The Perfect Pencil Search Continues

Feb 26, 2014

_8770525

Bailey 44 Style Me Knit Pencil ($130)

Since the J.Crew pencil skirts continue to go down hill in quality and fit (I love paying to have a new liner put in a three-month-old skirt), I’ve been exploring other options.  I’ve searched high and low, and tried on skirts in every imaginable price-point.  I liked this Rauol skirt (under-$50), but this soft, knit Bailey 44 skirt is my new favorite.

The feel of the material is really nice.  I also like the thickness of the material.  My only complaint is that I have to wear smooth undergarments or Spanx to avoid VPL, a lace Hanky Panky really isn’t an option.

Do you have a favorite pencil skirt?  If so, leave the brand and style in the comments.

Style

share this post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Sara says:

    This may sound very soccer-mom of me and I almost don’t care, but JC Penney’s Worthington pencil skirts are actually made very well for a good price. I have a couple of them and I wear them often. They are usually within the $30 range, they have a range of size options, and I have yet to have one fall apart on me. The disadvantage is that they are more boxy and don’t have that fluted sleekness that that follow your leg line through. But for that price, you can afford a tailor to take it in a little.

    • Belle from OK says:

      My best pencil skirt is also a Worthington skirt from JCPenney. I’ve had it for several years, and it’s held up very well.

    • A says:

      I like JCPenney’s Worthington pencil skirts as well. The quality is surprisingly good, and they work well for a pear shape.

  2. JEB says:

    Halogen seamed pencil skirts from Nordstrom are the best; although, they do run about a size large.

  3. jen says:

    After having multiple fails with the usual suspects (BR, Ann Taylor, JCrew, ect.)I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the Merona skirts from Target. They usually hover around $20, they refresh the colors each season, and have held up way longer than better brands.

    https://www.target.com/p/merona-women-s-classic-pencil-skirt-assorted-colors/-/A-14604537#

    • cynthiaw says:

      I love the Merona pencils and at that price, I don’t mind grabbing a trendy print or color that might only last a season. I’ve also received more compliments on my Merona prints than I have on any other pencil skirt I own.

      • AmandaaPete says:

        I, too, love the Merona pencil skirts from Target. They are well made and last from season to season, and when I need to replace one, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg! They are always lined and fit me very well right off the rack! The same goes for me as the above commenter in regards to compliments… people always love the prints!

    • Maggie says:

      I like the darker colors of Merona pencil skirts, but the lighter versions tend to wrinkle up on me pretty badly!

    • SLG says:

      My Merona pencil skirts tend to stretch out across the derriere pretty quickly. But for the price (I got one for $8 recently), I don’t really care! I wear them once, wash them (to get the shape back), and replace them when they wear out.

  4. M says:

    Agreed about the Halogen skirts! They’re the best and you can never go wrong with Nordstrom.

  5. Meaghan says:

    I love the Halogen skirts from Nordstrom!

    https://nyviewsnikeshoes.com

  6. Anna Dear says:

    My favorite pencil was purchased at Express almost 5 years ago when I was building my professional wardrobe. Besides losing the hook of the hook & eye closure at some point, it’s held up beautifully and is my go to for days that I’m not in a suit.

  7. J says:

    I have an Apt 9 pencil skirt from Kohls that I wear constantly. It has held up for at least 7-8 years. It doesn’t have a lining though.

  8. Mo says:

    Belle, does the waistband of this have any “give” or is it reinforced? I never understood why the halogen skirts have stretch everywhere but the waistband.

  9. Lauren says:

    Your post is timely as I’ve been on the search for a good black pencil skirt and never thought of Bailey 44. I love their stretch cotton fabrics that they use. I haven’t bought a J.Crew pencil in awhile but will say that my wool ones have held up much better than their cotton stretch pencils. My cotton pencil skirt’s hem fell out within 10 wears. Sad story!

    • Hilary says:

      Agreed on the wool J Crew skirts holding up a lot better than the cotton. I don’t think I’ll be purchasing any cotton ones from there again!

  10. Allie says:

    My favorite pencil skirt is one I purchased from Express about 2 years ago. The only thing I have had to fix is the back slit seam – which was about a $5 fix at ZIPS.

    Though I cannot speak to the same quality of skirts that they offer today, but I know that the one I have has held up remarkably well. It is lined, beautifully seamed, and truly a classic piece.

  11. BigDHealthcare says:

    My favorites are Ann Taylor’s wool pencil skirts. They last forever, have secure lining and are relatively easy to find on sale.

  12. DvF works well for me. I like the thickness and stretch of the knit, but size up because the fabric is body-con. Pricey, but they always go on sale eventually.

  13. Bee says:

    Mango – currently loving their camel pencil skirt.

  14. Anna Belle says:

    I’ve sworn by NY&Company for years, but only when they make the skirts out of a thicker stretch material (like ponte – maybe it is ponte?). The cut is flattering too. They are not lined, but the thick fabric is enough for me. Plus, because they are thick, I usually only wear them in cooler weather with tights.
    (But be warned, their “suit” skirt are too thin and wrinkly for me.)

  15. Kara says:

    I really love Boden’s pencil skirts. Their “Modern Pencil,” “Wow Pencil” and “Ponte Pencil” are all on my spring wishlist. I already have two. My other favorite pencil is a thick cotton black pencil from the LOFT. I bought it last spring. It may be worth a visit, especially during their many sales.

Join The List

Stay up to date on the latest from Capitol Hill Style!

sUBSCRIBE

Ask Me Anything: March 2024

It’s almost the end of March, so let’s get to some of the reader questions that came in through Instagram last night. Time for Ask Me Anything.

1

READ MORE 

Recent Posts

The Find: A Cute Spring Dress

Need a cute dress for a spring event? Something simple and easy to wear, something you can dress up or down? This is the dress for you.

1

READ MORE 

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

2

READ MORE 

VIEW ALL POSTS

Ask the Edit, Style, Top Posts | March 28, 2024

Ask Me Anything: March 2024

It’s almost the end of March, so let’s get to some of the reader questions that came in through Instagram last night. Time for Ask Me Anything.

1

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 28, 2024

The Find: A Cute Spring Dress

Need a cute dress for a spring event? Something simple and easy to wear, something you can dress up or down? This is the dress for you.

1

READ MORE 

Beauty, Posts | March 27, 2024

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

2

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 27, 2024

The Find: Shirts That Don’t Gape

I remember when Rochelle Behrens launched The Shirt — a button-down blouse with anti-gape technology (a patented internal button that keeps the look smooth). The idea seemed brilliant, but at the time, my bust didn’t require an extra button. One baby later, I understand the need for some extra security.

6

READ MORE 

RECENT POSTS

©2023 CAPITOL HILL STYLE | SITE BY LEIGH THE STUDIO