Ladies, Far and Near/The L.B.P.S. (Little Black Pencil Skirt): How to Wear It?

A black pencil skirt is certainly a staple for most women.  But, when paired with solid black tights and plain black pumps, it becomes--in a word--predictable.  Here are some suggestions for keeping that 

leg-lengthening, figure-flattering black-from-waist-to-toe look without giving up any style points.

#1)  Choose a textured or patterned tight.  Rather than a solid opaque black on your legs, go for something sheer with a small pattern such as the cross-hatches (# 7 above left) or the tiny repeated heart print above right (image with the ankle strap shoes).  If you really want opaque coverage, opt for a ribbed tight in either black or deep charcoal grey (#3 above).

#2) With the patterned tights, wear an all-black shoe with some texture or dimension to it.  For example, a patent leather black pump adds much more interest than the same shoe in flat black leather.  Suede and stamped leather do the trick as well.  A really great choice would be a shoe that combines two different fabrics (either of the suede pumps above).

#3)  Pull any look together by adding a touch of black into the rest of your outfit.  Above are some earring examples, but this same concept can be used with bracelets or in the print of your top or blouse.  

These three tips can be applied to any outfit, no matter your personal style or budgetary price point.

Like what you see above?  Click on the live links below to find each piece.

1.  Onyx stud earrings.  2. Vince Camuto pencil skirt.  3.  J.Crew ribbed tights.  4.  Michael, Michael Kors pencil skirt.  5.  Kate Spade butterfly earrings.  6.  Marcasite rose stud earrings.  7.  Sheer pattern pantyhose.  8.  Cole Haan pump.  9.  HUE Merino wool tights.  10.  Via Spiga patent leather pumps.  11.  Earth suede wedge-heel pump.  12.  Trotters textured pump.   Unnumbered:  tiny heart tights and blue/black pencil skirt.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.