New York & Co. Seamed Pencil Skirt ($43)

A few months ago, I was on a trip when I noticed a tear in the black pencil skirt that was the foundation of three days worth of business attire.  Panic ensued.  I dipped into NY & Co., and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the pencil skirt that I bought there–better than H&M, similar to the Limited.  It has good style, a flattering fit, and despite the fact that the material is entirely man-made, the feel isn’t scratchy.

New York & Co.’s suiting pieces go up to size 18, and also come in petite.  If you’d like a longer skirt, New York & Co. also makes a long seamed skirt that is the perfect sleek, almost-midi skirt.  Prefer a fuller skirt?  They also make a fit-and-flare skirt to add some femininity and fun to your work wardrobe.  And don’t miss this adorable pleated lace skirt for casual days or off-hours.

Plus-size?  Torrid makes a pencil skirt for under-$50, and the Merona line from Target also offers an affordable pencil skirt.  Tall?  Liz Claiborne offers a pencil skirt for under-$50, as does J. Jill.