If you want a read on the most sophisticated silhouettes of the season, might I suggest a scroll through Gwyneth Paltrow's Instagram page? Rife with elegant knitwear and some of the chicest new-season styling, her feed is an abundant source of inspiration. A near-weekly ritual of mine, I was enjoying my usual scroll this week when I spotted Gwyneth swap her time-tested denim for an elegant skirt trend, styling it with knee-high boots and a knit.

Opting for a sleek pencil-skirt silhouette, Gwyneth bypassed the fresh-from-the-runway knee-length designs in favour of a slightly longer, calf-skimming cut. Paired with glossy leather boots, she crafted an easy styling formula I'm certain we'll see much more of as winter progresses.

(Image credit: @gwynethpaltrow)

Completing the look with a blouse in a tonal shade of navy, Gwyneth introduced a pop of colour with an orange bag slung across her body.

Having made their presence felt across runway collections this season, pencil skirts are well and truly back on the fashion person's radar, offering a sophisticated alternative to the jeans and trousers we so often rely on. Ever inspired by Gwyneth's wardrobe, I've rounded up the chicest pencil skirts to shop below.

Shop Pencil Skirts:

H&M Twill Pencil Skirt

I think this looks much more expensive than it actually is.

Asos Design Tailored Clean Waistband Pencil Skirt

This dark grey shade is so easy to slot into a capsule wardrobe.

Reformation Carolyn Skirt

This also comes in a floral velvet style.

Massimo Dutti Straight Wool-Blend Midi Skirt

The wool composition ensures a cosy finish.

Jigsaw Tailored Pencil Skirt

Style this with the matching blazer or wear it with a simple tee.

The Fold Clever Crepe Oliena Skirt

This also comes in five other shades.

Zara Straight Skirt

Be quick! This won't stay in stock for long.

Kookai Ashford Maxi Skirt

Style this with knee-high boots to get Gwyneth's look.