Pencil skirts are still in fashion even this year. How could they not be? They are figure-slimming (the main aesthetic purpose for wearing one) and make women look more attractive, no matter the occasion since they can be worn anywhere from the workplace to parties and evenings out with friends. Its narrow and straight design (referred to as an H-line shape by Christian Dior) alludes to looking as slim as a pencil and although it debuted in the 1950s, it has become a major hit nowadays, which is why we see celebs sporting it any chance they get!
The question comes down to footwear. What shoes best complement a pencil skirt? No matter you are a party look or street-ready, a pair of high heels that reveal the slim trim of the pencil skirt complete it perfectly. For a totally polished look, here are some pointers to consider so that you always augment the skirt’s elegance with the appropriate footwear.
Before we begin, the most important thing to note is that comfort comes above all. Do your homework…You can always wear comfy , trendy shoes without sacrificing style!
1. Pencil Heels
Walking with a pencil skirt would have been seriously challenged if not for the kick pleats at the sides or back that help us walk. Of course, it is highly likely you will have to practice walking in pencil heels before going out and moving about freely. One thing to take into account when choosing pencil heels is the height. Find out what is the correct height for you (you can review eBay seller listings) and buy heels slightly shorter than what you would normally buy, because the skirt itself already gives visual height. Also, make your pick (for shoes) based on the stripes on them. Are they horizontal or vertical? Go for taller heels if the stripes don’t run up and down and just go around your body.
2. Flats
This one is a bit tricky. You will hear many stylists say not to wear a pencil skirt with flats. But, I think that you can give your high heels a short break and opt for flat shoes, matched with a pair of black tights that can go very well with a denim pencil skirt. Needless to say, the best thing about flats is that you have unlimited choices regarding material, color, and style. This means that you can buy a nice pair of flats (leather is an excellent option as it moulds to your feet) and wear it with other items in your wardrobe.
3. Boots
Leather boots, when paired with a matchy leather pencil skirt give a seamless look. Undoubtedly, both calf and tall boots lend themselves to the pencil skirt’s high-fashion styling. To go with the retro pencil skirt that has been introduced some years ago, you may want to consider a pair of vintage boots. However, the first thing you should mind is purchasing the right boots for you, based on your body shape, whether you have long or short legs, and the pencil skirt you choose (which gives me an idea for a next blog post!)
4. High Heel Sandals
You would normally wear a pencil skirt to look thinner, right? Wearing high heel sandals will make you look even slimmer, as long as you go for sandals with at least 5cm heel. You will see in the pictures below that the right sandals, especially silver or gold, dress up even the plainer-looking skirt and add a more formal appearance. For leaner legs, choose high heel sandals with straps or ankle cuffs. This should also help create a classy first impression.
In general, a pair of high heels or high heel sandals lengthen the leg and pair a pencil skirt beautifully, not to mention that they spice up your outfits (ANY outfit you choose to wear)! So, having a pair of high heels in our shoe arsenal is indeed useful, to say the least (for utmost style, you can complete your armory with a chic handbag, too). No wonder celebs are so much in love with their high heels! Check out how selected A-lists don their pencil skirts and high heels.
Gina Rodriguez
She looks oh-so-sleek in her golden peep toe pumps and pencil skirt in the Hollywood Hot List party. See how her black crop top is spiced up with the selection of shoes and clothing?
Kim Kardashian
This girl decidedly knows fashion. She pairs her all-white pencil skirt with a pair of gorgeous sandals with straps. Despite the fact that her footwear choice is simple in style, it still matches the outfit nicely, lengthening her legs and making Kim look sassy, yet once again!
Elyse Walker
Her red peep toe ankle boots are a killer. She looks like the ultimate female in this outfit. I just love how she matched the color print pencil skirt with the knock-out shoes!
Karlie Kloss
Karlie chose to pair her Prabal Gurung patterned pencil skirt with a pair of black sandals with lacing-up straps. She took the safe road with her footwear option (black is a timeless classic) and looks effortlessly chic and dashing!
Keenyah Hill
Keenyah looks so modern and chic in her calf-high boots. This girl really knows how to glam herself, judging by the way she has sported her pencil skirt. The black leather and boots call for a round of applause!
Allison Williams
Now, this is the perfect way to fashion flip flops with a pencil skirt, especially a strappy one. Her stylistic choices make Williams look breezy and casual; nothing better if you want an outfit for a laid-back time out with friends.
Jaime Alexander
Now, that’s my girl! She stepped out at the Giorgio Armani SuperPier show with a pair of stunners. Her black pumps with T-straps added a more edgy vibe and matched perfectly with her ultra-black pencil skirt. You just can’t go any shinier in black!
Kate Hudson
Kate sports an office look with a black pencil skirt and a white top that she paired with stylish peep toe wedges with ankle straps that made her legs look like a mile. Oh-so- haute!
Love your skinny jeans but have no clue how to complete the outfit? Check out this article on the best shoes for skinny jeans!