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/
napakagaling
2.
stylish
[adj]
/ˈstaɪlɪʃ/
naka-istilo
3.
elegant
[adj]
/ˈɛlɪɡənt/
elegante
4.
feminine
[adj]
/ˈfɛmɪnɪn/
pambabae
5.
structured
[adj]
/ˈstɹəktʃɝd/
istrukturado
6.
straight-cut
[adj]
/stɹˈeɪtkˈʌt/
tuwid ang tabas
7.
tight
[adj]
/taɪt/
masikip
8.
waist
[n]
/weɪst/
baywang
9.
hip
[n]
/hɪp/
balakang
10.
attire
[n]
/əˈtaɪɝ/
kasuotan
11.
curve
[n]
/ˈkɝv/
kurba
12.
loose fit
[n]
/lˈuːs fˈɪt/
maluwag na fit
13.
classy
[adj]
/ˈkɫæsi/
klase
14.
chic
[adj]
/ˈʃik/
naka-akitang hitsura
15.
fabric
[n]
/ˈfæbrɪk/
tela
16.
denim
[n]
/ˈdɛnɪm/
denim
17.
blouse
[n]
/blaʊs/
blusa
18.
blazer
[n]
/ˈbɫeɪzɝ/
isang blazer
19.
polished
[adj]
/ˈpɑɫɪʃt/
elegante
20.
high heels
[n]
/hˈaɪ hˈiːlz/
mataas na takong
21.
accessory
[n]
/ækˈsɛsɚi/ , /əkˈsɛsɚi/
aksesorya
22.
fashion designer
[n]
/fˈæʃən dɪzˈaɪnɚ/
tagadisenyo ng moda
23.
versatility
[n]
/ˌvɝsəˈtɪɫəti/
kakayahang umangkop sa maraming gamit
24.
sleek
[adj]
/ˈsɫik/
makinis
25.
adaptability
[n]
/əˌdæptəˈbɪɫəti/
kakayahang umangkop
26.
flattering
[adj]
/ˈfɫætɝɪŋ/
nakakasipsip
27.
fitted
[adj]
/ˈfɪtɪd/
nakakasya
28.
elegance
[n]
/ˈɛɫəɡəns/
kagandahan
29.
self-assurance
[n]
/sˈɛlfəʃjˈʊɹəns/
tiwala sa sarili
30.
hobble skirt
[n]
/hˈɑːbəl skˈɜːt/
hobble palda
31.
wardrobe
[n]
/ˈwɔrdˌroʊb/
aparador
32.
hug
[v]
/hʌɡ/
yakapin
33.
knee-length
[adj]
/nˈiːlˈɛŋθ/
hanggang tuhod
34.
must-have
[adj]
/mˈʌsthæv/
kailangan
35.
show off
[v]
/ʃˈoʊ ˈɔf/
magpasikat
36.
leather
[n]
/ˈlɛðɚ/
katad
37.
dress up
[v]
/drɛs ʌp/
magbihis nang pormal
38.
out of style
[phrase]
/ˌaʊɾəv stˈaɪl/
no longer popular or fashionable
39.
stand out
[v]
/stˈænd ˈaʊt/
mag-stand out
40.
day out
[n]
/dˈeɪ ˈaʊt/
araw na pamamasyal
41.
fit in
[v]
/fˈɪt ˈɪn/
makisama
42.
countless
[adj]
/ˈkaʊntɫəs/
di-mabilang
43.
pair
[v]
/ˈpɛɹ/
ipares
44.
depending on
[adj]
/dɪpˈɛndɪŋ ˈɑːn/
depende sa
45.
boost
[n]
/ˈbust/
pagpapalakas ng loob
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/
hugis-katawan

1

kabanata

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. 

Ang pencil skirt ay isang simpleng palda na tuwid ang pagkakagawa at mahigpit na umaakma sa katawan. Karaniwan itong bumababa sa itaas o ibaba ng tuhod at masikip sa baywang at balakang. Ang ganitong uri ng palda ay sikat para sa parehong trabaho at espesyal na okasyon dahil sa malinis at nakaistilong itsura nito. Sa paglipas ng mga taon, ang pencil skirt ay naging isang must-have na item sa maraming wardrobe ng mga babae. Ito ay komportable at eleganteng, na ginagawa itong paboritong pagpipilian para sa mga babae sa buong 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. 

Ang pencil skirt ay unang idinisenyo noong 1940s ng kilalang Pranses na fashion designer na "Christian Dior". Inilunsad niya ito bilang bahagi ng kanyang "New Look" collection noong 1947. Nais ni "Dior" na lumikha ng isang bagong, modernong estilo para sa mga kababaihan na pambabae at istrukturado. Ang pencil skirt, kasama ang malinis nitong hugis, ay isang mahalagang bahagi ng estilo na ito. Nakatulong ito upang ipakita ang natural na mga kurba ng katawan ng isang babae habang mukhang propesyonal pa rin.

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. 

Bago nilikha ng « Dior » ang pencil skirt, ang mga palda ay kadalasang mas malapad at maluwag. Iba ang pencil skirt dahil mas masikip ito at nagbibigay ng mas kaunting espasyo para sa paggalaw. Kahit na mahirap lakarin, nagustuhan ng mga kababaihan ang bagong estilo dahil mukha itong klaseng elegant at chic. Sa paglipas ng panahon, naging simbolo ito ng babaeng nagtatrabaho. Noong 1950s at 1960s, ang mga sikat na artista tulad nina « Audrey Hepburn » at « Marilyn Monroe » ay nagsuot ng pencil skirt sa mga pelikula, na lalong nagpasikat sa mga ito.

