I you were here yesterday, you are already aware that I have embarked on a week-long project of posting black outfits for summer. I know it’s already August and there isn’t much time left, but even if you are generally dubious about wearing black in summer, now is a good time to try – if it doesn’t work out, you can simply wait a few weeks and it’ll be Autumn and black will look completely uncontroversial. That’s another good argument for summer black: these items are much easier to wear year round than light florals or pastels.

If there is one item I’ve worn for decades, in all seasons, it’s the black pencil skirt. It suits me and my style, it never looks entirely dated and it works in so many situations. It was therefore clear there had to be a black pencil skirt in this series as well. To underline the point about timelessness, I chose a skirt I’ve owned for more than 10 years now, possibly 15? It’s a black lace number by Hanna Korsar and I’ve worn it so much it’s a wonder it’s still in one piece. If you usually find pencil skirts rather unforgiving, I recommend trying lace, as the texture of the fabric makes it somewhat easier to wear – same with tweed.

You can of course always pair a pencil skirt with a silk shirt or a pussy-bow blouse or a structured jacket for a more formal situation. A t-shirt or a relaxed knit would look more minimal and modern. I went for a trendier top: as you’ve probably seen, I have embraced the puff sleeves and here I’m combining them with another trend, organza. Sleeves are a relatively easy way to add some volume and interest to your look or act out any latent princess fantasies one might have. Big sleeves also make your torso, waist and hips seem slightly smaller, something I find very handy (I have no boobs, but my upper body is wide).

This is a look I would wear to the office, but it would not be out of place in a fancier setting, be it a cocktail reception, dinner or theatre. Actually, it would probably be more fitting in those fancier situations, it’s just my custom to occasionally overdress for work. I have gone with pretty ladylike shoes: pencil skirts can be tricky to pair with flats, and while you can of course do that, a classic pump is probably the easiest option.

So here you go, look number two. I’ll be back with something more casual tomorrow.

Top by Zara, skirt by Hanna Korsar, shoes by Balenciaga. Images Getter Kuusmaa, MUAH Erle Taklai.