra 20% off purchase
- Boden – 25% off through 4/18; 15% off 4/19-20; 10% off 4/21
- Eloquii – 50% off select styles; 60% off swim; up to 40% off everything else
- Everlane – Spring Sale: up to 60% off 600+ styles
- J.Crew – Mid-Season Sale: Extra 60% off sale styles; up to 50% off spring-to-summer styles
- J.Crew Factory – Extra 20% off $125+; extra 25% of $150+; up to 60% off everything; extra 50% off clearance
- Nordstrom – Free 2-day shipping for a limited time (on eligible items)
- Talbots – Spring Sale: 40% off + extra 15% off all markdowns; 30% off new T by Talbots
- White House Black Market – 25% off entire purchase; $50 off $200
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And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
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