The new pencil skirt rules: how to work it in 2018

When was the last time you wore a pencil skirt?

Or perhaps the question should be, have you ever worn one?

For anyone whose job doesn't require a corporate dress code, the pencil skirt might seem rather obsolete. Too sober a sartorial choice for any other occasion than an office.

But one look at the Spring Summer 2018 runways and it’s clear the humble pencil skirt is due a rethink.

Fendi SS18
Fendi SS18

From the pink and white chequerboard styles at Gucci to the leopard-print numbers at Bottega; the fifties wardrobe staple takes on a fresh energy for spring.

Karl Lagerfeld sent stiff leather in black and white chevron stripes stomping the runway at Fendi, while Erdem’s spangly ruched versions were perfect for adding panache to a party outfit.

Erdem SS18
Erdem SS18

Brands like Off White and Victoria Beckham, meanwhile, gave us more delicate summer-suitable options, in the lightest of cotton and silk.

For those feeling a little saucier, Beckham also created sheer ruched versions, which neatly tick off two of the season’s major trends in one.

Victoria Beckham SS18
Victoria Beckham SS18

The stylish stars of Instagram are already all over the trend. Scandi blogger Pernille Teisbaek dressed down her quilted Balenciaga number with a zip front jumper and ankle boots.

While London-based blogger Camille Charriere made the case for a loud check

Looking to up the fashion ante in the boardroom? Why not opt for a monotone look in the colour of the season, as seen at Max Mara?

Max Mara SS18
Max Mara SS18

Far from fuddy-duddy, this season's pencil skirt has a certain timeless and ageless appeal – and more than a pinch of Mad Men sass. It's most definitely set to be the silhouette of the season.

Click through our gallery above to shop the trend.