These pencil skirts could take a starring role in your summer wardrobe

Pencil skirts are a wardrobe essential. Like cigarette pants, loafers and white shirts, this chic and versatile skirt shape has scaled the heights of fashion’s fickle mood to become a true capsule wardrobe icon. Pencil skirts suit every body shape, they work for every occasion and you can stamp your own style personality on their simple silhouette. What’s not to love?

The pencil skirt is also ideal as we hover around this supposed ‘heatwave.’ The days are light and summer is tantalisingly close (so leg-baring styles feel appropriate) but it’s definitely not hot enough for shorts. Right now, a pencil skirt plus a light knit, or worn with a blouse and a sweater vest will be a trans-seasonal staple. You can add some sandals and basket to amp up the seasonality (although trainers will give the skirt extra edge.)  

As green dresses get the official royal nod, here is our edit of the best to buy right now

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By Alexandra Fullerton and Charlie Teather

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Pencil skirts traditionally hit on - or just below - the knee and are a fitted skirt shape that skims over your body, rather than clings. Although some of the coolest styles around have been made in a stretchy knit that give more of a body-con silhouette… As a fashion classic, pencil skirts don’t have the reputation for being the wildest item in the wardrobe, but it all depends on the fabric you choose (your pencil skirt doesn’t have to be made from elegant, fine wool) and how you style it.

This is the fun part. A blazer and shirt will obviously give office vibes. But choose clashing neon sherbet shades and that *lewk* has a whole other meaning. A point toe stiletto and pussy-bow blouse gives Maggie Gyllenhaal in Secretary, but swap the blouse for a hoodie or sweatshirt for insouciant French style. Choose a sequinned pencil skirt and wear it during the day with trainers or pick a bold printed pencil skirt to add your beach wardrobe. With a bikini and layers of gold jewellery you’ve got an epic holiday outfit. Now can you see why we're the pencil skirt's biggest fans?!