Pencil Skirt

Pencil Skirt

Palazzo Pants

Palazzo Pants

Flares

Flares

Bermuda Shorts

Bermuda Shorts

Harem Pants

Harem Pants

A-Line Skirt

A-Line Skirt

Jumpsuit

Jumpsuit

Slacks

Slacks

Overalls

Overalls

Skort

Skort

Trendy Bottoms

Trendy Bottoms

Pencil Skirt - Clothes and Fashion

20 chapters
levelintermediate

Explore our readings on trendy and formal bottoms to discover stylish options for dressier occasions, from tailored trousers to chic skirts and more.

Vocabulary
1.
neat
[adj]
/ˈnit/
2.
stylish
[adj]
/ˈstaɪlɪʃ/
3.
elegant
[adj]
/ˈɛlɪɡənt/
4.
feminine
[adj]
/ˈfɛmɪnɪn/
5.
structured
[adj]
/ˈstɹəktʃɝd/
6.
straight-cut
[adj]
/stɹˈeɪtkˈʌt/
7.
tight
[adj]
/taɪt/
8.
waist
[n]
/weɪst/
9.
hip
[n]
/hɪp/
10.
attire
[n]
/əˈtaɪɝ/
11.
curve
[n]
/ˈkɝv/
12.
loose fit
[n]
/lˈuːs fˈɪt/
13.
classy
[adj]
/ˈkɫæsi/
14.
chic
[adj]
/ˈʃik/
15.
fabric
[n]
/ˈfæbrɪk/
16.
denim
[n]
/ˈdɛnɪm/
17.
blouse
[n]
/blaʊs/
18.
blazer
[n]
/ˈbɫeɪzɝ/
19.
polished
[adj]
/ˈpɑɫɪʃt/
20.
high heels
[n]
/hˈaɪ hˈiːlz/
21.
accessory
[n]
/ækˈsɛsɚi/ , /əkˈsɛsɚi/
22.
fashion designer
[n]
/fˈæʃən dɪzˈaɪnɚ/
23.
versatility
[n]
/ˌvɝsəˈtɪɫəti/
24.
sleek
[adj]
/ˈsɫik/
25.
adaptability
[n]
/əˌdæptəˈbɪɫəti/
26.
flattering
[adj]
/ˈfɫætɝɪŋ/
27.
fitted
[adj]
/ˈfɪtɪd/
28.
elegance
[n]
/ˈɛɫəɡəns/
29.
self-assurance
[n]
/sˈɛlfəʃjˈʊɹəns/
30.
hobble skirt
[n]
/hˈɑːbəl skˈɜːt/
31.
wardrobe
[n]
/ˈwɔrdˌroʊb/
32.
hug
[v]
/hʌɡ/
33.
knee-length
[adj]
/nˈiːlˈɛŋθ/
34.
must-have
[adj]
/mˈʌsthæv/
35.
show off
[v]
/ʃˈoʊ ˈɔf/
36.
leather
[n]
/ˈlɛðɚ/
37.
dress up
[v]
/drɛs ʌp/
38.
out of style
[phrase]
/ˌaʊɾəv stˈaɪl/
39.
stand out
[v]
/stˈænd ˈaʊt/
40.
day out
[n]
/dˈeɪ ˈaʊt/
41.
fit in
[v]
/fˈɪt ˈɪn/
42.
countless
[adj]
/ˈkaʊntɫəs/
43.
pair
[v]
/ˈpɛɹ/
44.
depending on
[adj]
/dɪpˈɛndɪŋ ˈɑːn/
45.
boost
[n]
/ˈbust/
46.
[make] a joke
[phrase]
/mˌeɪk ɐ dʒˈoʊk/
47.
form-fitting
[adj]
/fˈɔːɹmfˈɪɾɪŋ/

