I must admit, I’ve spent the past year absolutely dreading the incoming trend that is The Stretchy Pencil Skirt.

When I visited the UK last spring, these were in all the major shops, and in cold London weather I saw them paired with leggings, baggy sweaters, and ankle boots. I love pencil skirts usually, but to me the stretchy business seemed ridiculous — I figured it would pair terribly with my short, curvy legs and would only truncate my already-short torso. This summer, though, I realized how very much I despise shorts and went hunting for the perfect skirt.

And I found it.

What the stretchy style pencil skirt has on others of its kind is versitility. You can scrunch it down to your hips or let it accentuate a natural waist. It can be dressed up or played way down. It’s thin enough to wear under a t-shirt or blazer or (if you’re crafty and use belts to your advantage) you can tuck shirts into it. My only difficulty with this style is finding the proper underwear for it. Leggings and tights will be a great solution for fall, but for summer it’s too darn hot! Personally, I like pairing mine with sheer black nylons and heels. Classy, sexy, and works wonders on my leg brevity problem!

Above, I’ve outlined four stylish methods of donning this trend — for play, for night, for day, for work. There are a million more, I’m sure. Please share yours below!

Pencil Skirt: J.Crew

Blazer: TopShop

Oxfords: GoJane similar

Sneakers: Converse

Reds T-Shirt: Victoria’s Secret

Sequin Top: Michael Kors

Red Heels: Luichiny similar 

Black Flats: Roots similar

Polka Dot Blouse: Modcloth

Rachel Brow is a recent graduate from the University of Washington. She holds degrees in Creative Writing and Dramatic Performance. Catch more of her writing and monthly inspiration/obsessions on her blog

Tags: casual, dress, outfit ideas, pencil skirt, stretch skirt