Sexy pencil skirt is here to stay….for a while anyway!
17-05-2006
Just look around the high street and what can you see the super sexy, figure hugging pencil skirt. Over the last few seasons skirts have been making a steady comeback in particular the A line above the knew (traditionally 21″) classic. We have had all sorts of skirts from the sunray pleat the to knife pleat, the ra-ra to the puff ball but can anything look so striking as the well fitted and tailored pencil skirt. Look around you….it’s everyone on the high street.
In 1910 the hobble skirt was born which was a long tubular skirt that was tied under the knee to give shape and form. In the 1950s the pencil skirt became the fashion item perpetuated by the famous Marilyn Monroe wiggle in the skin tight pencil that became her signature trade mark. The secret is to have the skirt cut tight on the waist and under the knee but no lower than just above the calf.
So what makes a good pencil skirt? As obvious as it sounds the fit is key. A fixed waistband is a must for the pencil skirt and it is usually darted front and back to ensure special fit. Poorly fitted pencil skirt will have dog ears so beware! These are the two humps that appear on the mid and lower hip when the cut is too generous on the top hit measurement. The tapering of the sides is a must and true pencil skirts have their fit enhanced by a centre back zip rather than a side fastening. A vent at the centre back seam ensure a superb finish rather than a split and always mitre the seams of the vent as this is a major stress point on the skirt.
Once you have the “perfect” fit don’t reinvent the wheel next season. Adapt the garment, have new cloth, new trims, alter the length slightly, add a belt and twin belt loops if you must but keep to your blocks and ensure you have the perfect garment for that Marilyn Monroe wiggle.
Jenny Holloway
