Pencil dresses are the popular name given to a dress that’s long and thin, just like a pencil! By definition, they are known to be long and thin! They are usually exceptionally tight fitting and restrictive. Generally the hem will fall to around knee length but this can differ widely from dress to dress.
Narrow fitting dresses go back a long way in western history taking many different names. The predecessor to the pencil dress was the hobble skirt which takes its name from how the bearer would walk when wearing it. The modern day pencil dress dates back to the 1940′s and is still extremely restricting to the movement of the wearer.
The pencil dress is extremely figure hugging which does indeed restrict movement but it’s this that makes the lady wearing the dress look exceptionally elegant, stylish, trendy and slim.
Pencil dresses became extremely popular in the 1980′s amongst career and business women as the term “power suit” became popularized. Pencil dresses are these days very popular and widespread for use in the office environment.
Choosing A Pencil Dress
Pencil dresses are supposed to be tight fitting and figure hugging. But remember that the tighter the dress, the more restrictive movement will be. Try and find a compromise between these two to get the best of both worlds.
Due to the nature of the look the actual type of fabric you buy is quite important. But of course this all depends on what you intend to use the dress for.
For the office, I would recommend either knee length pencil dresses or long pencil dresses. The best color would of course be black or a dark navy blue!
For a more formal occasion such as a meal out with friends or colleagues then maybe more short pencil dresses would be more fitting. Again I would opt for a black, navy blue or even a red color.
If you’re intending to really stand out for a night on the town around the bars and clubs then I’d go for short pencil dresses in a white, red or lighter blue! But of course there are so many great products available that the choice is yours.
Pencil Dress Accessories
The pencil dress look is best when everything else is kept simple and to a minimum! This generally goes for all styles but even more so when wearing a pencil dress as you’re trying to place the emphasis on your figure.
High heels will go best with the look as they’ll make you look even taller and slimmer in conjunction with the dress.
Keep all jewelry to a minimum, I would skip the earrings but go for a dazzling necklace if you wish!
Long Pencil Dresses
There are many great dresses you could wear to the office but the one for that sophisticated “power look” that I’d recommend are long pencil dresses!
Consider a black one to go with elegance and grace as well as style at your work place! There’s no way you won’t be the fashion goddess at work. Or how about a dark navy blue pencil dress as my second choice!
Short Pencil Dresses
I would suggest you go with short pencil dresses for a night out with your mates or for a formal or casual meal at a nice restaurant! Consider a red figure hugging pencil dress to really show off the curves of your body and make you the envy of all the girls you’re seen out with.
Lace Pencil Dresses
For the bedroom and to really entice your man, I would go for lace pencil dresses every single time! Having a figure hugging lace pencil dress on will not restrict your movement as much as other materials will do which is an added bonus. Consider a brown lace pencil dress or red for the ultimate look for the man you love.
Pencil Dresses On Sale
You’ll find Pencil Dresses On Sale by all the usual designers such as Klein, Ralph Lauren and Prada as well as more specialist designers such as Rafaella, Sakas Skirts, Silvermoon and Elegant Moments.
As always shop around as there are many great bargains to be found!