How to Rock a Pencil Skirt Out of the Office

Thanks to Ann Taylor for partnering on this post!

Before I left my office job, I wore pencil skirts to work on a regular basis. It was always a nice break from the work pants I never felt totally ‘me’ in, and I loved how feminine they looked, especially because I worked with nearly all men. Walking around in my pumps, a crisp white shirt and a perfectly tailored pencil skirt checking things off my list, answering the phone and responding to emails, feeling like a total girl boss. Isn’t it amazing how powerful a good outfit can really be?

But, earlier this year I got an itch to wear a pencil skirt again, but wondered, can I wear one outside the office? OF course! Fashion rules are meant to be broken, aren’t they?! To make my pencil skirt more appropriate for everyday wear, I paired it with this adorable girly sweater with ruffled cuffs and traded my
pumps out for stylish booties.

1. Get Creative On Top

A tailored pencil skirt looks professional, but pairing it with a top that looks less like something you’d wear on a job interview breaks up the seriousness of it. Here I paired it with this adorable girly sweater with ruffled cuffs from Ann Taylor. I’ve actually been wearing this sweater on repeat, it’s really lightweight, but so cute! It also comes in grey and black. A cozy sweater would also be so cute too!

2. Loose the Pumps

To make your outfit look less like you just left work, change out your typical pumps for stylish leather booties. This pair has quickly become my most worn pair and if brown isn’t your thing, these come in black and also in suede!

3. Ditch the Blazer

I love a good blazer, but when it’s paired with a pencil skirt, it looks like you’re about to head into a meeting. Switch out the traditional blazer for a gorgeous coat like this grey one that I picked up from Ann Taylor a few weeks ago. I can guarantee that it’ll be warmer than a blazer too!

Speaking of Ann Taylor, I’ve got some exciting news! If you stop by the Michigan Ave store on November 10th from 5-7 or the New York store on November 12th from 1-3, I’ll be there and I’m so excited! Stop by to say hello and do some shopping—you’ll get 40% off your purchase! I had so much fun meeting some of you at the last Ann Taylor Friends & Family Sale and hope to meet more of you later this week for the fall sale! And for you New Yorkers, I’m beyond thrilled to be in the Big Apple for a weekend, so swing by the Rockefeller Center location this Saturday. My mom will be there too!

EVENT DETAILS

Chicago
November 10th, 5-7 at 600 N. Michigan Ave

New York
November 12th, 1-3 at Rockefeller Center, 600 5th Avenue

Whether you work in an office or not, Ann Taylor has so many pieces that work for both! I hope to see you in either Chicago or New York this week!

BTW, a bright holiday outfit, and the moto jacket you weren’t expecting.