J.Crew’s new Perfect pencil skirt fits like last year’s Double serge pencil skirt in my opinion. I tried on the size 0 in fresh plum. The skirt sat low on the waist with the hem hitting right below the knee. This is exactly how my Bronzed Ochre double serge skirt from last year fit.
This year’s pencil skirt is a slightly lighter weight wool I think. I was worried at first that this was just a cost cutting measure but I really like the new material. It’s still substantial, it didn’t show every lump and bump. But it feels a little easier to wear for me.
Another difference is the perfect pencil skirt zips at the side and has darts at the front. I really like the darts, they accent the waist nicely and help give the skirt a trim silhouette. I don’t mind the zipper being on the side. It laid perfectly flat for me. However, I did have a hell of a time zipping it the last inch. The skirt was not too small and it was not catching on the fabric. But it may have been catching on a piece of thread. I’m not sure what the problem was but I really struggled with it. Anyone else have this issue?
The Fresh Plum color is absolutely beautiful. It may be my favorite J.Crew color of all time. If I buy the skirt I was planning on pairing it with navy and grey mainly. I think it would also look gorgeous with honey glaze but I’ve sold all of my honey glaze tops. If you have the plum skirt, what are you wearing it with?
Although, I felt the perfect pencil skirt fit true to size, I may try to petite 0 instead of the regular length. I’d like to wear it a little higher on the waist and have the hem hit mid-knee.
PS-Ignore the boots, I was just trying to spare you my bright white socks lol.
What do you think of the Perfect pencil skirts and how would you compare them to the Double serge?


I prefer the skirt to sit higher on the waist, too…so go for the petite 0. The regular 6 hugs me perfectly, and if I had got the regular 8 it would have looked a bit droopy and sad. And this pencil skirt is supposed to look all fierce!
The color is awesome…agreed. Grey, yellow, some shades of green, brown, and maybe a grown-up pink could look lovely with it!
Thanks for the review!
Wow – beautiful color and fit. Agree with you on getting the petite so it hits more mid-knee. I've had to do that on a few skirts and I'm 5'7"!
Looks great on you! Would look pretty with navy or grey but who knows, I bet if you try it with some different colors in your wardrobe you'd be surprise.
I personally like the skirt to sit higher on the waist. The skirt is beautiful though and I bet that this color paired with navy blue would be breathe taking!
The skirt looks great on you! Love the fresh color. I would pair this skirt with turquoise or that spearmint color J.Crew was rocking last winter.
Love that color! And I love the striped leg peeking in the photo!
This color is gorgeous! Love, love, love. Honey Glaze would be very pretty with it. Fortunately, I still have all of my Honey Glaze sweaters and tops. Hmm, I might have to buy this skirt! Thanks for the review. (lol! love the striped leg w/ the cute flats, too.)
I really love this skirt on you! The color is so fun too! I have so many pencil skirts already but this one is tempting me a LOT…
Thanks for the color ideas ladies!
I was wondering if you would notice the little foot lol. She is 5 and told me today, "I have nothing to wear. Nothing in my closet is pretty!" On no, it starts already lol
I adore that cute little striped leg peeking into the photo!
The skirt is beautiful! My SA has told me when ordering petites to order up a size–is that not true? I have never done it, so I don't know if she is correct. Like since I am a 0, I should order a 2 Petite. I would love to know how the 0 petite fits if you do decide to order it.
Oooo, I looove that color! I always like the way plum and grey look together, as well as plum and yellow. For that shade of purple, I think a pastel yellow or mustard-y yellow would look stellar.
Thanks for your awesome review. You do such a great job describing everything and it is very helpful! I agree that this needs to be shorter and higher. I love that higher waist look for pencil skirts. I would love this with charcoal, black, navy (I guess those are the obvious!) and also patterned tops with flecks of plum. I think the list is long! A very pretty color, indeed! Oh and maybe you should pick up a pair of tights like the little ones..they are perfect with it!!
Petunia,
I think if you want the same fit but shorter you size up in petite but I want it to fit smaller around the waist, so I'd try the 0p
Sweetsy-Thank you, glad I could help! Lol at the tights, she has a much better collection than me
I love the colors… but I am not a fan of the seam down the back. I just feel like it brings attention to my behind. :/
this color is great, though. I like it with charcoal and mint.
I didn't notice a seam! I'll be sure to check that if I buy, ty
eeee! This makes me happy – I have this skirt coming in cinnamon. But you are really making me think about plum…
^oh and I'm probably boring, but I would pair it with pewter or grey…am I crazy to think it would look neat with cypress?
I hadn't even thought of a green, that could be really pretty