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. 

Bagaman ang pencil skirt ay nagsimula bilang isang pormal na bagay para sa trabaho, ito rin ay naging bahagi ng pang-araw-araw na fashion. Ngayon, ang mga pencil skirt ay gawa sa lahat ng uri ng tela, kabilang ang cotton, wool, leather, at kahit denim. Maaari mong mahanap ang mga ito sa maraming iba't ibang kulay at pattern, mula sa simpleng itim hanggang sa maliwanag na mga print.

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. 

Sa opisina, ang mga babae ay madalas na nagsusuot ng pencil skirts na may blouse o blazer upang magmukhang propesyonal. Ang pencil skirt ay tumutulong sa mga babae na magmukhang maayos at kumpiyansa, habang komportable pa rin na isuot buong araw. Tulad ng kasabihan, dapat kang magbihis para sa tagumpay, at ang pencil skirt ay isang tanyag na pagpipilian para sa mga babaeng nais gawin iyon.

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. 

Ang mga pencil skirt ay hindi lamang para sa trabaho. Maganda rin ang mga ito para sa mga party at espesyal na okasyon. Maaari mo silang bihisan ng high heels at accessories, o isuot kasama ng simpleng top para sa isang mas relaks na hitsura. Ang mga fashion designer at sikat na tao ay madalas na nagpapakita ng mga bagong paraan upang magsuot ng pencil skirt, na nagpapatunay na ang klasikong piraso na ito ay hindi kailanman naluluma.

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. 

Ang mga palda ng lapis ay hindi lamang minamahal para sa kanilang hitsura kundi pati na rin sa kanilang versatility. Hindi tulad ng ilang mga damit na angkop lamang sa mga partikular na okasyon, ang mga palda ng lapis ay maaaring magsuot halos kahit saan. Maging sa isang pulong ng negosyo, isang hapunan, o kahit isang kaswal na araw, ang isang palda ng lapis ay akma. Ang makinis na disenyo nito ay nagbibigay-daan sa hindi mabilang na mga pagpipilian sa pag-istilo, mula sa pagpapares ito ng isang pormal na blusa hanggang sa pagtutugma nito sa isang kaswal na t-shirt. Ang kakayahang ito na umangkop sa iba't ibang mga setting ay ginagawang isang natatanging piraso ang palda ng lapis sa fashion.

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. 

Ang pencil skirt ay nakakaganda dahil binibigyang-diin nito ang baywang at balakang. Nagbibigay ito ng makinis at malinis na hugis sa katawan. Para sa mas pormal na hitsura, madalas na isinusuot ng mga babae ang pencil skirt kasama ng fitted jackets o maayos na shirt. Ang isang pares ng heels ay maaaring gawing mas mahaba ang hitsura ng mga binti at magdagdag ng elegance sa outfit.

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. 

Kung gusto mong magbihis nang mas kaswal, maaari kang magsuot ng pencil skirt na may t-shirt o sweater. Maaari ka ring magdagdag ng flat shoes o sneakers para sa isang mas komportable, relaks na hitsura. Ang mga pencil skirt ay may iba't ibang haba, kaya maaari mong piliin ang pinakaangkop sa iyo. Ang ilang mga pencil skirt ay nagtatapos lamang sa itaas o sa ibaba ng tuhod, habang ang iba ay mas maikli o mas mahaba, depende sa iyong 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. 

Ang isang dahilan kung bakit nananatiling napakapopular ng pencil skirt ay dahil nakakatulong ito sa mga kababaihan na makaramdam ng kumpiyansa. Ang isang magandang pencil skirt ay nagpaparamdam sa isang babae na maayos at handang harapin ang araw. Sinasabi ng ilang kababaihan na nararamdaman nilang kaya nilang tumayo nang tuwid at maging mas tiwala sa sarili kapag suot ang isang pencil skirt.

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. 

Kapag confident ka, nakikita ito sa kung paano ka kumilos. Sinasabi ng mga tao na ang confidence ay susi, at ang pencil skirt ay tumutulong sa maraming kababaihan na maramdaman ito, lalo na sa mga sitwasyon sa trabaho. Maging pupunta ka sa isang meeting o isang espesyal na okasyon, ang pagsuot ng pencil skirt ay maaaring magbigay sa iyo ng dagdag na boost ng confidence.

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. 

Bago naging sikat ang pencil skirt, may isang palda na tinatawag na 'hobble skirt' noong unang bahagi ng 1900s. Napakakipot nito sa ilalim kaya ang mga babae ay makakagawa lamang ng napakaliit na hakbang kapag naglalakad! Kahit na ito ay mukhang uso noong panahong iyon, medyo mahirap gumalaw dito. Ang mga pahayagan at magasin ay madalas na nagbibiro tungkol dito. Sa kabutihang palad, ang pencil skirt ay hindi gaanong mahirap lakaran, ngunit mayroon pa rin itong fitted na hugis na nagpapakita nito na maayos at naka-istilo.

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
{elegant occasions}
{Professional, office setting}
{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:

christian dior creates the pencil skirt
actresses like marilyn monroe wear them
pencil skirts become popular for work
skirts were typically wide and loose
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 sneakers and T-shirt
With heal and accessories
With blazer and heels
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

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