With its flattering silhouette, the pencil skirt looks good on everyone but always seems to get a bad rap. We'll blame Melanie Griffith in Working Girl, who clunked around Wall Street in her version paired with rubber-soled commuter shoes. Yet Mother's pencil skirt, made from tailored denim, feels fresh and not too stuffy — easy to toss on with a silky blouse and heels for a casual Friday or with an oversize sweater and chic sneakers for the weekend.

Mother Denim Pencil Skirt, $176 at Net-a-Porter.