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]
/ˈstaÉȘlÉȘʃ/
3.
elegant
[adj]
/ˈɛlÉȘɡənt/
4.
feminine
[adj]
/ˈfɛmÉȘnÉȘn/
5.
structured
[adj]
/ˈstÉčəktʃɝd/
6.
straight-cut
[adj]
/stÉčˈeÉȘtkˈʌt/
7.
tight
[adj]
/taÉȘt/
8.
waist
[n]
/weÉȘst/
9.
hip
[n]
/hÉȘp/
10.
attire
[n]
/əˈtaÉȘɝ/
11.
curve
[n]
/ˈkɝv/
12.
loose fit
[n]
/lˈuːs fˈÉȘt/
13.
classy
[adj]
/ˈkɫÊsi/
14.
chic
[adj]
/ˈʃik/
15.
fabric
[n]
/ˈfĂŠbrÉȘk/
16.
denim
[n]
/ˈdɛnÉȘm/
17.
blouse
[n]
/blaʊs/
18.
blazer
[n]
/ˈbÉ«eÉȘzɝ/
19.
polished
[adj]
/ˈpɑɫÉȘʃt/
20.
high heels
[n]
/hˈaÉȘ hˈiːlz/
21.
accessory
[n]
/ékˈsɛsɚi/ , /əkˈsɛsɚi/
22.
fashion designer
[n]
/fËˆĂŠÊƒÉ™n dÉȘzˈaÉȘnɚ/
23.
versatility
[n]
/ˌvɝsəˈtÉȘɫəti/
24.
sleek
[adj]
/ˈsɫik/
25.
adaptability
[n]
/əˌdĂŠptəˈbÉȘɫəti/
26.
flattering
[adj]
/ˈfɫÊtɝÉȘƋ/
27.
fitted
[adj]
/ˈfÉȘtÉȘd/
28.
elegance
[n]
/ËˆÉ›É«É™ÉĄÉ™ns/
29.
self-assurance
[n]
/sˈɛlfəʃjˈʊÉčəns/
30.
hobble skirt
[n]
/hˈɑːbəl skˈɜːt/
31.
wardrobe
[n]
/ˈwɔrdˌroʊb/
32.
hug
[v]
/hÊŒÉĄ/
33.
knee-length
[adj]
/nˈiːlˈɛƋξ/
34.
must-have
[adj]
/mˈʌsthĂŠv/
35.
show off
[v]
/ʃˈoʊ ˈɔf/
36.
leather
[n]
/ˈlɛðɚ/
37.
dress up
[v]
/drɛs ʌp/
38.
out of style
[phrase]
/ˌaÊŠÉŸÉ™v stˈaÉȘl/
39.
stand out
[v]
/stˈÊnd ˈaʊt/
40.
day out
[n]
/dˈeÉȘ ˈaʊt/
41.
fit in
[v]
/fˈÉȘt ˈÉȘn/
42.
countless
[adj]
/ˈkaʊntɫəs/
43.
pair
[v]
/ˈpɛÉč/
44.
depending on
[adj]
/dÉȘpˈɛndÉȘƋ ˈɑːn/
45.
boost
[n]
/ˈbust/
46.
[make] a joke
[phrase]
/mˌeÉȘk ɐ dʒˈoʊk/
47.
form-fitting
[adj]
/fˈɔːÉčmfˈÉȘÉŸÉȘƋ/

