This spring peplums made a significant come back and are now enjoying their moment. This at first sight weird silhouette that we saw flooding the runways this spring has become the hottest and most wearable trend of SS2012. And what’s more – it is here to stay, for at least a couple more seasons, the fall 2012 runway images below are to prove that. So if you have been debating if a peplum top will make a worthy addition to your wardrobe, the answer is a definite “yes”. Before you hit the stores though, read on to find out which peplum top to choose to flatter you body type and how to create stylish ensembles featuring this fashionable item.
Before we proceed to talking about how to wear peplum tops, let’s first make sure we all know what we are discussing here. So, peplum is a short overskirt or a ruffle attached around the waistline. It was first introduced by Dior in 1947.
Then this shape was forgotten for a couple of decades and now we are witnessing the return of this structured and feminine detail.
What body types would a peplum top benefit the most?
Peplums are here to celebrate femininity accentuating utterly womanly shape of an hourglass. Peplums are believed to be flattering to any body type if worn right. Both straight and curvy lines can benefit from wearing peplums by letting them either create the illusion of shape, balance out the proportions, or enhance the curves that are already there.
Speaking in the terminology of my post on Somatype where I gave an overview of 3 major body types – ectomoprh, mesomoprh and endomorph, I would say that peplums can be easily incorporated into the wadrobe of a mesomorph and an ectomorph, while already voluptuous shapes of an endomoprh definitely do not need extra bulk and exaggeration.
So if you are an ecto- or mesomorph, i.e. someone who is not very full-bodied with soft curves, large bust or chest, these tips will help you pick the right peplum.
- if you have a little tummy peplums that sit just above the waist at the narrowest part of your torso will perfectly hide any hint that it exists
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- if your body shape is straight with a barely defined waist make sure the peplum detail on your top sits right where the waist is, creating this much wanted contrast between your hips and waistline. In case of the narrow shoulders look for the designs with padded shoulders or puffed sleeves to add to the ideal shoulder-waist-hips proportion
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- if you are heavier at the bottom and believe that you shouldn’t touch any peplum with a 10-feet pole, you are wrong! The peplum can still flatter your figure by drawing in the waist and building an hour-glass shape, just go for the sharply structured items with a nipped-in waist
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- for those of you with short torsos, tops with peplums that flare out from lower on the body will do the trick of elongating the line
- if your torso is longer than your legs, then opt for the designs with the ruffle positioned just above the natural waist line to mend the proportion and making the lower part of your body appear visually longer. This trick also work for shorter girls
As you see, there is a variety of different peplums, each of them serving a different purpose, it’s just a matter of finding the one right for you.How to wear a peplum top?The most elegant way to wear a peplum top is to pair it up with a pencil skit. Midi length will create the most classy ensemble. Don’t forget a narrow belt
Another elegant option is to pair your top up with a pair of narrow tailored pants. This will work especially good if your top has some texture, like lace for example
For a more casual look combine your peplum with a pair of skinny jeans
For a very relaxed feeling, try mixing a casual fabric peplum top with mini shorts. Mind the shoes have to be very casual like sandals or simple flats
What NOT to wear a peplum top with? Peplum top pairings no-no’sIt’s usually not a good idea to pair a peplum top with:
- leggings
- jeans of any cut except for skinny
- harem pants
- pants and skirt with pleats and gathers at the waist
- cargo shorts and pants
- chinos
- high-low skirts
You can shop for peplums here
Do you already have a peplum in your wardrobe? What do you wear it with? Or maybe you are still hesitating and unsure which one will look good on you, then ask me for help and I’ll gladly give you a hand.
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So inspiring,honey!Great post;)
xx
B.
http://www.beeswonderland.com/
I absolutely adore the peplum trend. Just got into it recently with a couple of plain coloured ones
yeah I have a cardigan, bought it at Jacob’s (I’m in Canada) last year… Didn’t even know it’s going to be trendy this year.
Thanks for the post. I just bought a black leather peplum top mainly because my mom said it looked so flattering on me but I did not know what to wear it with. I think I will just wear it with a skinny skirt for upcoming meetings. I like the creme skinny skirt you listed with the lace detail along the side seams. Where is that from? In the winter I will pair a crisp white shirt under my leather peplum with skinny jeans and boots. This blog post was very helpful. Thank you!
