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/
极好的
2.
stylish
[adj]
/ˈstaɪlɪʃ/
时尚的
3.
elegant
[adj]
/ˈɛlɪɡənt/
优雅的
4.
feminine
[adj]
/ˈfɛmɪnɪn/
女性的
5.
structured
[adj]
/ˈstɹəktʃɝd/
结构化的
6.
straight-cut
[adj]
/stɹˈeɪtkˈʌt/
直剪
7.
tight
[adj]
/taɪt/
8.
waist
[n]
/weɪst/
9.
hip
[n]
/hɪp/
臀部
10.
attire
[n]
/əˈtaɪɝ/
服装
11.
curve
[n]
/ˈkɝv/
曲线
12.
loose fit
[n]
/lˈuːs fˈɪt/
宽松剪裁
13.
classy
[adj]
/ˈkɫæsi/
优雅的
14.
chic
[adj]
/ˈʃik/
时髦的
15.
fabric
[n]
/ˈfæbrɪk/
织物
16.
denim
[n]
/ˈdɛnɪm/
牛仔布
17.
blouse
[n]
/blaʊs/
女式衬衫
18.
blazer
[n]
/ˈbɫeɪzɝ/
一件西装外套
19.
polished
[adj]
/ˈpɑɫɪʃt/
优雅的
20.
high heels
[n]
/hˈaɪ hˈiːlz/
高跟鞋
21.
accessory
[n]
/ækˈsɛsɚi/ , /əkˈsɛsɚi/
配件
22.
fashion designer
[n]
/fˈæʃən dɪzˈaɪnɚ/
时装设计师
23.
versatility
[n]
/ˌvɝsəˈtɪɫəti/
多功能性
24.
sleek
[adj]
/ˈsɫik/
光滑的
25.
adaptability
[n]
/əˌdæptəˈbɪɫəti/
适应性
26.
flattering
[adj]
/ˈfɫætɝɪŋ/
奉承的
27.
fitted
[adj]
/ˈfɪtɪd/
合身的
28.
elegance
[n]
/ˈɛɫəɡəns/
优雅
29.
self-assurance
[n]
/sˈɛlfəʃjˈʊɹəns/
自信
30.
hobble skirt
[n]
/hˈɑːbəl skˈɜːt/
霍布尔裙
31.
wardrobe
[n]
/ˈwɔrdˌroʊb/
衣柜
32.
hug
[v]
/hʌɡ/
拥抱
33.
knee-length
[adj]
/nˈiːlˈɛŋθ/
及膝
34.
must-have
[adj]
/mˈʌsthæv/
必备的
35.
show off
[v]
/ʃˈoʊ ˈɔf/
炫耀
36.
leather
[n]
/ˈlɛðɚ/
皮革
37.
dress up
[v]
/drɛs ʌp/
盛装打扮
38.
out of style
[phrase]
/ˌaʊɾəv stˈaɪl/
no longer popular or fashionable
39.
stand out
[v]
/stˈænd ˈaʊt/
突出
40.
day out
[n]
/dˈeɪ ˈaʊt/
一日游
41.
fit in
[v]
/fˈɪt ˈɪn/
融入
42.
countless
[adj]
/ˈkaʊntɫəs/
无数的
43.
pair
[v]
/ˈpɛɹ/
配对
44.
depending on
[adj]
/dɪpˈɛndɪŋ ˈɑːn/
取决于
45.
boost
[n]
/ˈbust/
鼓励
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/
贴身的

1

章节

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. 

铅笔裙是一种简单、直剪的裙子,紧贴身体。它通常落在膝盖上方或下方,并在腰部和臀部收紧。这种裙子因其整洁时尚的外观而适用于工作和特殊场合。多年来,铅笔裙已成为许多女性衣橱中的必备单品。它舒适优雅,使其成为全球女性的首选。

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. 

铅笔裙最初是由著名的法国时装设计师“克里斯汀·迪奥”在20世纪40年代设计的。他在1947年将其作为“新风貌”系列的一部分推出。“迪奥”想为女性创造一种新的现代风格,既女性化又有结构感。铅笔裙以其修身的形状,成为这一风格的重要组成部分。它有助于展现女性身体的自然曲线,同时看起来仍然专业。

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. 

在「迪奥」创造铅笔裙之前,裙子通常更宽大和宽松。铅笔裙与众不同,因为它更紧身,活动空间更小。尽管走路更困难,但女性喜欢这种新款式,因为它看起来优雅时尚。随着时间的推移,它成为了职业女性的象征。在20世纪50年代和60年代,像「奥黛丽·赫本」和「玛丽莲·梦露」这样的著名女演员在电影中穿着铅笔裙,使其更加流行。

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. 

尽管铅笔裙最初是作为工作时的正式服装,但它也已成为日常时尚的一部分。如今,铅笔裙由各种面料制成,包括棉、羊毛、皮革甚至牛仔布。你可以找到许多不同颜色和图案的铅笔裙,从简单的黑色到鲜艳的印花。

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. 

在办公室里,女性经常穿着铅笔裙搭配衬衫或西装外套以显得专业。铅笔裙帮助女性看起来精致而自信,同时足够舒适可以穿一整天。正如俗话所说,你应该为成功而着装,铅笔裙是那些想要做到这一点的女性的热门选择。

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. 

铅笔裙不仅仅适合工作。它们也非常适合聚会和特殊场合。你可以用高跟鞋和配饰来打扮它们,或者搭配简单的上衣以获得更休闲的外观。时装设计师和名人经常展示穿铅笔裙的新方法,证明这件经典单品永远不会过时。

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. 

铅笔裙不仅因其外观而受到喜爱,还因其多功能性。与一些只适合特定场合的服装不同,铅笔裙几乎可以在任何地方穿着。无论是在商务会议、晚餐还是休闲的一天,铅笔裙都非常合适。其简洁的设计允许无数种搭配方式,从搭配正式衬衫到搭配休闲T恤。这种适应不同场合的能力使铅笔裙成为时尚中的突出单品。

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. 

铅笔裙很讨人喜欢,因为它突出了腰部和臀部。它让身体呈现出流畅、干净的形状。为了看起来更正式,女性经常穿着铅笔裙搭配合身的夹克或整洁的衬衫。一双高跟鞋可以让腿看起来更长,为服装增添优雅。

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. 

如果你想穿得更随意,可以搭配T恤或毛衣穿铅笔裙。你也可以搭配平底鞋或运动鞋,打造更舒适、更休闲的造型。铅笔裙有不同的长度,所以你可以选择最适合你的。有些铅笔裙刚好在膝盖上方或下方结束,而其他则根据你的风格更短或更长。

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. 

铅笔裙之所以仍然如此受欢迎的一个原因是它帮助女性感到自信。一条好的铅笔裙让女性感到整洁并准备好迎接新的一天。一些女性说,当她们穿着铅笔裙时,她们感到可以站得更直,对自己更有信心。

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. 

当你感到自信时,它会体现在你的行为上。人们说自信是关键,铅笔裙帮助许多女性有这种感觉,尤其是在工作场合。无论你是去参加会议还是特别活动,穿着铅笔裙都能给你额外的自信提升。

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. 

在铅笔裙流行之前,20世纪初有一种叫做“霍布尔裙”的裙子。它的底部非常紧,女性走路时只能迈出很小的步子!虽然当时看起来很时尚,但穿着它行动相当困难。报纸和杂志经常拿它开玩笑。幸运的是,铅笔裙穿起来走路没那么难,但它仍然有合身的形状,看起来整洁又时尚。

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
skirts were typically wide and loose
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 blazer and heels
With heal and accessories
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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