1.
neat
[adj]
/ˈnit/
2.
stylish
[adj]
/ˈstaÉȘlÉȘʃ/
3.
elegant
[adj]
/ˈɛlÉȘɡənt/
4.
feminine
[adj]
/ˈfɛmÉȘnÉȘn/
5.
structured
[adj]
/ˈstÉčəktʃɝd/
6.
straight-cut
[adj]
/stÉčˈeÉȘtkˈʌt/
7.
tight
[adj]
/taÉȘt/
8.
waist
[n]
/weÉȘst/
9.
hip
[n]
/hÉȘp/
10.
attire
[n]
/əˈtaÉȘɝ/
11.
curve
[n]
/ˈkɝv/
12.
loose fit
[n]
/lˈuːs fˈÉȘt/
13.
classy
[adj]
/ˈkɫÊsi/
14.
chic
[adj]
/ˈʃik/
15.
fabric
[n]
/ˈfĂŠbrÉȘk/
16.
denim
[n]
/ˈdɛnÉȘm/
17.
blouse
[n]
/blaʊs/
18.
blazer
[n]
/ˈbÉ«eÉȘzɝ/
19.
polished
[adj]
/ˈpɑɫÉȘʃt/
20.
high heels
[n]
/hˈaÉȘ hˈiːlz/
21.
accessory
[n]
/ékˈsɛsɚi/ , /əkˈsɛsɚi/
22.
fashion designer
[n]
/fËˆĂŠÊƒÉ™n dÉȘzˈaÉȘnɚ/
23.
versatility
[n]
/ˌvɝsəˈtÉȘɫəti/
24.
sleek
[adj]
/ˈsɫik/
25.
adaptability
[n]
/əˌdĂŠptəˈbÉȘɫəti/
26.
flattering
[adj]
/ˈfɫÊtɝÉȘƋ/
27.
fitted
[adj]
/ˈfÉȘtÉȘd/
28.
elegance
[n]
/ËˆÉ›É«É™ÉĄÉ™ns/
29.
self-assurance
[n]
/sˈɛlfəʃjˈʊÉčəns/
30.
hobble skirt
[n]
/hˈɑːbəl skˈɜːt/
31.
wardrobe
[n]
/ˈwɔrdˌroʊb/
32.
hug
[v]
/hÊŒÉĄ/
33.
knee-length
[adj]
/nˈiːlˈɛƋξ/
34.
must-have
[adj]
/mˈʌsthĂŠv/
35.
show off
[v]
/ʃˈoʊ ˈɔf/
36.
leather
[n]
/ˈlɛðɚ/
37.
dress up
[v]
/drɛs ʌp/
38.
out of style
[phrase]
/ˌaÊŠÉŸÉ™v stˈaÉȘl/
39.
stand out
[v]
/stˈÊnd ˈaʊt/
40.
day out
[n]
/dˈeÉȘ ˈaʊt/
41.
fit in
[v]
/fˈÉȘt ˈÉȘn/
42.
countless
[adj]
/ˈkaʊntɫəs/
43.
pair
[v]
/ˈpɛÉč/
44.
depending on
[adj]
/dÉȘpˈɛndÉȘƋ ˈɑːn/
45.
boost
[n]
/ˈbust/
46.
[make] a joke
[phrase]
/mˌeÉȘk ɐ dʒˈoʊk/
47.
form-fitting
[adj]
/fˈɔːÉčmfˈÉȘÉŸÉȘƋ/
1.
neat
[adj]
/ˈnit/
super
2.
stylish
[adj]
/ˈstaÉȘlÉȘʃ/
chic
3.
elegant
[adj]
/ˈɛlÉȘɡənt/
élégant
4.
feminine
[adj]
/ˈfɛmÉȘnÉȘn/
féminin
5.
structured
[adj]
/ˈstÉčəktʃɝd/
structuré
6.
straight-cut
[adj]
/stÉčˈeÉȘtkˈʌt/
droit
7.
tight
[adj]
/taÉȘt/
serré
8.
waist
[n]
/weÉȘst/
taille
9.
hip
[n]
/hÉȘp/
hanche
10.
attire
[n]
/əˈtaÉȘɝ/
tenue
11.
curve
[n]
/ˈkɝv/
courbe
12.
loose fit
[n]
/lˈuːs fˈÉȘt/
coupe ample
13.
classy
[adj]
/ˈkɫÊsi/
élégant
14.
chic
[adj]
/ˈʃik/
chic
15.
fabric
[n]
/ˈfĂŠbrÉȘk/
tissu
16.
denim
[n]
/ˈdɛnÉȘm/
jean
17.
blouse
[n]
/blaʊs/
chimisier
18.
blazer
[n]
/ˈbÉ«eÉȘzɝ/
blazer
19.
polished
[adj]
/ˈpɑɫÉȘʃt/
élégant
20.
high heels
[n]
/hˈaÉȘ hˈiːlz/
talons hauts
21.
accessory
[n]
/ékˈsɛsɚi/ , /əkˈsɛsɚi/
accessoire
22.
fashion designer
[n]
/fËˆĂŠÊƒÉ™n dÉȘzˈaÉȘnɚ/
styliste
23.
versatility
[n]
/ˌvɝsəˈtÉȘɫəti/
polyvalence
24.
sleek
[adj]
/ˈsɫik/
lisse et brillant
25.
adaptability
[n]
/əˌdĂŠptəˈbÉȘɫəti/
adaptabilité
26.
flattering
[adj]
/ˈfɫÊtɝÉȘƋ/
avantageux
27.
fitted
[adj]
/ˈfÉȘtÉȘd/
ajusté
28.
elegance
[n]
/ËˆÉ›É«É™ÉĄÉ™ns/
élégance
29.
self-assurance
[n]
/sˈɛlfəʃjˈʊÉčəns/
confiance en soi
30.
hobble skirt
[n]
/hˈɑːbəl skˈɜːt/
jupe entravée
31.
wardrobe
[n]
/ˈwɔrdˌroʊb/
garde-robe
32.
hug
[v]
/hÊŒÉĄ/
enlacer
33.
knee-length
[adj]
/nˈiːlˈɛƋξ/
mi-long
34.
must-have
[adj]
/mˈʌsthĂŠv/
indispensable
35.
show off
[v]
/ʃˈoʊ ˈɔf/
étaler
36.
leather
[n]
/ˈlɛðɚ/
cuir
37.
dress up
[v]
/drɛs ʌp/
bien s'habiller
38.
out of style
[phrase]
/ˌaÊŠÉŸÉ™v stˈaÉȘl/
no longer popular or fashionable
39.
stand out
[v]
/stˈÊnd ˈaʊt/
se distinguer
40.
day out
[n]
/dˈeÉȘ ˈaʊt/
journée de sortie
41.
fit in
[v]
/fˈÉȘt ˈÉȘn/
s'intégrer
42.
countless
[adj]
/ˈkaʊntɫəs/
d'innombrables
43.
pair
[v]
/ˈpɛÉč/
assortir
44.
depending on
[adj]
/dÉȘpˈɛndÉȘƋ ˈɑːn/
dépendant de
45.
boost
[n]
/ˈbust/
encouragement
46.
[make] a joke
[phrase]
/mˌeÉȘk ɐ dʒˈoʊk/
to tell a humorous story, anecdote, or statement with the intent to amuse others
47.
form-fitting
[adj]
/fˈɔːÉčmfˈÉȘÉŸÉȘƋ/
ajusté