Loved the pairing suggestions! I recently bought a peplum top and I love pairing it with my white skinny cropped pants! I love how peplum can dress up an ensemble.
Thank you, Mina
) Peplums indeed have powers to make wonderful outfits.
I recently bought a black peplum with lace detail from Topshop. I am a size 12, mainly because of my chest !! I have found that it is really flattering, but I am unsure whether to combine it this weekend (my boyfriends birthday so I need to look amaze) with black skinny jeans, denim skinnies or a black skirt? Mini or pencil? I don’t want to look too smart, I am 21 so I think a pencil might look older than my age?
What do you think?
Hi Jess,
sorry for the late response, the notification failed to reach me.
I would recommend you wear black skinny jeans with your peplum. In my opinion it will make a perfect look for a special occasion, sophisticated and elegant while appropriate for your age.
I think you are right, with a pencil skirt your outfit will look too official and mature for your age. Mini skirts I would never recommend pairing with this peplum, they simply belong to two different leagues and will undermine each other’s fashion statements. Lace peplum is about sleekness, elegance and sophistication and a mini will simplify the look.
Hope you looked great and had fun at the birthday party
All sound advice… but don’t peplum wearers ever get cold? I’m loving looking at all these shapely dresses in the shops, but I can’t work out what I’m going to wear over them without diminishing the structure – any ideas?
Thanks for the question, Chilly.
A lot of peplums, as they are now softer, smaller and less structured then the original ones from the 40′s, will fit perfectly fine under a jacket or coat unless your outerwear is really tight fitting. For the ones that are more rigid and need their structure to be preserved, oversized jackets/coats (the trend of this season) will be the ideal solution. Check out my facebook album to see what I’m talking about – http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.498218383542044.115236.470207473009802&type=1
I recently bought a red peplem top and I’m finding it difficult to figure out what to wear it with as it’s quite a bright colour and not sure if it will stand out too much, and I can’t seem to make it work with my type of body shape where my hips are quite wide and I have quite a big bum, haha. It goes well with fitted black skirts, but I want to be able to wear it casually as well and doesn’t look flattering in any jeans I pick out, any suggestions?
Hi Shannan,
to be honest it’s hard to recommend anything without seeing you and your top. But I’m pretty sure that skinny jeans in dark solid denim should look very good. Bright top should draw attention away from your bottom area and dark denim will make this area look slimmer. Wearing pumps in dark color to create a continuous unbroken line with your jeans will make your legs appear taller therefore further balancing out the silhouette. Just remember that jeans should be solid, no washed out, faded look, only minimalistic detailing, especially pockets need to be as simple as possible. Also make sure that the hemline of the top hits either above or below the widest part of your hips.
Hope that was helpful and have fun with your top
I’ve only just started buying peplum tops/ dresses and i absolutely love them! so flattering even on me and i’m a plus-size. Will definitely be buying more peplum. I find them rather comfortable, not itchy, and extremely flattering definitely recommend peplums!!
I’d glad you are liking the trend, Melody
And thank you for your opinion.
I have recently found a strapless peplum top online that I love. But I am unsure whether to buy it because I have a large bust. I have a narrow waist and medium sized hips – I just don’t want to look top heavy!
Do you have a recommendation?
Hi Hannah,
if the peplum detail is low enough, i.e. the top is not high waisted, you should be safe. Peplum should draw attention away from your upper body towards the hips, balance out the body by adding volume to the lower part, and create even more of an hourglass shape. From what I envisioned in my head, it should look gorgeous on your physique
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Hope this helped
I recently bought a white peplum top from Zara and I have no idea what to wear it with this weekend (my bestfriend’s birthday party) . Should I go for a black skirt maybe ? or skinny jeans ? I also need help with the heels. any recommendations?
& I’m 18 years old.
Thank you so much. Great post by the way
Hi Dina,
do you have a picture of the top? A link perhaps to the website?
