Perfect Spring Pencil Skirts

I've got my legs out today for the first time in months! Yes, they could be used as camouflage for wildlife in the event that the Arctic finally gives up the ghost and melts, but they're out and it feels lovely having warm April air on them again.

My absolute favourite thing about spring is bare legs. For this, I use a coterie of ancient pencil skirts that belonged to my mum in the 80s, as well as more up-to-date purchases from the last few years. A pencil skirt is utterly brilliant for spring: just add in a nice top or a slouchy t-shirt, stick on a wide belt (mine's elasticated - no judgments. It's got to get me through Pie Winter too) and stick some shoes and sunglasses on and you're good to go.

High-waisted skirts are the way to go, or you end up with a gap between your belt and the skirt that looks insane (don't skip the belt, it nips you in and gives you curves that are proper curves and not Daily Mail euphemism). I love this New Look striped skirt. It's only £14.99, it has those excellent go-faster panels on the sides that are genuinely slimming, and horizontal stripes really are to be embraced by everyone. Not vertical, unless you want to look like a signpost.

I've had an enormous crush on this M&S Limited Collection skirt for ages (more panelling again, this isn't a theme, promise). M&S has really pushed the boat out for spring and there is a ton of gorgeous stuff in. This is £35 and it comes in sizes 6 to 18 (18 is sold out online so order it in-store).

This Amori Bay pencil skirt is £38 from Oasis (sizes 6 to 18; ask in-store for 6 and 18) and that pattern is to die for. Honestly. I've put in a lifestyle shot so you can get an idea of how to style it (although actually, a navy blue top and bright shoes would look a bit more interesting IMO - yours truly, Gok Brown) but let's have a close-up of that pattern.

Love it. It's all Japanese-ish and makes me think of blossoms and sunset paintings involving mountains. And ultimately, a really good spring skirt should make you feel optimistic or 100 per cent cheerful.

Like this liquorice allsort skirt for instance! Who doesn't want to look like they're channelling sweets? I love it. It's from Topshop Tall and costs £22 in sizes 8 to 16 (and yes, there's a regular version too, sizes 4 to 16).

ASOS is always tremendous for bright, exciting skirts and this season is no different. Have a good look through for your favourite - in the meantime, I love this fantastic graphic Sonia by Sonia Rykiel jersey skirt (£70, sizes S, M, L). It's dramatic, puts you in mind of wonderful places, and will go brilliantly with all your most colourful clothes. So you can go about your business feeling amazing, as you absolutely should at this time of year.

Happy legs-baring!