Since Christian Dior introduced the modern pencil skirt in 1954, it has become an indispensable part of business attire.
Designed to emphasize the feminine silhouette, it has a slim fit that accentuates the waist and hips and flares slightly towards the hem.
Unsurprisingly, many royal women have favored this powerful silhouette for years, with Meghan Markle leading the way.
And Catherine, Princess of Wales, has also embraced the pencil skirt trend. She has opted for the slim fit look at least twice.
Although the pencil skirt has evolved over the years with different design details, it remains a wardrobe essential.
For spring/summer 2024, it’s making a strong comeback, appearing in styles from short and slit to full-length, crafted in textured crepe and patent leather.
Many royal women have been in favor of this powerful silhouette for years, with Meghan Markle leading the way
Since her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018, the Duchess of Sussex has consistently favored pencil skirts from designers like Givenchy, Carolina Herrera and Roland Mouret.
And she has developed a special preference for mid-length leather skirts from BOSS.
In October 2018, Meghan attended the University of Chichester wearing a £369 pine green version, which featured a high waist and a fitted fit.
The following year, she opted for a £359 ruby leather skirt from BOSS for a roundtable 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 Carolina Herrera blouse, putting her own fashionable spin on royal protocol.
Meghan and Letizia both wore BOSS’ ‘Selrita’ skirt in red lambskin
And that’s not the only BOSS pencil skirt to get royal approval.
The belted ‘Vrima’ skirt in light blue was worn by Queen Letizia, Princess Sofia of Sweden and Queen Mary of Denmark, strengthening 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 pumps.
During her official visit to Washington with King Abdullah in February 2023, Queen Rania of Jordan wore a business ensemble consisting of a white shirt and a mid-length skirt.
The latter, from Christian Dior, impressed with its signature checked print, reminiscent of tweed.
Across the Atlantic, Princess Charlene of Monaco had already showcased this design in October 2016, shortly after its catwalk debut.
Queen Rania of Jordan wore a Dior pencil skirt during a visit to Washington in February 2023. Across the Atlantic, Princess Charlene of Monaco had already showcased the design shortly after its catwalk debut in 2016.
Even Catherine, Princess of Wales, has embraced the pencil skirt trend.
In 2008, during the Order of the Garter, when she was still Prince William’s girlfriend, Kate wore a polka dot skirt suit.
This two-piece, including a perfectly tailored knee-length skirt, was previously worn by Kate to an event in Dublin in 2007, during her highly publicized split from William.
She wore it again in December 2013 at South Africa House in London to sign Nelson Mandela’s book of condolence.
Another pencil skirt in Kate’s collection is from Alexander McQueen.
She paired this military-inspired skirt, decorated with gold anchor-embossed buttons, with a matching blouse while on tour in Birmingham in August 2011.
She revisited this elegant look while visiting Bletchley Park in June 2014 and Portsmouth in May 2016.
During the Order of the Garter in 2008, Kate, Prince William’s girlfriend at the time, opted for a skirt suit with polka dots. The other pencil skirt we spotted in the princess’ closet comes from Alexander McQueen. You can see her wearing it (right) during a visit to Portsmouth in 2016