How to Style a Below-the-Knee Pencil Skirt: 5 Chic Outfits

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Just because a pencil skirt is an indispensable piece in a workday wardrobe, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be caught dead wearing it outside your workplace.

With just a few changes in your attire, you can turn the workday below-the-knee pencil skirt into a chic item that looks just as great for play.

Celebrities wearing below-the-knee pencil skirtsKim Kardashian spotted out in Beverly Hills filming the upcoming 10th season of ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ on December 19, 2014 / Olivia Newman-Young leaving Cafe Kaizen on Hanover Square in London on December 4, 2014 / Kristin Cavallari does some shopping in West Hollywood on October 1, 2013

For your off-duty days, we recommend the following options for styling your below-the-knee pencil skirts:

1. Casual solid-colored pencil skirt with a striped top

Striped tops exude a low-key vibe. If you have a solid-colored pencil skirt in your closet, wear it with a fitted or loose striped top.

Lea Anne wearing a mermaid pencil skirtLea Anne wearing a mermaid pencil skirt

We also recommend getting a mermaid pencil skirt just like Lea Anne’s. It will give your outfit a more delicate panache. Her blog, MissLeaAnne, is unfortunately no longer available online.

2. Below-the-knee pencil skirt with boots and a leather jacket

Knee-high boots actually work with this type of skirt!

Sylvvia wearing a trendy pencil skirt with a leather jacketSylvvia wearing a trendy pencil skirt with a leather jacket

Style blogger Sylvvia proves that it can be a nice pairing. Incorporate edgier pieces, such as a leather jacket, to further steer away from office vibes.

3. Flaunt your curves in a skirt with a bustier or off-shoulder top

Work outfits can be such a huge downer in terms of showing off your gorgeous shape.

Enocha wearing an off-shoulder cropped topEnocha wearing an off-shoulder cropped top

So, take this opportunity to emphasize those curves by wearing a bustier top with your pencil skirt, or you can try Enocha’s look and go for an off-shoulder cropped top.

4. Style your pencil skirt with an oversized sweater

Don’t tuck in the sweater. Do what blogger Erica did, and just wear the sweater over your skirt for an effortlessly chic outfit.

Erica wears a sweater over her skirt for an effortlessly chic outfitErica wears a sweater over her skirt for an effortlessly chic outfit

Give the look more punch with a pair of ankle boots.

5. Pencil skirts go well with boxy shirts

A textured boxy shirt like Tatyana’s should balance out the silhouette of your below-the-knee pencil skirt. To keep the look current, wear a pair of mules. Her fashion blog, Secret little Stars, is no longer available online.

Tatyana wears a textured boxy shirt with a below-the-knee pencil skirtTatyana wears a textured boxy shirt with a below-the-knee pencil skirt

Nothing should stop you from stocking up on more pencil skirts. The following should be great additions to your wardrobe:

L’Wren Scott Pencil Skirt, $1,590 at Shopbop

Rich, tactile tweed composes this elegant, high-waisted pencil skirt in purple and black, which is styled with a smooth, solid top hem. The back slit is outfitted with small, hidden weights for a graceful drape, and the signature sheer mesh lining yields a smooth profile.

Rich, tactile tweed composes this elegant, high-waisted L'Wren Scott pencil skirt in purple and black

Veronica Beard Cotton Scuba Pencil Skirt, $475 at Shopbop

Raised seams lend a modern, tailored effect to this slim yellow pencil skirt. A back slit relaxes the hem.

Raised seams lend a modern, tailored effect to this slim yellow Veronica Beard pencil skirt

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Magda Skirt, $625 at Shopbop

This flower tile pencil skirt is patterned in trompe l’oeil denim, while colorful chevrons and pops of floral print accentuate the eclectic look.

This flower tile pencil skirt is patterned in trompe l'oeil denim

Jenni Kayne Lace Pencil Skirt, $695 at Shopbop

A black pencil skirt in patterned lace. A scalloped eyelash hem lends gothic appeal, and a soft leather waistband adds a hint of edge.

A scalloped eyelash hem lends gothic appeal, and a soft leather waistband adds a hint of edge

Free People Lady Macbeth Skirt, $75.60 at Shopbop

A classic pencil skirt gets a modern makeover in vivid plaid. The figure-hugging silhouette is slit in back and a hidden zip closes the side.

A classic pencil skirt gets a modern makeover in vivid plaid

So, ladies, are you excited to try these below-the-knee pencil skirt looks?

Credit: Will Alexander / WENN / Ryan

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