I would not call the Denim Pencil Skirt from Banana Republic a true “pencil skirt.”

If you think – like I did – that you are getting a demure, basic denim pencil skirt, you will be surprised. I would really call this skirt a “mini.” In fact, a very tight, pretty short mini. I got a 28, which according to the Banana Republic site, is a size 6. My usual skirt size. When I took it out of the box for the first time, I thought, holy crap no way I can fit into this tiny thing. By golly I have no idea how in the world I actually fit into it, but it’s definitely much tighter than my usual 6.

I’m wearing: Anthropologie Coil Flower Tank (on sale!!), Matt Bernson Bo Peep Espadrilles

The denim material is also very thin. Most surprising was how short the skirt is. I expected a pencil skirt, so I thought it would at least come to maybe an inch above my knee, but I really had to drag it down to make it as long as it looks in these pictures…which still is not long enough for me to feel comfortable wearing to work. Too tight and too short for the office for sure. However, I can see that if I had sized up a size, it may just work, perhaps with tights and boots in the fall/winter.

Get it here from Banana Republic for $49.99.

For only $39.50, Gap’s Bermuda Shorts are worth every penny. I haven’t worn shorts in years, but this year wanted something that wouldn’t show my undies whenever the wind blew (i.e. all my girly skirts). J.Crew’s cute shorts are mostly way too short, and the longer ones they have are chino, which I know is not that comfortable for me because it’s a thick, stiffer material. Enter Gap – yet again unexpectedly offering up dressy basics that look great yet feel uber comfortable.

I’m wearing: Forever 21 Sunglasses Penguin Tank, Gap Bermuda Shorts, Nine West Getby Wedges

I think they look amazing. Especially with wedge heels or espadrilles for summer. You can pair it with a dressy top for a very dressed-up outfit (i.e. Palmera Ruffle Cami from J.Crew) or dress casually with a simple tee or tank, like I did today. I don’t have *ahem* the smallest thighs, and I was afraid that would be an issue when getting my normal size 6 that I wear in skirts, but these fit perfectly and were even a little bit loose. Just sitting around in them they loosened a bit more, so I can tell that sizing up would not be a great idea. These are comfortable and mold to your body, again because of the spandex. Highly recommend, especially at the super low price of $39.50. Get it here from Gap.

I know I’ve been wearing this Pique Pencil Skirt from Banana Republic in practically every post I’ve made recently. Apologies. But doesn’t it just look amazing with everything? Only during spring/summer do we girls have the luxury of wearing white skirts and pants, so I say take advantage of the sunny weather and wear them with everything. Just wearing white makes me happier…is that weird? Anyway, this pencil skirt is pretty awesome. I haven’t had the best luck with them from J.Crew, as they’re all super long and just don’t look flattering on me (for the most part). This Banana Republic skirt, however, hits me right above the knees, and is a thick, almost denim-like fabric, so it looks versatile enough to be dressed up as a pencil skirt or worn as a white denim skirt. I think.

I’m wearing: Anthropologie Coil Flower Tank, J.Crew Equestrian Belt, Gucci Grease Platform Sandals

Unlike most pencil skirts that feel constricting, particularly as you walk, this skirt has a perfectly located back vent that makes it very comfortable.  The denim-like fabric also does wonders for your, ahem, backside if you wanted any lift in that area (which I do, because I have nothing going on there). Paired with heels, this skirt makes any outfit look polished yet effortless. Is there still a weird pooch like problem if I tuck the shirt in (as all pencil skirts seem to have)?

I’m wearing: Anthropologie Coil Flower Tank, J.Crew Equestrian Belt, Gucci Grease Platform Sandals

Yes, but I think I figured out a solution though it’s still unproven. Spanx is the way to go. I found this thing called “Higher Power” which I think is the perfect solution to this problem I’m sure many ladies have with pencil skirts. Because it extends all the way up to the rib cage rather than middle of your stomach, it’s less likely to roll down when you move. It also covers down to your mid-thigh so you can wear with shorter skirts. Also perfect since it’s quite windy in NYC and now I will no longer be paranoid with every wind blow that the whole street will see my underwear. Not bad for $36. I have a couple of tights from Spanx that I wear in the winter and I loved the tummy-flattening aspect of the top part. I have a feeling no matter how flat my abs are, there will always be that weird pooch with pencil skirts. Anyway, buying this as a solution is a thought that just hit me a few days ago and I ordered it online, so it’ll be a few days before I can come on here and verify for you all whether I was right.

But I digress. I highly recommend this pencil skirt and you can get it here from Banana Republic for only$ 69.50. If you wait until one of their 25% promo days and combine it with Bing 25% cashback, you’re looking at a very affordable and timeless investment.