Cocktail Attire in a Pinch

I think one of the most versatile items you can have in your closet is a black pencil skirt. You can pair it with almost anything for almost any dressy occasion– wedding, shower, dinner party, work function, luncheon, anniversary and, last but not least, a cocktail party. I often find myself in a pinch for cocktail attire. I don’t know why, but cocktail events just slip up on me (not that I go to that many of them- ha!). Well, maybe I do know why- sometimes I just don’t want to go out and search for a standard cocktail dress.

I found myself in just this kind of situation on Saturday evening. I paired a black pencil skirt with a sequined tank for a little glitz and to dress up the skirt. You can tuck almost any shirt into a pencil skirt for a more tailored look and to give yourself a nice waistline. I’ve also worn a black top tucked in with a thick black belt to give the illusion of a dress. It’s like an ever-changing cocktail dress! A pencil skirt may not be appropriate for all cocktail parties, but for the vast majority, it is. I had my sister take pictures of me in the locker room at the event because it was too dark everywhere else- ha!

I’m especially loving this pencil skirt from J. Crew. It’s a really nice weight, which helps disguise any bump and indention. It’s lined, so you don’t need to wear a slip, and it’s cotton, so it doesn’t itch or get too hot.

Outfit Links:
Skirt- J. Crew, White Blazer- J. Crew, Heels- J. Crew, Tank- J. Crew Factory similar here and here, Clutch- Anthropologie similar here and here, Earrings- Kate Spade similar here and here, Cuff- similar here and here