Breathe New Life Into Your Black Pencil Skirt With These Outfits

We all have (at least) one black pencil skirt in our closets somewhere, and while the staple is certainly useful, when was the last time you were actually excited to wear it? Right… So, in an effort to help you get excited about the essential again, we're bringing you a little street style inspo to show you that what seems like a simple skirt can actually lend itself to a next-level look. See just what we mean in our black pencil skirt gallery. 

black-pencil-skirt-outfit-248171-1517330855429-image

(Image credit: Diego/Collage Vintage)

Use this look as an opportunity to test drive this season's mid-calf boot trend.

black-pencil-skirt-outfit-248171-1517330857786-image

(Image credit: Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images for Karen Millen)

Three elevated basics come together perfectly in this look.

black-pencil-skirt-outfit-248171-1517330859153-image

(Image credit: Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images)

Don't be afraid to play with proportions and layer a longer blouse (or even a dress) over your skirt.

black-pencil-skirt-outfit-248171-1517330857469-image

(Image credit: Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images)

This unexpected combination of belted jacket, pencil skirt, and sneakers is really working for us. 

black-pencil-skirt-outfit-248171-1517330855694-image

(Image credit: Diego/Collage Vintage)

For a night out, throw on a camisole and mules.

black-pencil-skirt-outfit-248171-1517330856871-image

(Image credit: Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images)

If you're committed to your all-black wardrobe, spice things up with statement accessories.

black-pencil-skirt-outfit-248171-1517330858825-image

(Image credit: Timur Emek/Getty Images)

Take cues from Alexa Chung and give your look a hint of prep by throwing a sweater over your shoulders.

black-pencil-skirt-outfit-248171-1517330855920-image

(Image credit: Diego/Collage Vintage)

Sometimes, just combining basics is the best idea.

black-pencil-skirt-outfit-248171-1517330856609-image

(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Utility-inspired boots balance out a slit skirt and blouse perfectly. 

black-pencil-skirt-outfit-248171-1517330855026-image

(Image credit: Diego/Collage VintageDiego/Collage Vintage)

The oversize blazer is pretty much always a good idea.

black-pencil-skirt-outfit-248171-1517330857160-image

(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Who said all-black has to be boring?

black-pencil-skirt-outfit-248171-1517330854480-image

(Image credit: Acielle/Style du Monde)

If the temperature requires heavy-duty outwear, contrast your sleek skirt with an oversize parka and knee boots.

black-pencil-skirt-outfit-248171-1517330858207-image

(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

You can never go wrong with a button-down and booties.

black-pencil-skirt-outfit-248171-1517330854730-image

(Image credit: Diego/Collage Vintage)

Pair your skirt with a patchwork jacket for a model-off-duty–inspired look.

black-pencil-skirt-outfit-248171-1517330858518-image

(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

A cozy sweater and statement clutch go with literally anything.

black-pencil-skirt-outfit-248171-1517330856304-image

(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Don't be afraid to mix sport-inspired pieces with classics.

Now, of course, shop our curated selection of black pencil skirts.

Senior Market Editor

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.