Has the Pencil Skirt Been Missing From Your Closet?

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When we spotted Jessica Alba out and about looking like a perfectly polished 21st century woman, we suddenly realized what's been missing in our fashion lives: the pencil skirt. The knee-length style, a closet must for working women of the past, has seen its popularity waver in favor of skinny black trousers and full-skirted midis recently. And now, we're here to remind you that the polished vibe it imparts so easily is worth including in your own wardrobe.

She chose a simple gray Roland Mouret style to wear with her embellished Andrew Gn tank, but we also love the idea of using the skirt as your statement piece. See the buys we love, from basic black to leopard and sequins.

5th & Mercer White Pencil Skirt With Zipper
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5th & Mercer White Pencil Skirt With Zipper

Crisp white has never been sexier than this knee-length style ($110) with a long zipper that extends from waistline to hem.

Aqua Black Pencil Skirt
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Aqua Black Pencil Skirt

If you're just starting to create your pencil skirt wardrobe, build from the basics. This long dark style ($68) is ready to be worn a hundred different ways.

ASOS Camel and Black Colorblock Leather Pencil Skirt
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ASOS Camel and Black Colorblock Leather Pencil Skirt

Camel and black are two of the chicest neutrals to include in any working woman's wardrobe. Get the best of both worlds with this colorblock find ($53, originally $176).

Diane von Furstenberg Kacee Stripe and Floral Print Pencil Skirt
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Diane von Furstenberg Kacee Stripe and Floral Print Pencil Skirt

Print-lovers will adore this two-toned combo ($298) of girlie blooms and strong stripes.

Dorothy Perkins Pink Lace-Print Pencil Skirt
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Dorothy Perkins Pink Lace-Print Pencil Skirt

Get the look of lace with Dorothy Perkins's clever gray and pink print ($35).

Endless Rose Box Plaid Pencil Skirt
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Endless Rose Box Plaid Pencil Skirt

Need proof that preppy plaid can still be sexy? We're obsessed with this juxtaposition ($52) of classic checks with a sultry lace trim.

Forever 21 Leopard Print Pencil Skirt
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Forever 21 Leopard Print Pencil Skirt

For a real walk on the wild side, consider shopping a pencil skirt in bold leopard ($16). The long hemline makes the flirty print work for day.

Gap Denim Pencil Skirt
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Gap Denim Pencil Skirt

The pencil skirt needn't be limited to just the office. Gap's casual denim version ($70) is ready for weekend wearing.

Modern Citizen Quilted Leather Pencil Skirt
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Modern Citizen Quilted Leather Pencil Skirt

The black pencil skirt ($79) is anything but plain when done in quilted faux leather.

Nasty Gal Faux Leather Pencil Skirt
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Nasty Gal Faux Leather Pencil Skirt

The tailored look ($58) can work for the office and after, so long as you skip a fabric like tweed in favor of sleek leather.

Topshop Dark Green Sequin Pencil Skirt
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Topshop Dark Green Sequin Pencil Skirt

The closet basic ($130) is ready to party in light-catching sequins.