"The pencil skirt has the perfect shape to highlight a print because it's a really clean surface, " said designer Joseph Altuzarra of the high-waisted, nipped-in style to which he returns season after season.

WSJ: Rethink: Pencil Skirts | Off Duty Spring 50

Merrill (nyse: MER - news - people) comes clean in the ad's (very) fine print, alerting readers that the clients are fictitious.

FORBES: Trompe L'oeil