Since Christian Dior introduced the modern pencil skirt in 1954, it has become a staple of business attire.
Designed to enhance the feminine silhouette, it features a fitted cut that accentuates the waist and hips, widening slightly towards the hem.
Unsurprisingly, many royal women have favored this empowering silhouette for years, with Meghan Markle leading the way.
And Catherine, Princess of Wales, has also embraced the pencil skirt trend. He has opted for the slim fit look on at least two occasions.
Although the pencil skirt has evolved with various design details over the years, it remains a wardrobe essential.
For Spring/Summer 2024, it’s back with a bang, appearing in styles from cropped and slits to long lengths, crafted in textured crepe and patent leather.
Many royal women have favored this empowering silhouette for years, with Meghan Markle leading the way.
Since marrying Prince Harry in 2018, the Duchess of Sussex has always favored pencil skirts from designers such as Givenchy, Carolina Herrera and Roland Mouret.
And she has developed a particular fondness for BOSS’s mid-length leather skirts.
In October 2018, Meghan visited the University of Chichester, wearing a £369 pine green version with a high waist and figure-hugging fit.
The following year, she chose a £359 ruby leather skirt by 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 paired the luxurious leather skirt with a Carolina Herrera blouse, putting her own fashionable spin on royal protocol.
Meghan and Letizia have worn the BOSS ‘Selrita’ skirt in red lambskin
And that’s not the only BOSS pencil skirt getting royal approval.
The ‘Vrima’ belted 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 scoring 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-ready ensemble, featuring a white shirt and a mid-length skirt.
The latter, from Christian Dior, impressed with its characteristic checkered print, reminiscent of tweed.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Princess Charlene of Monaco had already presented this design in October 2016, shortly after its debut on the catwalk.
Queen Rania of Jordan wore a Dior pencil skirt during her visit to Washington in February 2023. Across the Atlantic, Princess Charlene of Monaco had previously 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 ensemble, which included a perfectly tailored knee-length skirt, was previously worn by Kate to a 2007 event in Dublin, during her highly publicized breakup with William.
He wore it again in December 2013 at South Africa House in London to sign Nelson Mandela’s book of condolences.
Another pencil skirt from Kate’s collection is by 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 stylish look on her visits to Bletchley Park in June 2014 and Portsmouth in May 2016.
At the 2008 Order of the Garter, 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 comes from Alexander McQueen. She is seen wearing it (right) during a visit to Portsmouth in 2016.
