Pants are dead... or so it seems if you look at Prada's S/S 27 collection. Accurately titled The Skirt, the show featured 63 looks with pretty much every variation of the staple possible: pencil, pleated, and so on. Of course, we should note that it's not the first time in fashion history we've seen pants being pushed aside for a more stylish default. Beyond Miuccia Prada's personal penchant for skirts, we've seen this piece amass its own cultural cachet. Who, after all, could forget the famous monologue from The Devil Wears Prada? The moment Miranda Priestly announced "I need 10 or 15 skirts from Calvin Klein" had an indelible impact on the psyche of fashion people, inadvertently cementing skirts' place in culture and everyone's closets.

Over the years, we've seen different skirt styles trend, but one silhouette is sure to be big this fall: the pencil skirt. Groundbreaking? Hardly. However, few other silhouettes have managed to outlast the trend cycle. That phenomenon continues today. The spring/summer 2026, fall/winter 2026, and even spring/summer 2027 collections have reinvented the classic staple in new ways, giving a whole new generation the chance to finally lay their pants to rest (at least for a little bit). If you can't imagine a world in which pencil skirts are your default piece, keep reading. Ahead, we're sharing examples of the trend on the runway and in real life to guide you on how to wear skirts. Plus, we've rounded up the 33 best pencil skirts to buy at every price point. Pant people, start grieving because you're about to become a skirt person.

About the Skirt Trend

Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Ferragamo S/S 26Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Versace S/S 26Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Saint Laurent S/S 26Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Brandon Maxwell S/S 26Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Tod's F/W 26Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Jil Sander F/W 26Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Tory Burch F/W 26Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Prada S/S 27Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Chanel S/S 27Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Miu Miu S/S 27Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Givenchy S/S 27

First popularized in the '90s, the slim-fitting skirt became a closet staple championed by fashion houses like Jil Sander, Calvin Klein, and, of course, Prada. While the pencil skirt's popularity can be partly attributed to its outsized presence on the runway, its long-lasting impact can be attributed to an even more pivotal change happening in society: women entering the workforce in record numbers. The political equity movements of the '60s and '70s, paired with the unprecedented economic inflation of the '80s, drove the share of women in the workforce to 71% by 1985. That dramatic societal shift was best reflected in women's fashion choices at the time, as they were drawn to minimalist aesthetics that prioritized neutral colors, clean lines, and capsule wardrobes.

Undoubtedly, that era gave us some of the best trends that still influence fashion today, including pencil skirts. But we'd argue that the heyday of the pencil skirt is far from over. Recent runway collections have revived the staple. One of the first examples of this tailored skirt coming back from the dead came in the S/S 25 shows of Ferragamo, Saint Laurent, and Versace—where the staple shape arrived in luxe leather. Since then, we've seen countless fashion houses release versions of pencil skirts with reworked tailoring, unexpected textiles, contemporary styling, and vibrant prints and colors to bring the style into the future. With so many new ways to wear pencil skirts, it's no wonder they've become popular among the in-the-know crowd.

How to Wear Pencil Skirts

@nnennaechem@fakerstrom@nlmarilyn@jen_wonders@slipintostyle@melodiebanfield@ingridedvinsen @lenaovchynnykova@uchenna @sarahlouiseblythe@deborabrosa

Fashion people have shown that this staple has just as much styling versatility as, if not more than, any pair of pants. When you're tired of wearing trousers to work, swap them out for a leather pencil skirt styled with an oversize sweater, flannel shirt, or tailored blazer. Outside office hours, try styling your pencil skirt with a simple tee and heels or sandals for a polished off-duty look. When all else fails, lean into the principle behind Prada's spring show: Treat your skirt as the focal piece, not just another staple. Whether you opt for a statement skirt with a calf-hair finish, a low-slung leather version, or even one with a sweeping floor-length hemline, you can rest assured that wearing a pencil skirt this fall will be a decision you won't regret.

Shop the Best Pencil Skirts

Veda Barrow Leather Low Waist Skirt

With Bambi-inspired prints trending, there's no better time to invest in this skirt.

Modern Citizen Briony Back-Slit Vegan Leather Skirt

The little black dress has a new rival.

J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt

Calling all fans of '90s minimalism—this skirt was made for you.

SPORTMAX Lappole Paneled Glossed-Leather Midi Skirt

NGL, we're drooling because of this chocolate-brown leather pencil skirt.

Zw Collection Printed Midi Skirt

This feels especially Prada coded.

TORY BURCH Crinkled-Satin Skirt

Don't bother clicking if you hate compliments.

Kookai Ariel Low Rise Midi Skirt

A boatneck tee would be the perfect match to this.

THE PARK Daria Wool and Cashmere-Blend Midi Skirt

It doesn't get more '90s coded than this tailored white skirt.

Helsa The Pencil Skirt

The slit detail on this skirt will let you show off your favorite shoes this fall.

Aritzia Aperture Skirt in Unreal Leather

Aritzia strikes again!

Nordstrom Patterned Pleat Trim Midi Skirt

The pleated detail on this pencil skirt is everything.

NOUR HAMMOUR Paneled Leather Maxi Wrap Skirt

Our editors are obsessed with the quality of Nour Hammour's leather pieces.

Gap Vegan Suede Pencil Skirt

Who doesn't love a suede skirt, especially when it is so affordable?

Reformation Renee Skirt

Black pencil skirts are great, but neutral khaki ones are even better.

CO Double-Slit Leather Midi Skirt

We're considering starting a GoFundMe just so we can buy this skirt.

MANGO Bambi Skirt With Brushed Finish

Embrace your wild side.

Tory Burch Patent Leather Skirt

Get your pencil skirt fresh off the runway!

St. Agni Suede Column Skirt

Nothing stands the test of time quite like a suede pencil skirt.

Massimo Dutti Straight Wool-Blend Midi Skirt

Shiv Roy would approve.

ASOS DESIGN Tailored Knee-Length Pencil Skirt in Brown

You can't beat this price tag!

Calvin Klein Collection Lunas Wool Midi Skirt

Just add a great blazer.

Aritzia Chisel Maxi Skirt

Chocolate brown can make even the simplest staples look chicer. Case in point: this pencil skirt.

Reiss Milly Leather Skirt

Everything about this skirt is perfection—the shade, the slit, the sleek leather.

Lioness Famiglia Midi Skirt

You can spice up a simple black pencil skirt by adding fun accessories, such as a belt, a bag, or trendy ballet flats.

AGOLDE Hikson Skirt

If you love Agolde's denim, you'll want to try out this leather pencil skirt.

COS Gathered Pencil Skirt

The elastic waistband on this skirt lets you wear this trend comfortably.

DISSH Chiara Black Below the Knee Skirt

We will be screenshotting the styling of this pencil skirt to re-create at a later date.

Dorothee Schumacher Sleek Shine Skirt

Love, love, love.

Róhe Ruched Wool and Mohair-Blend Midi Skirt

The double-waistband detail is on-trend.

Banana Republic Ponte Pintuck Pencil Skirt

Don't just invest in a black pencil skirt; consider other neutrals, like navy blue.

Karen Millen Satin Twill Belted Tailored Midi Skirt

Channel the peak-era '90s pencil skirt with this satin-twill version.

Vince Camuto Faux Leather Pencil Skirt

You'll wear this skirt more times than you can count.

Loulou de Saison Debi Mini Skirt

Frankly, if this skirt can't convince you to ditch your pants, then we rest our case.