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Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
It’s been a few years where skirts have felt out of style — but I’m seeing a lot of signs that point to them coming back, so let’s discuss. What skirts are you wearing to work? Do you find you prefer more tailored looks like pencil skirts (whatever length), textured looks (knit, pleats, leather), or voluminous looks (wider maxi skirts, A-line midi skirts)? Are you wearing some of the more boudoir-inspired looks to work, like slip skirts?
Some of our other posts that might be helpful to you: the best tights for work, the Corporette Guide to Comfortable Heels, and our discussions on how short is too short for a skirt and dress.
The Best Classic Pencil Skirts for Work
Our Favorite Classic Plus-Size Work Skirts
The Best Trendy Work Skirts in 2024
Knit Skirts
There are a bunch of great knit skirts out right now, from low end to high end. I particularly love them because the let you play with texture, and elevate monotone outfits.
Sweater skirts can be tricky because they can be clingy and staticky — a silky underlayer like a slip or slipshorts is essential to make them comfortable, IMHO. (You could also go with shapewear if you want to, or try a static electricity spray.) Tighter skirts may be too va-va-voom for work — but you may also find that they lose their shape throughout the day and fit very differently than the skirt you bought.
If you love MM.LaFleur‘s jardigan, they now have a skirt in that option (jardigan material). Amour Vert also has one that’s more of a ribbed knit. Another good option: this Target skirt.
Pleated Skirts
Maybe I’m wrong, but I feel like it’s been a while since pleated skirts have been in style for work outfits — I’m even seeing them with suits. There are a bunch out right now that are far more sophisticated than the private school uniform skirts.
(I also love this side pleat skirt from Boss, but it’s down to lucky sizes.)
Longer Pencil Skirts
Long pencil skirts for work: yea or nay, readers? For my $.02, a lot depends on which shoes you wear with them. I tend to prefer the look of knee-high boots worn with these skirts, but a mid-calf length boot also works — I feel like loafers may also have a place here. Mary Jane flats can be tricky to pull off, but do try them with long skirts if you already have them in your closet.
Not pictured above, but a good pick for a more casual office: this Anthropologie skirt.
Leather Skirts for Work?
Another textural element we’re seeing: lots of leather skirts from workwear brands. I think the best ones are below the knee with a bit of an A-line shape to them. Of course, know your office before wearing a leather skirt to work!
Unlike other midi skirts, I’d avoid wearing these with leather boots (at least, as the default) because the colors and textures of the leathers might clash in an unpleasant way. Instead, I like them as shown with classic pumps or Mary Jane pumps.
I’m not a huge fan of the clog-ish shoes pictured in the Mango picture (far left), but I think it gives you an idea of how they might work with a stacked flat like loafers.
J.Crew also has a number of leather (or faux leather) skirts right now, although a lot of them are too short for most workplaces. This Madewell skirt is very popular, but note that the closer pockets are to the traditional denim 5-pocket layout, the more likely it is that the skirt will read as very casual.
Readers, over to you — what skirts are you wearing to work? How are you wearing them?
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