Skirts at the Office: How to Be Professional and Fashionable

Skirts can say a lot of things about a woman: conservative, edgy, chic, ladylike or inappropriate.  One of these things is not like the rest............and that would be inappropriate.  In a legal setting, and by extension in any professional arena, the way a woman wears a skirt (and NOT the other way around) conveys a plethora of messages.  Picking the right skirt can make or break a professional image, no matter your work ethic, accomplishments or education.  Some basic tips can help you from blowing your own career.

First, length is very important.  No matter how young and shapely you may be, a short skirt is NEVER appropriate in a professional setting.  Remember the old test in grade school?  Stand straight up and rest your arms from shoulder to fingertips flush with your sides.  Is your skirt above where your fingertips reach on your legs?  Then it's definitely too short.  Your skirt should extend at least 1 inch past your longest fingertip, if not further.  Showing too much leg conveys immaturity and a lack of understanding about the professional atmosphere in the workplace.  It invites judgments about your character, motivations, education and capabilities.  And these are things that should never be questioned if you are trying to create a successful enterprise known as YOU.

Second, fit is just as important as length.  You are going to work, not anatomy class.  No one should be able to make out the details of your undergarments or the contours of your tush.  Just because you can zip or button a skirt does not mean it fits.  The definition of fit is not that you can squeeze into it; it's that it skims your body in the right places, flattering you but also allowing you to move freely and comfortably.  If you are pulling, poking, or pushing, then you are wearing the wrong size.  If you have to suck in to make it work, then it doesn't work and probably wouldn't even if you hadn't even for a week beforehand.

On the topic of size............let's all get over it.  Sure, you usually wear Size X in your casual clothing.  You may need to go up in size (maybe more than one) for a well-fitting, professional skirt.  That's because the fit should not be loose and too flowy; it should graze and flatter and squeezing into your usual Size X will only do you a disservice so that you can make a point to yourself: that you are ruled by a number, and not a love for your body and just how commanding you will look if you give up the number and go for the fit.

Besides, can you really think of what looks better than a high-waisted, knee-length pencil skirt with an embroidered, belted shirt tucked into it?  It doesn't matter if you have a six pack or a cantaloupe on your feminine tummy............can you say Jane from Mad Men?  What matters if when you wear a gorgeous piece of craftsmanship and own it, because it fits and you just need to strut your stuff around the cubicles, learning the ropes and leaving other, less confidently and impressively dressed colleagues in the dust.

And just because you are wearing a skirt does not mean you need to wear a matching suit jacket and a simple collared shirt.  Oh no.  Take it to that next level if your workplace allows and really amp up your style.  Wear a pencil skirt with textured tights and that collared shirt.  Or put on a beautiful cardigan set with a unique pattern, like damask, and some classic pointed toe shoes.  I live by Nine West's Nuncio pumps, which you can find online and at Macy's.  They are reasonably priced and come in great patterns and colors.

You can also pair a patterned A-line skirt with a pretty cap-sleeve sweater and flats, or even a military-inspired flat boot.  This Floral Print Full-Skirt from White House Black Market is a great option when you let the print be the dominant piece, and compliment it with something solid, like this Pleated Blouse from Jones New York.  Keep it soft with a demure kitten heel, or a Tory Burch flat from the first post.

A great option to make a skirt comfortable for Casual Fridays is to wear a denim pencil option, like this one from Ann Taylor Loft.  This is when those leather flat boots would come in handy, to keep it casual, comfortable and also convenient because you don't have to shave (since the boots should meet the skirt at the knee). 

The point is to make it fun and powerful to wear a skirt; not to continue to defer to it because women "don't wear pants."  You need to own you ability to flaunt your legs, but in an appropriate, size-conscious and fashionable way.