Photos from benjaminkanarekblog.com
Pencil Skirts and Heels:
There’s a style in my wardrobe that’s held a quiet corner of my heart for as long as I can remember—the classic dance of pencil skirts and heels. It’s a pairing that hums with chic elegance, a timeless pull that feels as fresh now as it did when I first slipped into it years ago. Living in Europe, though, where the weather twists and turns like a moody artist, I’ve had to ration my indulgence in this duo, tucking it away for those rare, golden days when the sun breaks through. But when it does—oh, when it does—I can’t help but revel in the chance to flaunt it, to step into a look that’s as sophisticated as it is simple. Today, I’m bubbling over with excitement to share this love with you—why pencil skirts and heels captivate me, how I’ve danced with them through Europe’s fickle skies, and the inspiration I’ve drawn from stunning images, like those of Alexandra Richards captured by Benjamin Kanarek for Harper’s BAZAAR. Join me as I unpack this classic combo, a style that’s weathered seasons and still shines bright.
A Style That Stays
I can’t pinpoint when pencil skirts and heels first hooked me—it’s been a slow burn, a love that’s grown with every wear. Maybe it started in my teens, flipping through old magazines—Mom’s Vogues, pages curling—spotting icons in slim skirts and stilettos, poised like they owned the world. Or later, in my 20s, stepping into my first office job—black skirt hugging my hips, heels clicking on tile—feeling that shift: I’m here, I’m sharp, I’m me. It’s a duo that’s stuck—a classic that’s never felt old, a chic that’s weathered trends and come out glowing.
There’s something about it—the way a pencil skirt traces your lines, sleek and tailored, a silhouette that’s all elegance without a whisper of fuss. Pair it with heels—pointed, modest, sky-high—and it’s a lift, a stride that turns a walk into a statement. I’d slip it on—Stockholm’s rare sun, New York’s fleeting warmth—and feel it: timeless, a beauty that doesn’t need to shout. It’s not loud—it’s lovely, a style that’s stayed because it’s sure, a love I’ve carried across continents and seasons.
Europe’s Weather Dance
Living in Europe’s taught me patience—its weather’s a fickle friend, one day sun-soaked, the next a swirl of gray. I’d land here—Stockholm first, its chill a shock—and realize: my pencil skirts, my heels, they’d wait. Fall sweeps in crisp—leaves gold, air sharp—but winter bites hard, a blanket of clouds that buries summer’s glow. Spring teases—sun peeking, then rain—and summer’s fleeting, a blink of warmth I’d chase. It’s limited me—those skirts, those heels tucked away, traded for boots and coats too often.
I’d watch—locals striding, scarves swirling, bags swinging—handbags ruling where jewelry or skirts might fade. It’s versatile—weather demands it—and I’ve adapted: jeans, knits, a coat that shields. But when the sun breaks—oh, when it does—I’d leap, skirt on, heels clicking, a chance to flaunt what I love. Summer’s my stage—days long, skies clear—a backdrop for that chic I’ve craved. I’d step out—Stockholm’s streets, a breeze soft—and feel it: this is mine, a moment I’d stretch if I could.
Inspiration in Images
That love’s been lit anew lately—scrolling benjaminkanarekblog.com, stumbling on Alexandra Richards shot by Benjamin Kanarek for Harper’s BAZAAR. I’d pause—screen glowing, breath caught—struck by her in a pencil skirt, heels sharp, a look that’s pure poetry. She’s there—black skirt hugging, heels lifting—a vision that’s chic, not loud, a nod to what I’ve always felt. Kanarek’s lens catches it—light slanting, her poise a hum—a grace that’s timeless, a spark I’ve chased in my own way.
Another shot—navy skirt, nude heels—a twist I’d try, a softness that sings autumn’s tune. I’d linger—images piling, each one a nudge—how this duo bends, shifts, stays. A white blouse tucked, a belt cinched—she’s everyday, elevated, a balance I’d weave into my days. It’s not just her—it’s them, a gallery of looks that echo my love: pencil skirts and heels, chic that charms without clamor. I’ve saved them—screengrabs, a mood board—a well of inspiration for when the weather lets me play.
Photos - Alexandra Richards (Model) by Benjamin Kanarek for Harpers BAZAAR
Timeless Appeal, Timely Joy
That appeal—it’s why I’m here, spilling this love. Few combos rival it—the pencil skirt’s sleek sweep, the heel’s quiet lift—a sophistication that’s effortless, a style that’s stood years. I’d wear it—formal nights, skirt black, heels sharp—feeling it: elegance instant, a look that lands. Or daily—denim skirt, kitten heels—a nudge of chic for coffee runs, a glow I’d carry light. It’s versatile—not stiff, not starchy—a fit that shifts from gala to street, a timeless thread I’ve tied to me.
Kanarek’s shots nail it—Richards in a skirt, heels clicking, a look that’s not loud but lasting. I’d see—her stride, her calm—and feel it: this is it, a style that’s chic because it’s sure. It’s not skin—it’s shape, a beauty that’s deep not dazzling. I’ve worn it—Stockholm’s sun, a skirt hugging, heels soft—and known: it’s not trend; it’s truth, a joy I’d chase when clouds part.
Weather’s Whims and Wardrobe Wins
Europe’s whims—its gray, its chill—limit it, yes, but make it sweeter. I’d watch—rain streaking, wind biting—my skirts tucked, heels shelved, a wait I’ve learned to dance. Winter’s long—boots rule, coats cloak—but summer’s rare glow? It’s mine, a stage I’d leap to fill. I’d slip on—midi skirt, black heels—a thrill that’s sharp, a win that’s waited. Autumn teases—crisp, clear—a chance I’d grab, skirt swaying, heels tapping.
Those images—benjaminkanarekblog.com—light that wait: Richards in a skirt, heels steady, a look that bends seasons. I’d try—navy skirt, boots swapped—a nod to fall, a glow that shifts. It’s special—rare here, rich for it—a style that shines brighter because it’s rationed. I’d feel—sun warm, skirt snug—a joy that’s not daily but deep, a chic I’d savor when weather lets.
A Style That Sings
This love—it’s me, a thread through years. I’d wear—Stockholm’s glow, skirt sleek, heels soft—a hum that’s stayed. Kanarek’s lens—Richards poised—echoes it: timeless, true, a beauty that’s not loud but lasting. It’s not all—jeans hum, coats cloak—but this? It’s my heart, a style that lifts when sun breaks. I’d dream—skirts piling, heels gleaming—a wardrobe I’d weave if clouds would part.
It’s inspiration—those shots, this season—a glow I’ve caught in October’s hush. Pencil skirts, heels—they’re chic, they’re me, a timeless tune I’ll sing when warmth allows. Europe’s whims limit—yes—but spark it sweeter, a style I’d chase, a joy I’ve found. Here’s to it—to skirts, to heels, to elegance that stays, season after season.