Since Christian Dior introduced the modern pencil skirt in 1954, it has become a staple in business attire.
Designed to enhance the feminine silhouette, it features a slim fit that accentuates the waist and hips, flaring out slightly towards the hem.
Unsurprisingly, many royal women have favoured this empowering silhouette for years, with Meghan Markle leading the way.
And Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has embraced the pencil skirt trend too. She’s opted for the slim fit look on at least two occasions.
Though the pencil skirt has evolved with various design details over the years, it remains a wardrobe essential.
For spring/summer 2024, it makes a strong comeback, appearing in styles from short and slit to full-length, crafted in textured crepe and patent leather.
Many royal women have favoured this empowering silhouette for years, with Meghan Markle leading the way
Since marrying Prince Harry in 2018, the Duchess of Sussex has consistently favoured pencil skirts from designers such as Givenchy, Carolina Herrera and Roland Mouret.
And she has developed a particular fondness for mid-length leather skirts by BOSS.
In October 2018, Meghan visited the University of Chichester, wearing a £369 pine green version with a high waist and figure-skimming fit.
The next year, she chose a £359 ruby leather skirt by BOSS for a roundtable discussion with Prince Harry, creating a striking tonal look.
Queen Letizia of Spain had already worn the same skirt the day before, during her state visit to South Korea with King Felipe.
She styled the luxurious leather skirt with a blouse from Carolina Herrera, putting her own fashionable spin on royal protocol.
Meghan and Letizia have both worn the ‘Selrita’ skirt by BOSS in red lambskin
And that isn’t the only BOSS pencil skirt to receive royal approval.
The belted ‘Vrima’ skirt in pale blue has been worn by Queen Letizia, Princess Sofia of Sweden and Queen Mary of Denmark, solidifying the American brand’s global appeal.
The three ladies styled it in contrasting ways, with Mary earning style points with a polka dot blouse and sky-high court shoes.
During her official visit to Washington with King Abdullah in February 2023, Queen Rania of Jordan wore a business-ready ensemble, featuring a white shirt and mid-length skirt.
The latter, by Christian Dior, made an impression with its distinctive checked print, reminiscent of tweed.
Across the Atlantic, Princess Charlene of Monaco had already showcased this design in October 2016, shortly after its runway debut.
Queen Rania of Jordan wore a Dior pencil skirt while visiting Washington in February 2023. Across the Atlantic, Princess Charlene of Monaco had already showcased this design, shortly after its runway debut in 2016
Even Catherine, Princess of Wales, has embraced the pencil skirt trend.
In 2008, at the Order of the Garter, when she was still Prince William’s girlfriend, Kate wore a polka dot skirt suit.
This two-piece, which included a perfectly tailored knee-length skirt, was previously worn by Kate at a 2007 event in Dublin, during her well-publicised break-up with William.
She wore it again in December 2013 at South Africa House in London to sign the Nelson Mandela book of condolence.
Another pencil skirt in Kate’s collection is from Alexander McQueen.
She paired this military-inspired skirt, adorned with gold anchor-embossed buttons, with a matching blouse during a tour of Birmingham in August 2011.
She revisited this elegant look for visits to Bletchley Park in June 2014 and Portsmouth in May 2016.
At the Order of the Garter in 2008, Kate, then Prince William’s girlfriend, opted for a polka dot skirt suit. The other pencil skirt in the Princess’s closet that we’ve seen hails from Alexander McQueen. She is seen wearing it (right) during a visit to Portsmouth in 2016
