‘Pockets are essential’: what to look for when shopping

Pencil or pleated, maxi or mini, this season anything goes. But one thing is certain – for quality and convenience, you can’t go past pockets

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The best skirt I own is a high-waisted pencil skirt that comes to just above my ankles, with a split in the back that runs all the way up to the mid-thigh. It is made from a stiff wool tailoring fabric that holds its shape, so it never creases.

It’s the kind of skirt that can be worn with a T-shirt and sandals but can also become something far more glamorous with the right blouse and a heel. Its only real flaw is the lack of pockets. Skirts like this should not be so hard to come by, and yet, finding one that is practical, stylish and versatile can be difficult.