This ultra-feminine staple is more flattering than it looks–I surprised myself when I first tried it on. Because the silhouette juts out at our widest part–-the hips-–I thought it would emphasize my hips, but it does quite the opposite. The peplum skirt itself is  w i d e r than our actual hips; your eye goes above the skirt to the smallest part: ze waist! Wearing a peplum top or dress will accentuate your waist while the frilly-ness of the style will up the feminine factor of your outfit as well. I have to admit: I’ve succumbed to the peplum…

I even spotted fellow DC blogger, Lacey Maffettone, rocking a peplum. If you’re reading this, Lacey, I want to apologize in advance for buying the same top–it was my feminine indulgence at the end of the summer 🙂 I want to note what the same exact H&M top did for our different body types:

For me, the skirt balances my slender hourglass figure. I am conscious of how masculine my shoulders can look, but the peplum creates a literal symmetry between my bony shoulders and the width of the skirt, allowing each to look very proportional and neither too extreme. I’m also a bit self-conscious of my upper arms, but the longer length of the short-sleeves takes care of that.

For Lacey, the skirt balances her fuller hourglass figure. Again, the peplum creates a literal symmetry balancing a wider upper-body with the fullness of the skirt. An added benefit can be seen on Lacey as well–her larger chest provides curves for the peplum to cling to, accentuating her tiny waist even more! For you readers who have a well-endowed chest, I suggest you seek a peplum in a polyester double knit, or “scuba,” fabric–this fabric has a fantastic amount of stretch (read: cling) as well as form, so the garment will have a better chance at clinging to the curves of your bust and waist but enough form to properly jut out as a peplum should.

Anywho, let me show you how versatile this popular trend is:

Everyday wear: Play up the feminine factor by choosing your peplum in a girly hue and pair it with your favorite pair of cropped jeans & wedges.

Cocktail / Work wear: Instead of a shirt, choose a structured jacket with a peplum detail–an interesting twist to the standard blazer. You’ll be able to pair it with skirts as well as pants, even as a topper to a form-fitting dress.

My way to rock a peplum: as a shirt–I can’t bring myself to buy this trend in anything other than a topper (my style just isn’t that girly). To take the focus off of the girly-ness, I chose the shirt in a dark merlot or burgundy color and added a tougher plated waist belt with cone spikes. Throw in my staple jeggings and wedge moto booties…that’s how I rock a girly trend 🙂

Photo of Lacey via