Yes, it look exactly like this top http://www.google.com.eg/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1366&bih=624&tbm=isch&tbnid=puk8jaW2sWyPvM:&imgrefurl=https://bollywoodfashionpolice.wordpress.com/tag/bollywood/page/2/&docid=ENqPH_yewy-hdM&imgurl=http://bollywoodfashionpolice.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/deepika3.jpg&w=393&h=650&ei=qhOsUK21GIaztAadjYCwCg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=820&vpy=113&dur=313&hovh=141&hovw=83&tx=109&ty=143&sig=114878001568138259069&page=1&tbnh=141&tbnw=83&start=0&ndsp=27&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0,i:78
Hi Dina,
sorry for not getting back to you earlier, have been really busy preparing for the upcoming seminar.
Here are the looks that I think should look good.
I suggest you could either go with this season trendy total-white look, spicing it with bright colors. I think it will look amazing on someone who is so young. Or, go with classy black and white combo to which I suggest adding a red accent. You could wear a mini skirt with it, too. Wouldn’t recommend a pencil skirt thou, that’s to formal and businesslike for the occasion and age.
I hope that helped. Have fun at the party!
hi! so i bought a lace beplum top, it is light pink i don’t know what to war it with! why not leggins? i was about to do that! i am very voluptuous so what do i do ! thnks !
Hi Stef,
My believe leggings and peplums do not work together, they belong to 2 different worlds. Leggigns are purely casual, they are as casual as it can get, they call for simple tunics, chunky oversized sweaters, casual shirts. Peplums on the other hand, even if made of knitted cotton, are on more elegant feminine side and wearing them with leggings is very depreciating to the benefits peplums give us. Besides, I believe when wearing leggings your bottom should be covered and peplums are never long enough to do so.
My advice just pair it up with the items I write about in the post – skinny jeans or pencil skirt, it can even be a straight mini skirt if the style of your peplum allows. Peplum tops are by itself a core piece of your outfit so keep the rest simple but at the same level stylewise.
Cheers
I have a peplum w/ leather shoulder detail & slim leather piping on top of peplum. Ok to wear w/ shiny, metallic like pants or too armoired of a look? I also have tailored mini’s from jcrew which is I am leaning towards.
Hi Isabel,
From what you told me about your pieces I picture a stunning outfit! Having said that, whether or not you want to wear your leather detailed top with metallic finish pants will totally depend on the statement you would like to make with your appearance. This look will be bold, dramatic and will make your sharp style stand out. If you are sure you can pull it off and the occassion permits, go for it. For a more low- key, yet stylish and refined look a pencil will be an ideal choice.
Cheers
Thank you very much for the information. I have just purchased a gorgeous peplum top but I was not sure with what to wear it. Now I know that a pencil skirt is the best option. I have just the one but it has a kick pleat at the back and I am afraid that it could be too much although my husband thinks that it is perfect.
Alexandra, I am glad you found the article helpful
For the skirt with a kick pleat… Hmmm.. to be honest not quiet sure. Chances are they might not go well together in terms of style. The skirt might not be sleek and refined enough for a peplum top. From what I imagine, this skirt goes better with a chunky knit sweater or simple button down shirt, therefore is better suited for a down to earth comfy outfit, a bit different style that peplum tops are made for.
It’s hard to advise you anything without actually seeing the pieces.
What I can suggest you can do is to go and try your peplum with a pencil skirt to see if you like the look better. And if you do, invest in a pencil skirt, it’s a versatile item which you will enjoy wearing anyways.
I loved this article. Very useful for girls like me who are absolutely lost when it comes to fasion!
I have just received a black velvet peplum top and, honestly, I have no idea what to wear it with.
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRo4paAMPai72khtivQcUJlh0lZphAwzaZdhUsWXoBdhGdmApsx
That is a photo of the top.
It would be great if you could recommend me something.
Hi Eva,
thank you for your feedback and congrats on purchasing an amazing velvet top!
When thinking about combinations with this item I decided to use its fabric as a starting point. This luxury material is now in fashion and gives us a chance to create exciting combinations playing with textures. I thought it would be great to pair it up with another interesting and trendy texture – brocade. If you like the idea of a chic and opulent outfit you can go either with a pant or skirt.
Another idea and another texture to play with – metallic finish. I’m sure this top will look amazing with metallic finish denim.