1.
neat
[adj]
/ˈnit/
2.
stylish
[adj]
/ˈstaɪlɪʃ/
3.
elegant
[adj]
/ˈɛlɪɡənt/
4.
feminine
[adj]
/ˈfɛmɪnɪn/
5.
structured
[adj]
/ˈstɹəktʃɝd/
6.
straight-cut
[adj]
/stɹˈeɪtkˈʌt/
7.
tight
[adj]
/taɪt/
8.
waist
[n]
/weɪst/
9.
hip
[n]
/hɪp/
10.
attire
[n]
/əˈtaɪɝ/
11.
curve
[n]
/ˈkɝv/
12.
loose fit
[n]
/lˈuːs fˈɪt/
13.
classy
[adj]
/ˈkɫæsi/
14.
chic
[adj]
/ˈʃik/
15.
fabric
[n]
/ˈfæbrɪk/
16.
denim
[n]
/ˈdɛnɪm/
17.
blouse
[n]
/blaʊs/
18.
blazer
[n]
/ˈbɫeɪzɝ/
19.
polished
[adj]
/ˈpɑɫɪʃt/
20.
high heels
[n]
/hˈaɪ hˈiːlz/
21.
accessory
[n]
/ækˈsɛsɚi/ , /əkˈsɛsɚi/
22.
fashion designer
[n]
/fˈæʃən dɪzˈaɪnɚ/
23.
versatility
[n]
/ˌvɝsəˈtɪɫəti/
24.
sleek
[adj]
/ˈsɫik/
25.
adaptability
[n]
/əˌdæptəˈbɪɫəti/
26.
flattering
[adj]
/ˈfɫætɝɪŋ/
27.
fitted
[adj]
/ˈfɪtɪd/
28.
elegance
[n]
/ˈɛɫəɡəns/
29.
self-assurance
[n]
/sˈɛlfəʃjˈʊɹəns/
30.
hobble skirt
[n]
/hˈɑːbəl skˈɜːt/
31.
wardrobe
[n]
/ˈwɔrdˌroʊb/
32.
hug
[v]
/hʌɡ/
33.
knee-length
[adj]
/nˈiːlˈɛŋθ/
34.
must-have
[adj]
/mˈʌsthæv/
35.
show off
[v]
/ʃˈoʊ ˈɔf/
36.
leather
[n]
/ˈlɛðɚ/
37.
dress up
[v]
/drɛs ʌp/
38.
out of style
[phrase]
/ˌaʊɾəv stˈaɪl/
39.
stand out
[v]
/stˈænd ˈaʊt/
40.
day out
[n]
/dˈeɪ ˈaʊt/
41.
fit in
[v]
/fˈɪt ˈɪn/
42.
countless
[adj]
/ˈkaʊntɫəs/
43.
pair
[v]
/ˈpɛɹ/
44.
depending on
[adj]
/dɪpˈɛndɪŋ ˈɑːn/
45.
boost
[n]
/ˈbust/
46.
[make] a joke
[phrase]
/mˌeɪk ɐ dʒˈoʊk/
47.
form-fitting
[adj]
/fˈɔːɹmfˈɪɾɪŋ/
1.
neat
[adj]
/ˈnit/
genial
2.
stylish
[adj]
/ˈstaɪlɪʃ/
elegante
3.
elegant
[adj]
/ˈɛlɪɡənt/
elegante
4.
feminine
[adj]
/ˈfɛmɪnɪn/
femenino
5.
structured
[adj]
/ˈstɹəktʃɝd/
estructurado
6.
straight-cut
[adj]
/stɹˈeɪtkˈʌt/
recto
7.
tight
[adj]
/taɪt/
estrecho
8.
waist
[n]
/weɪst/
cintura
9.
hip
[n]
/hɪp/
cadera
10.
attire
[n]
/əˈtaɪɝ/
atuendo
11.
curve
[n]
/ˈkɝv/
curva
12.
loose fit
[n]
/lˈuːs fˈɪt/
ajuste holgado
13.
classy
[adj]
/ˈkɫæsi/
elegante
14.
chic
[adj]
/ˈʃik/
chic
15.
fabric
[n]
/ˈfæbrɪk/
tela
16.
denim
[n]
/ˈdɛnɪm/
tela vaquera
17.
blouse
[n]
/blaʊs/
blusa
18.
blazer
[n]
/ˈbɫeɪzɝ/
blazer
19.
polished
[adj]
/ˈpɑɫɪʃt/
elegante
20.
high heels
[n]
/hˈaɪ hˈiːlz/
zapatos de tacón
21.
accessory
[n]
/ækˈsɛsɚi/ , /əkˈsɛsɚi/
accesorio
22.
fashion designer
[n]
/fˈæʃən dɪzˈaɪnɚ/
diseñador de modas
23.
versatility
[n]
/ˌvɝsəˈtɪɫəti/
versatilidad
24.
sleek
[adj]
/ˈsɫik/
liso y brillante
25.
adaptability
[n]
/əˌdæptəˈbɪɫəti/
adaptabilidad
26.
flattering
[adj]
/ˈfɫætɝɪŋ/
favorecedor
27.
fitted
[adj]
/ˈfɪtɪd/
entallado
28.
elegance
[n]
/ˈɛɫəɡəns/
elegancia
29.
self-assurance
[n]
/sˈɛlfəʃjˈʊɹəns/
confianza en uno mismo
30.
hobble skirt
[n]
/hˈɑːbəl skˈɜːt/
falda hobble
31.
wardrobe
[n]
/ˈwɔrdˌroʊb/
armario
32.
hug
[v]
/hʌɡ/
abrazar
33.
knee-length
[adj]
/nˈiːlˈɛŋθ/
hasta la rodilla
34.
must-have
[adj]
/mˈʌsthæv/
imprescindible
35.
show off
[v]
/ʃˈoʊ ˈɔf/
presumir
36.
leather
[n]
/ˈlɛðɚ/
cuero
37.
dress up
[v]
/drɛs ʌp/
ponerse elegante
38.
out of style
[phrase]
/ˌaʊɾəv stˈaɪl/
no longer popular or fashionable
39.
stand out
[v]
/stˈænd ˈaʊt/
destacarse
40.
day out
[n]
/dˈeɪ ˈaʊt/
salida de día
41.
fit in
[v]
/fˈɪt ˈɪn/
congeniar
42.
countless
[adj]
/ˈkaʊntɫəs/
incontable
43.
pair
[v]
/ˈpɛɹ/
emparejar
44.
depending on
[adj]
/dɪpˈɛndɪŋ ˈɑːn/
dependiente de
45.
boost
[n]
/ˈbust/
ánimo
46.
[make] a joke
[phrase]
/mˌeɪk ɐ dʒˈoʊk/
to tell a humorous story, anecdote, or statement with the intent to amuse others
47.
form-fitting
[adj]
/fˈɔːɹmfˈɪɾɪŋ/
ajustado

