Pencil Skirts: Flaunt your womanly curves

Named for its shape, long and slim like a pencil, the skirt emerged from World War II Europe. Cut in a straight line from the hip to the hem, the narrow fitting skirt was designed to save precious fabric rations. However, this skirt was actually adapted from the hobble skirt which came about in 1908 when Wilbur and Orville Wright chose the wife of an associate, Mrs Berg, to be the first female aeroplane passenger. As chains and propellers whirled and cranked close to her blowing and billowing skirts, the brothers tied a rope above Mrs Berg’s ankles to prevent a possible disaster from happening. What followed this historic flight were photographs that ran in papers, magazines and post cards all around the world. Soon, Paris designers adopted Mrs Berg’s rope-tied skirt and it spread like wildfire.

Women’s Clothing: Versatile and sophisticated

In 1940, Christian Dior created the first pencil skirt; a shortened adaptation inspired by the provocative shape of the hobble skirt and women quickly embraced the curvy shape of it. It used to be part of a woman’s suit ensemble, worn with a jacket or tunic. Today, it’s worn with a top, blouse and more. As time went by, the fashion industry saw variations in the pencil skirt, for example, it went mini in the 1960s.

Today, it remains a very popular choice among women, especially the working ladies because of its versatility and ability to accentuate a woman’s natural curves. It can be worn to work, dress down for casual wear or even to dressy dinner functions. With so many different styles, designs, fabrics and colours to choose from, the pencil skirt is no longer reserved for formal functions or office wear. Of course, it is a no brainer for the office, pair it with a chic blazer, a feminine blouse, a structured satchel and you would have nailed the sartorial chic look instantly. Browse through Zalora Singapore’s online collection of pencil skirts and get your purchases delivered right to your doorstep!