Both, brocade and metallic finish combinations require you go easy on jewelry, in order not to overwhelm the outfit.
If the above ideas seem like a little bit too much for you, you can go with simple skinny jeans, and in order to support the velvet and the idea of luxury, royalty and festivity it implies – go with a tuxedo-like piping on the jeans – this little detail will bond the items in one look.
A sequin skirt or a skirt in a bright, almost neon color can also be a good way to incorporate velvet top into a young lady’s wardrobe.
Check out the sets below for visuals
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=72214292
http://www.polyvore.com/velvet_peplun_top_ideas_pants/set?id=72213828
A couple of links to the pieces I believe will go well with your top.
Pants – http://bit.ly/X11sjD
http://bit.ly/WHUbGW
http://bit.ly/WHUcux
http://bit.ly/WHUhyo
http://bit.ly/WHV02D
http://bit.ly/WHV2HC
Skirts – http://bit.ly/WHUjGA
http://bit.ly/WHUzW7
http://bit.ly/WHULET
hi,
it seems that you are a peplum expert! love the discussion about working out peplum with different body types and already put a link to this page on my site..
http://whattowearwith.weebly.com/peplum-top.html
hi i recently bought a black lace peplum dress the skirt part is raspberry ive a wedding in 2 wks n wundering what type of jacket r cardi cud i wear with it as the weather is still cold
Hi Bernie,
I have a couple of options for you:
first and the simplest one – you just wear your regular winter jacket. Providing it’s not too tight, it will not do any harm to the peplum. This will help you to make it to the venue nice and warm and then you just take it off and rock your dress
Second – you invest in some nice outerwear that you can pair up with the dress and build a gorgeous outfit. Almost any jacket will work providing it is cropped and ends before the peplum begins. Here I put together a list of what will look nice with a peplum dress – http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsocial.popsugar.com%2Fjackets-peplum-dress-28426775&pid=uid6169-6283987-53&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Link
Personally I would to pair a peplum dress up with a short down jacket, very playful and eclectic look it will yield.
Another look that I love is the one with cropped biker jacket, I seriously think it’s a must have item, very versatile and fashionable
If you looking for something you will be able to spend the entire night in – this classier jacket is the way to go.
Hope I was of some help
I recently bought a black peplum top from charlotte russe it has a lace detail from chest to shoulders
and I love it, but I don’t know if it’s to much if I wear it with black pants and I have a red heels and belt. I don’t really like skirts (too skinny ) and It’s for a special occasion . Please need opinions.
Hi Maria,
why would it be too much to wear your top with black pants? quiet the opposite, it is the most play it safe combo. I would only suggest that your pants would be on a skinnier side; straight cropped trousers also look good. Nothing flared or wide-legged thou. Red heels will serve as an accent and add interest to the outfit. I’m sure you will look great in this outfit – just go for it
So glad that I found your site! I recently bought a black peplum top (http://www.rickis.com/by-category/tops/cut-out-detail-peplum-top/prod8120ED312310124.html) and am planning on wearing it so a graduation ceremony. I wondering what to pair it with though. A white pencil skirt? A black and white print skirt? Any advice?
Hi Sara,
it’s a beautiful and very versatile top that you bought. It can be paired up really with a lot of different skirts with the final decision depending on your personal style (whether you are a conservative dresser or more of a fashion froward, daring type); and your body type (i.e. if you have wider hips, you probably want to avoid white bottoms, or if you’d like to appear taller – then go for a column of solid color). I put together I couple of pairings, ranging from really conservative (black and white skirts), through some interesting and fresh combinations (neon and red skirts) to incorporating the latest trends (striped skirt). My fave would be the black and white lace print skirt – really gorgeous look it makes with the top; and the red skirt, which gives us a classic but not boring look. Feel free to finish your outfit with a belt and contrasting colored clutch, and pumps of course.
Hope it was helpful and enjoy your ceremony! ))
Great suggestions and information.
Hi just purchased a black peplum top from river island,it has a built in leopard printer band/collar attached. I have no idea what to wear it with as tried it with black jeans and it looked like too much black especially as I have black hair. I am 46 years old and size 10 with pear shape. Please help.