1

capítulo

star
Pencil Skirt 
Read a passage about a form-fitting skirt that hugs the body, typically knee-length, perfect for creating a sleek and professional look. 

What is a Pencil Skirt? 

1.1
The pencil skirt is a simple, straight-cut skirt that fits closely to the body.  It usually falls just above or below the knee and is tight around the waist and hips.  This type of skirt is popular for both work and special occasions because of its neat and stylish look.  Over the years, the pencil skirt has become a must-have item in many women's wardrobes.  It is comfortable and elegant, making it a favorite choice for women all over the world. 

La falda lápiz es una falda simple, de corte recto, que se ajusta estrechamente al cuerpo. Suele caer justo por encima o por debajo de la rodilla y es ajustada en la cintura y las caderas. Este tipo de falda es popular tanto para el trabajo como para ocasiones especiales debido a su aspecto pulcro y elegante. A lo largo de los años, la falda lápiz se ha convertido en un imprescindible en muchos armarios de mujeres. Es cómoda y elegante, lo que la convierte en una opción favorita para mujeres de todo el mundo.

The History of the Pencil Skirt 

1.2
The pencil skirt was first designed in the 1940s by the well-known French fashion designer "Christian Dior."  He introduced it as part of his "New Look" collection in 1947.  "Dior" wanted to create a new, modern style for women that was feminine and structured.  The pencil skirt, with its slim shape, was an important part of this style.  It helped show off the natural curves of a woman's body while still looking professional. 

La falda lápiz fue diseñada por primera vez en la década de 1940 por el conocido diseñador de moda francés "Christian Dior". La presentó como parte de su colección "New Look" en 1947. "Dior" quería crear un nuevo estilo moderno para las mujeres que fuera femenino y estructurado. La falda lápiz, con su forma delgada, era una parte importante de este estilo. Ayudaba a mostrar las curvas naturales del cuerpo de una mujer mientras seguía luciendo profesional.

ThumbnailPhoto
1.3
Before "Dior" created the pencil skirt, skirts were often much wider and looser.  The pencil skirt was different because it was tighter and gave less room for movement.  Even though it was harder to walk in, women loved the new style because it looked classy and chic.  Over time, it became a symbol of the working woman.  In the 1950s and 1960s, famous actresses like "Audrey Hepburn" and "Marilyn Monroe" wore pencil skirts in movies, making them even more popular. 

Antes de que « Dior » creara la falda lápiz, las faldas solían ser mucho más anchas y holgadas. La falda lápiz era diferente porque era más ajustada y daba menos espacio para el movimiento. Aunque era más difícil caminar con ella, las mujeres amaban el nuevo estilo porque se veía elegante y chic. Con el tiempo, se convirtió en un símbolo de la mujer trabajadora. En las décadas de 1950 y 1960, actrices famosas como «Audrey Hepburn» y «Marilyn Monroe» usaron faldas lápiz en películas, haciéndolas aún más populares.

