Deborah Baic / The Globe and Mail
There are only so many ways to revamp a pencil skirt, that structured staple that often forms the basis of a professional woman's work wardrobe. This season, designers are modernizing the practical piece with twists lifted right out of a seventies-era discothèque – think glitzed up in gold or swathed in silver. While such an interpretation makes for a convenient transition from desk to dance floor this holiday season, here's how to keep it corporate.
1. A soft knit will help balance out the formality of a metallic skirt. Add a slim sweater or, if you're heading out post-work, a chunky one paired with a soft blouse or tank.
2. Be careful with lengths: Anything too short in such a flashy fabric will read too casual at the office. Look for cuts that hit at the knee or just below, as at the Marc by Marc Jacobs fall presentation (above left). A longer length is better suited for those with some height.
3. Ground the look with monochromatic accessories. If you opt for silver, shades of black and grey will add the right amount of professional polish. Going for gold? Rich browns and camel shades will tone down the glitz.