1

chapitre

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 jupe crayon est une jupe simple, coupée droit, qui épouse étroitement le corps. Elle tombe généralement juste au-dessus ou en dessous du genou et est serrée à la taille et aux hanches. Ce type de jupe est populaire à la fois pour le travail et les occasions spéciales en raison de son look soigné et élégant. Au fil des ans, la jupe crayon est devenue un incontournable dans de nombreuses garde-robes féminines. Elle est confortable et élégante, ce qui en fait un choix favori pour les femmes du monde entier.

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 jupe crayon a été conçue pour la premiÚre fois dans les années 1940 par le célÚbre créateur de mode français "Christian Dior". Il l'a présentée dans le cadre de sa collection "New Look" en 1947. "Dior" voulait créer un nouveau style moderne pour les femmes, à la fois féminin et structuré. La jupe crayon, avec sa forme élancée, était un élément clé de ce style. Elle permettait de mettre en valeur les courbes naturelles du corps féminin tout en restant professionnelle.

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. 

Avant que « Dior » ne crĂ©e la jupe crayon, les jupes Ă©taient souvent beaucoup plus larges et amples. La jupe crayon Ă©tait diffĂ©rente car elle Ă©tait plus serrĂ©e et laissait moins de place pour les mouvements. MĂȘme s'il Ă©tait plus difficile de marcher avec, les femmes ont adorĂ© ce nouveau style car il avait l'air chic et Ă©lĂ©gant. Au fil du temps, il est devenu un symbole de la femme active. Dans les annĂ©es 1950 et 1960, des actrices cĂ©lĂšbres comme « Audrey Hepburn » et « Marilyn Monroe » portaient des jupes crayon dans les films, les rendant encore plus populaires.

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. 

Bien que la jupe crayon ait commencĂ© comme quelque chose de formel pour le travail, elle est Ă©galement devenue une partie de la mode quotidienne. De nos jours, les jupes crayons sont fabriquĂ©es Ă  partir de toutes sortes de tissus, y compris le coton, la laine, le cuir et mĂȘme le denim. Vous pouvez les trouver dans de nombreuses couleurs et motifs diffĂ©rents, du noir simple aux imprimĂ©s vifs.

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. 

