This has been one of my favorite pins for a while now. It's originally from The Sartorialist, taken outside the Louis Vuitton show at Paris Fashion Week in October 2012. The defining features of the image, for me, are the slim pencil skirt that ends below the knee and the single-sole pumps balanced on an impossibly thin heel (a hallmark of an expensive shoe due to the craftsmanship required to stabilize such a slender heel).
To recreate the look, I searched out below-the-knee pencil skirts and classic pumps with noticeably super-slim heels. Arguably, the quilted clutch is also an important part of this look. But, the look could easily survive switching out the clutch for a work-appropriate tote, so I concentrated on finding the just right skirt and heel combos. Unfortunately, the killer calves are not available for purchase off-the-shelf. Check out my finds...
1. Donna Karan High-Waist Midi Skirt
This skirt ventures away from a classic pencil skirt shape, but adds a dramatic high waist in the process. The silhouette isn't for everyone, but it's a nice alternative if you already have a closet full of basic pencil shapes.
2. Dolce & Gabbana Pencil Skirt
This is the prototypical below-the-knee pencil skirt, complete with a simple self waistband, front darts, and demure back vent.
3. Vince Camuto Side-Slit Midi Skirt
If you are looking for a bargain, this Vince Camuto skirt is hard to beat. Of the affordable below-the-knee pencil skirts I found, this one offers a rare full lining. The poly/ rayon/ spandex blend isn't ideal for long-term wear, but it shouldn't give out after just one season. Plus, the unconventional side slits are fun.
4. J.Crew Telegraph Pencil Skirt
The J.Crew version of the below-the-knee pencil skirt has been on my radar for a couple seasons. It's an excellent price for merino wool, and comes in a range of colors, if you are feeling adventurous.
5. Christian Louboutin Decollette Pointed-Toe Pump
There's something about a red-soled Louboutin pump that just screams sex appeal. For that very reason, I find it hard to wear a Christian Louboutin pump in a work setting. But, being an attorney will do funny things to your sense of appropriate workwear. Regardless of whether they are work-appropriate, these pumps are severely chic.
6. Manolo Blahnik BB Pointed Toe Pump
If you are looking for a classic heel of any shape or heel height, Manolo Blahnik is the label to which you should turn. If I had to guess, I'd say there's a good chance the pumps in the photo inspiration are of Blahnik origins.
7. Prada Capretto Leather Pointed-Toe Pump
I'd never really considered Prada a go-to label for classic shoe shapes, but over the past couple years I've found myself pleasantly surprised by their selection of timeless shapes. These pumps are a just right mix of simple shape and sky-high heel.
8. Saint Laurent Paris Calfskin Pump
Ahh, Saint Laurent. I have always loved this label, but feel it has become even more fabulous under the command of Hedi Slimane. Everything from the shoes, to the bags, to the simple tees have found a new edge. These pumps, with their undercover-luxe black leather lining, are a perfect example.