Pencil Skirts in Fashion 

1.4
Although the pencil skirt started as something formal for work, it has also become a part of everyday fashion.  Nowadays, pencil skirts are made from all kinds of fabrics, including cotton, wool, leather, and even denim.  You can find them in many different colors and patterns, from simple black to bright prints. 

Aunque la falda lápiz comenzó como algo formal para el trabajo, también se ha convertido en parte de la moda cotidiana. Hoy en día, las faldas lápiz están hechas de todo tipo de tejidos, incluyendo algodón, lana, cuero e incluso denim. Puedes encontrarlas en muchos colores y estampados diferentes, desde el negro simple hasta estampados brillantes.

1.5
In the office, women often wear pencil skirts with a blouse or blazer to look professional.  The pencil skirt helps women look polished and confident, while still being comfortable enough to wear all day.  As the saying goes, you should dress for success, and the pencil skirt is a popular choice for women who want to do just that. 

En la oficina, las mujeres a menudo usan faldas lápiz con una blusa o blazer para verse profesionales. La falda lápiz ayuda a las mujeres a verse pulidas y seguras, mientras que aún son lo suficientemente cómodas para usarlas todo el día. Como dice el refrán, debes vestirte para el éxito, y la falda lápiz es una opción popular para las mujeres que quieren hacer precisamente eso.

1.6
Pencil skirts are not just for work, though.  They are also great for parties and special occasions.  You can dress them up with high heels and accessories, or wear them with a simple top for a more relaxed look.  Fashion designers and celebrities often show new ways to wear pencil skirts, proving that this classic piece never goes out of style. 

Las faldas lápiz no son solo para el trabajo. También son geniales para fiestas y ocasiones especiales. Puedes vestirlas con tacones altos y accesorios, o usarlas con una blusa simple para un look más relajado. Los diseñadores de moda y las celebridades a menudo muestran nuevas formas de usar faldas lápiz, demostrando que esta pieza clásica nunca pasa de moda.

Why Pencil Skirts Stand Out 

1.7
Pencil skirts are not just loved for their appearance but also for their versatility.  Unlike some clothing items that suit only specific occasions, pencil skirts can be worn almost anywhere.  Whether at a business meeting, a dinner, or even a casual day out, a pencil skirt fits right in.  Its sleek design allows for countless styling options, from pairing it with a formal blouse to matching it with a casual t-shirt.  This ability to adapt to different settings makes the pencil skirt a standout piece in fashion. 

Las faldas lápiz no solo son amadas por su apariencia sino también por su versatilidad. A diferencia de algunas prendas que solo se adaptan a ocasiones específicas, las faldas lápiz se pueden usar en casi cualquier lugar. Ya sea en una reunión de negocios, una cena o incluso un día casual, una falda lápiz encaja perfectamente. Su diseño elegante permite innumerables opciones de estilo, desde combinarla con una blusa formal hasta combinarla con una camiseta casual. Esta capacidad de adaptarse a diferentes entornos hace que la falda lápiz sea una pieza destacada en la moda.

How to Wear a Pencil Skirt 

1.8
The pencil skirt is flattering because it highlights the waist and hips.  It gives the body a smooth, clean shape.  For a more formal look, women often wear pencil skirts with fitted jackets or neat shirts.  A pair of heels can make the legs look longer and add elegance to the outfit. 

La falda lápiz es favorecedora porque resalta la cintura y las caderas. Le da al cuerpo una forma suave y limpia. Para un look más formal, las mujeres a menudo usan faldas lápiz con chaquetas ajustadas o camisas pulcras. Un par de tacones puede hacer que las piernas se vean más largas y añadir elegancia al atuendo.

ThumbnailPhoto
1.9
If you want to dress more casually, you can wear a pencil skirt with a T-shirt or sweater.  You can also add flat shoes or sneakers for a more comfortable, relaxed look.  Pencil skirts come in different lengths, so you can choose the one that suits you best.  Some pencil skirts end just above or below the knee, while others are shorter or longer, depending on your style. 

Si quieres vestir de manera más casual, puedes usar una falda lápiz con una camiseta o un suéter. También puedes agregar zapatos planos o zapatillas para un look más cómodo y relajado. Las faldas lápiz vienen en diferentes longitudes, por lo que puedes elegir la que mejor te quede. Algunas faldas lápiz terminan justo arriba o debajo de la rodilla, mientras que otras son más cortas o más largas, dependiendo de tu estilo.

