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Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work 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.
It's been a few years where skirts have felt out of style — but I'm seeing a lot of signs that point to them coming back, so let's discuss. What skirts are you wearing to work? Do you find you prefer more tailored looks like pencil skirts (whatever length), textured looks (knit, pleats, leather), or voluminous looks (wider maxi skirts, A-line midi skirts)? Are you wearing some of the more boudoir-inspired looks to work, like slip skirts?
Some of our other posts that might be helpful to you: the best tights for work, the Corporette Guide to Comfortable Heels, and our discussions on how short is too short for a skirt and dress.
The Best Classic Pencil Skirts for Work
Some of our favorite work skirts of 2024 include classic pencil skirts like those from J.Crew,* Ann Taylor, Black Halo, Calvin Klein, Theory, and this Amazon seller); if you want one with a slight flare check out this Anthropologie skirt. (Also: readers love these slip shorts for comfort with bare legs!)
Our Favorite Classic Plus-Size Work Skirts
Some of our favorite plus-size work skirts as of 2024 include Vince Camuto, Talbots, Universal Standard, Calvin Klein, Eloquii, Alfani, J.Crew, and Marina Rinaldi. (Also: readers love slip shorts!)
The Best Trendy Work Skirts in 2024
Knit Skirts
There are a bunch of great knit skirts out right now, from low end to high end. I particularly love them because the let you play with texture, and elevate monotone outfits.
Sweater skirts can be tricky because they can be clingy and staticky — a silky underlayer like a slip or slipshorts is essential to make them comfortable, IMHO. (You could also go with shapewear if you want to, or try a static electricity spray.) Tighter skirts may be too va-va-voom for work — but you may also find that they lose their shape throughout the day and fit very differently than the skirt you bought.
If you love MM.LaFleur‘s jardigan, they now have a skirt in that option (jardigan material). Amour Vert also has one that's more of a ribbed knit. Another good option: this Target skirt (in regular and plus).
Some great knit skirts in plus sizes, as well as the J.Crew skirt pictured, include this longer option from Eloquii and this sweeping option from Talbots.
Pleated Skirts
Maybe I'm wrong, but I feel like it's been a while since pleated skirts have been in style for work outfits — I'm even seeing them with suits. There are a bunch out right now that are far more sophisticated than the private school uniform skirts.
(I also love this side pleat skirt from Boss, but it's down to lucky sizes.)
Longer Pencil Skirts
Long pencil skirts for work: yea or nay, readers? For my $.02, a lot depends on which shoes you wear with them. I tend to prefer the look of knee-high boots worn with these skirts, but a mid-calf length boot also works — I feel like loafers may also have a place here. Mary Jane flats can be tricky to pull off, but do try them with long skirts if you already have them in your closet.
Not pictured above, but a good pick for a more casual office: this Anthropologie skirt.
Similar longer pencil skirts in plus sizes include NYDJ, Anthropologie, and this Eloquii skirt; the Everlane one above is available up to size XXL.
Leather Skirts for Work?
Another textural element we're seeing: lots of leather skirts from workwear brands. I think the best ones are below the knee with a bit of an A-line shape to them. Of course, know your office before wearing a leather skirt to work!
Unlike other midi skirts, I'd avoid wearing these with leather boots (at least, as the default) because the colors and textures of the leathers might clash in an unpleasant way. Instead, I like them as shown with classic pumps or Mary Jane pumps.
I'm not a huge fan of the clog-ish shoes pictured in the Mango picture (far left), but I think it gives you an idea of how they might work with a stacked flat like loafers.
This pleated faux leather skirt from Banana Republic Factory straddles several trends, but in the best way possible. J.Crew also has a number of leather (or faux leather) skirts right now, although a lot of them are too short for most workplaces. This Madewell skirt is a bestseller, but note that the closer pockets are to the traditional denim 5-pocket layout, the more likely it is that the skirt will read as very casual.
Looking for plus-size leather skirts for work? The pictured Ann Taylor and Tuckernuck one come in cusp sizes (to 18 and XXL, respectively); you can also find options at Eloquii and NYDJ.
Flared midi skirts are a trend that is running across all the 2024 work skirt trends… here's a roundup focusing just on them, but check out our post for all of the trends!
Readers, over to you — what skirts are you wearing to work? How are you wearing them?
Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!
Anon
I live in California, and my boyfriend and I are thinking of getting married in a couple of years. We have friends who are getting married next year, and have started the planning process. Last night, the groom was saying that you can’t do a wedding for less than $150,000 in California, and to budget $1,000-$1,500 per person who attends as a metric.
I had been looking at a bed and breakfast in my hometown, and it looked like to do a two-day buyout for a receiption of 100 people it would be $20,000 all-in (including 6 hours for the ceremony/reception, all catering and drinks, gratuity, tables and linens, and 10 guest rooms for two nights for close family/friends traveling). I don’t personally want things like vendors for a live band/DJ, decor, outside florals, or professional photographer, and I’m thinking I’d wear a simple dress under $200. I’d like to set up flowers at the table myself and and pay a close friend to make the cake. But is there anything I’m missing as to why it would have to cost more than that? I feel like in a different universe from the budgets others are saying are a bare minimum.
Bay Area
Lovely weddings can be had a huge range of price points and this guy is out of touch if he thinks a wedding can’t be had for less than $150k in California.
That said, I once helped with flowers at a friend’s wedding and it convinced me that florists are worth the money if one wants flower arrangements at each table. It’s a ton of work, a ton of logistics, and has to be done shortly before the wedding. Professional bakers are also worth the money if one wants a traditional tiered wedding cake–they’re so much harder to make and transport than they look. But, neither flowers on every table nor tiered wedding cakes are actually necessary for a lovely wedding!
Anonymous
Get a professional photographer! You can use a newer photographer to save money and make your own photo book later.
For florals, look for local places that do wholesale but sell to the public. I have a rec for Encinitas if you’re near San Diego.
Also, think about your family. Is it normal for everyone to come and help out the day of? Or does your family like to hire out stuff. If you are hire out type of people, just budget more if you can.
For 100 people, I’d at least price out DJs, but you could have a friend check on a pre-made playlist
Anonymous
On the skirt note, I’m glad longer skirts are more OK to wear in a business setting. I remember when wearing a skirt at your mid-calf or below used to make you look like a religious fundamentalist or ready for a cocktail party. Very glad I with my stumpy legs can now wear a more flattering length with a blazer and look like a good manager
Anonymous
I agree! I’m short but ample in the leg and thigh, and I like having a little extra length to account for the skirt riding up when I walk or sit.
Senior Attorney
Heh I have a chocolate brown pleated faux leather skirt from at least 10 tears ago that is suddenly in style again!
Anonymous
Just when you think it will never come back again….