Now Trending: Not-Your-Librarian’s Pencil Skirts

Could it be the golden age of Vetements is over? Runway fashion, which for a while (mostly) left behind glamour and maturity in favor of a seemingly endless stream of athleisure, has once again shifted course.

If there’s one thing fashion girls can’t have enough of right now, it’s quirky-cool business casual attire: think hot pink suits, oversized check blazers, artfully embellished button-downs. And if the high volume of slim skirting on the Spring 2018 runways is any indication, un-boring pencil skirts are next on that list.

Fendi saw a chevron-striped midi paired with multiple layers of transparent, horizontally striped toppers. Max Mara went a more classic route, teaming a floral print pencil skirt with a rather simple black silk blouse. No. 21 riffed on the sexy librarian look: there, a sheer, statement collar polo complemented a ruched-front red leather midi. A silky V-neck cami took the place of the librarian-favorite argyle vest.

Gucci Spring 2018, Prada Spring 2018, Dries Van Noten Spring 2018; Images: Imaxtree

Alessandro Michele, meanwhile, couldn’t resist more literal geek-chic styling. The first look to walk Gucci’s sprawling Spring 2018 runway? A pink-checkered pencil skirt paired with a strong-shouldered overscale blazer, crisp white button-down, layers upon layers of costume necklaces, metallic fishnet tights and Farrah Fawcett feathered hair. Prada showed a New Wave mashup of cat-eye shades, a cartoon-printed, citrus-hued sweater vest, pointed patent brogues and a black, red-streaked pencil skirt. Still, Dries Van Noten’s styling suggestion was by far the most daring. Rock a sheer pink pencil skirt with 50s-style briefs, a similarly transparent top and a glimmering, marine motif bomber jacket, he said.

With its sleek lines, body-skimming shape and flattering knee to mid-calf hemline, it’s easy to see the pencil skirt’s timeless appeal. Note: to avoid looking predictable, dated or stuffy, opt for midis in fun materials and patterns, or with decidedly modern accents. Or, if you do go the classic black route, a printed/graphic statement top is an absolute must.

With that in mind, shop 20 of our current favorite pencil skirts (most of them a little bit business, a lotta bit party) in the slideshow below.