As the seasons shift, I find myself searching for ways to maintain the sleek, polished styling habits I perfected during the winter months. Without the structure of knee-high boots and tailored wool trousers, spring dressing doesn't always feel super sophisticated—unless, of course, you seek out warm-weather staples that offer the same level of refinement. Luckily, I’ve just found the perfect solution: a spring skirt trend that has completely elevated my approach to dressing for the warmer weather.
With all the sharpness of my favourite winter trousers, this spring, I’m swapping them out for the rising grey pencil skirt trend. Designed to skim the figure without clinging, this refined silhouette falls somewhere between the knee and ankle, delivering a sophisticated look free from excess frills or pleats—the perfect foundation for a sophisticated ensemble.
Not entirely new to the fashion scene, these skirts have dipped in and out of favour for decades—right now, however, they feel more relevant than ever.
Aligning with the broader tailoring trend that’s been gaining momentum on and off the runways, this skirt offers an easy way to incorporate the trend, without having to track down a boxy blazer or menswear tie. In soft grey rather than classic black, these skirts bring a fresh, lighter touch—perfect for pairing with the soft neutrals and pastels that define a spring wardrobe.
Already a hit among the style set, I recently spotted actor Kelly Rutherford embracing the trend in a light-grey suit, complete with a calf-grazing pencil skirt in Paris this week. The result? An outfit that felt as polished as winter tailoring but with spring-ready ease—exactly the kind of balance I’m looking for this season.
Certain to become a street style favourite, read on to discover my edit of the best pencil skirts below.
SHOP GREY PENCIL SKIRTS:
This also comes in dark grey and black.
Style with the matching vest or pair with a simple tee.
This wardrobe staple is so easy to slot into a capsule collection.
The high slit detailing gives this a sexy edge, while making it so much more comfortable to move in.
Shop this while it's on sale.
This cropped at ankle length for a sleek and structured finish.
I really can't see this staying in stock for long.
Style with a black knit or pair it with a pink layer for a pop of colour.
I always come back to The Frankie Shop for their chic, elevated basics.
-
It's Here: The It-Girl Skirt Trend to Wear With Kitten Heels This FallBonus points if you wear it in yellow.
-
10 Trends Set to Define Spring 2026 FashionExplore our deep dive into the top trends from the runways.
-
Step Aside, Butter Yellow, Burgundy, and Baby Pink—2026's It Color Has Just ArrivedRefreshingly good.
-
This Fall Skirt Trend Will Log More Hours of Wear Time Than Your Mini and Maxi Skirts CombinedGuaranteed.
-
If You Live in NYC, You *Should* Know That the Chicest Way to Wear a Miniskirt and Tights in Fall Is With This Elegant Shoe Color TrendIt's not black pumps or white sneakers.
-
From Subdued to Overstimulated: Glenn Martens Makes His RTW Debut at MargielaWith Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner in the front row.
-
Carven: What Cool Women in Paris and New York Will Be Wearing in Spring 2026Everything you need to know about Mark Thomas's runway debut for the French fashion house.
-
These 12 Fall Skirt Outfit Combos Are Giving Serious Cool Girl EnergyRe-creating immediately.