Au bureau, les femmes portent souvent des jupes crayon avec un chemisier ou un blazer pour paraĂźtre professionnelles. La jupe crayon aide les femmes Ă  paraĂźtre soignĂ©es et confiantes, tout en Ă©tant suffisamment confortable pour ĂȘtre portĂ©e toute la journĂ©e. Comme le dit le proverbe, il faut s'habiller pour rĂ©ussir, et la jupe crayon est un choix populaire pour les femmes qui veulent faire exactement cela.

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. 

Les jupes crayon ne sont pas seulement pour le travail. Elles sont Ă©galement parfaites pour les fĂȘtes et les occasions spĂ©ciales. Vous pouvez les habiller avec des talons hauts et des accessoires, ou les porter avec un haut simple pour un look plus dĂ©contractĂ©. Les designers de mode et les cĂ©lĂ©britĂ©s montrent souvent de nouvelles façons de porter les jupes crayon, prouvant que ce classique ne se dĂ©mode jamais.

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. 

Les jupes crayon ne sont pas seulement apprĂ©ciĂ©es pour leur apparence mais aussi pour leur polyvalence. Contrairement Ă  certains vĂȘtements qui ne conviennent qu'Ă  des occasions spĂ©cifiques, les jupes crayon peuvent ĂȘtre portĂ©es presque partout. Que ce soit lors d'une rĂ©union d'affaires, d'un dĂźner ou mĂȘme d'une journĂ©e dĂ©contractĂ©e, une jupe crayon s'intĂšgre parfaitement. Son design Ă©lĂ©gant permet d'innombrables options de style, que ce soit avec un chemisier formel ou un t-shirt dĂ©contractĂ©. Cette capacitĂ© Ă  s'adapter Ă  diffĂ©rents environnements fait de la jupe crayon une piĂšce remarquable de la mode.

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 jupe crayon est flatteuse car elle met en valeur la taille et les hanches. Elle donne au corps une forme lisse et nette. Pour un look plus formel, les femmes portent souvent des jupes crayon avec des vestes ajustées ou des chemises soignées. Une paire de talons peut allonger les jambes et ajouter de l'élégance à la tenue.

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 vous souhaitez vous habiller de maniĂšre plus dĂ©contractĂ©e, vous pouvez porter une jupe crayon avec un t-shirt ou un pull. Vous pouvez Ă©galement ajouter des chaussures plates ou des baskets pour un look plus confortable et dĂ©tendu. Les jupes crayon existent en diffĂ©rentes longueurs, vous pouvez donc choisir celle qui vous convient le mieux. Certaines jupes crayon s'arrĂȘtent juste au-dessus ou en dessous du genou, tandis que d'autres sont plus courtes ou plus longues, selon votre style.

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. 

Une des raisons pour lesquelles la jupe crayon reste si populaire est parce qu'elle aide les femmes Ă  se sentir confiantes. Une bonne jupe crayon donne Ă  une femme l'impression d'ĂȘtre bien habillĂ©e et prĂȘte Ă  affronter la journĂ©e. Certaines femmes disent qu'elles se sentent capables de se tenir droit et d'ĂȘtre plus sĂ»res d'elles lorsqu'elles portent une jupe crayon.

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. 

Lorsque vous vous sentez confiant, cela se voit dans votre façon d'agir. Les gens disent que la confiance est la clé, et la jupe crayon aide de nombreuses femmes à se sentir ainsi, surtout dans des situations de travail. Que vous alliez à une réunion ou à un événement spécial, porter une jupe crayon peut vous donner ce petit coup de pouce supplémentaire de confiance.

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. 

Avant que la jupe crayon ne devienne populaire, il y avait une jupe appelĂ©e « hobble skirt » au dĂ©but des annĂ©es 1900. Elle Ă©tait tellement serrĂ©e en bas que les femmes ne pouvaient faire que de trĂšs petits pas en marchant ! MĂȘme si elle avait l'air Ă  la mode Ă  l'Ă©poque, il Ă©tait assez difficile de se dĂ©placer avec. Les journaux et magazines en faisaient souvent des blagues. Heureusement, la jupe crayon n'est pas aussi difficile Ă  porter pour marcher, mais elle a toujours une forme ajustĂ©e qui la rend nette et Ă©lĂ©gante.

1. Pencil Skirt

1. Pencil Skirt

Trendy Bottoms

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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:

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