The Power of Confidence 

1.10
One reason the pencil skirt remains so popular is because it helps women feel confident.  A good pencil skirt makes a woman feel put together and ready to face the day.  Some women say they feel like they can stand tall and be more sure of themselves when wearing a pencil skirt. 

Una de las razones por las que la falda lápiz sigue siendo tan popular es porque ayuda a las mujeres a sentirse seguras. Una buena falda lápiz hace que una mujer se sienta bien vestida y lista para enfrentar el día. Algunas mujeres dicen que sienten que pueden mantenerse erguidas y sentirse más seguras de sí mismas cuando usan una falda lápiz.

1.11
When you feel confident, it shows in how you act.  People say that confidence is key, and the pencil skirt helps many women feel that way, especially in work situations.  Whether you are going to a meeting or a special event, wearing a pencil skirt can give you that extra boost of confidence. 

Cuando te sientes seguro, se nota en cómo actúas. La gente dice que la confianza es clave, y la falda lápiz ayuda a muchas mujeres a sentirse así, especialmente en situaciones laborales. Ya sea que vayas a una reunión o a un evento especial, usar una falda lápiz puede darte ese impulso extra de confianza.

Fun Fact: Fashion vs. Function 

1.12
Before the pencil skirt became popular, there was a skirt called the "hobble skirt" in the early 1900s.  It was so tight at the bottom that women could only take very small steps when they walked!  Even though it looked fashionable at the time, it was quite difficult to move in.  Newspapers and magazines often made jokes about it.  Luckily, the pencil skirt is not nearly as hard to walk in, but it still has a fitted shape that makes it look neat and stylish. 

Antes de que la falda lápiz se volviera popular, existía una falda llamada «hobble skirt» a principios del siglo XX. ¡Era tan ajustada en la parte inferior que las mujeres solo podían dar pasos muy pequeños al caminar! Aunque se veía a la moda en ese momento, era bastante difícil moverse con ella. Los periódicos y revistas a menudo se burlaban de ella. Por suerte, la falda lápiz no es tan difícil de caminar, pero aún tiene una forma ajustada que la hace ver ordenada y elegante.

1. Pencil Skirt

1. Pencil Skirt

Trendy Bottoms


100%
1.

What defines the basic design of a pencil skirt?

A

Loose and flowing with pleats

B

Tight around the waist and hips

C

Long and layered like a gown

D

Wide and ending at the ankle

2.

What makes the pencil skirt especially popular in office settings?

A

Its long, dramatic hem

B

Its polished and confident appearance

C

Its loose and flowing fit

D

Its use of traditional patterns

3.

Match the outfit piece with its typical pencil skirt pairing:

High heels
Sneakers
Blazer
{Professional, office setting}
{elegant occasions}
{Casual, relaxed look}
4.

Why was the pencil skirt initially difficult for women to wear?

A

It was expensive and rare

B

It had heavy decorations

C

It restricted movement

D

t required corsets underneath

5.

Sort the following events in order:

skirts were typically wide and loose
actresses like marilyn monroe wear them
pencil skirts become popular for work
christian dior creates the pencil skirt
6.

Fill in the blank with the correct words from the text (Only one word is allowed in each blank).

Dior wanted to create a new style for women that was

and structured.

Pencil skirts can be dressed up with high heels and

.

Pencil skirts can be worn anywhere like at a business

, a dinner, or even a

day out.

The pencil skirt is flattering because it highlights the waist and

.

The pencil skirt helps women feel

.

7.

Which of the following are modern uses or features of the pencil skirt? (Choose all the correct answers)

They are used only in office settings

They can be made from denim or leather

They can be worn with sneakers or heels

They are strictly black and white in color

They are worn to both casual and formal events

They must always be knee-length

8.

Match the occasion to how a pencil skirt is styled for it:

Business meeting
Casual day out
Special event
With heal and accessories
With blazer and heels
With sneakers and T-shirt
9.

Complete the table about pencil skirt facts.

FactAnswer

Year it was introduced

Material used in modern versions

cotton, wool, leather,

Key design benefit

highlights waist and

Collection it was part of

Skirts before pencil skirts were

wide and

10.

Which of the following statements about pencil skirts are true? (Choose all the correct options)

Pencil skirts were designed in the 1990s

They can be worn both to meetings and parties

hey are only made in black

Pencil skirts flatter the waist and hips

They are often styled with fitted jackets

The original pencil skirt had pleats

patternpatternpatternpatternpatternpattern