This is my first “Tip Tuesday” post and after recent purchase of some peplum tops from Express, I am so excited to discuss peplums on the blog today.
First and foremost, what is a peplum? By practical definition it’s a short flare of fabric that is attached to the waist of blouses, jackets, and sometimes even skirts or dresses. If it’s hard for you to tell the difference between your waist and your hips, then a peplum top is a great option for creating an illusion that there is a difference. Not only does the cinched waist of the peplum create definition of your waist, but it also draws your eye away from your hips. That means this style works great for people with little to no hips, as well as those with fuller hips. How awesome is that?!
For it to be truly flattering on all body types, one must nail the fit. I’m giving you four tips today to help with that:
1. Avoid it being too short or too long. I have a longer torso and I have to pay particular attention to this. In seeking to avoid a stumpy appearance, I look for peplums that sit a couple inches below my hip bones. Doing this helps bring the line out from the fullest part of the hips giving a flattering figure.
2. Make sure the seam is in the middle of your waist. Waist lines that are too high will give the appearance of having more of a stomach and a muffin top than you actually do. You definitely will not want that! Similarly, waistlines that are too far below your actual waist will distort the appearance, leaving your legs looking much shorter than reality. Keeping the seam right around the middle of your waist will help avoid that. If you love a top that sits right at the hips, but is a little off in the waistline, try adding a skinny belt in contrasting color to bring the illusion back.
3. Keep the fabric fitted, but not tight. Baggy fabric, lots of ruffles, or too large of a peplum can look comical, causing smaller figures to drown and larger frames to appear larger. Keeping the fabric well structured and flattering to your body, you will be closer to mastering the illusion of a peplum.
4. Pair it with slimming bottoms. Skinny jeans, slim fit trousers, fitted pencil skirts and maxi skirts work great with peplum tops. Anything bigger, such as wide length pants or flared skirts will not look as flattering.
Hopefully you’ve enjoyed my first Tip Tuesday post and are on your way to achieving the illusion of perfect body symmetry from peplum tops!
Keep smiling!
Top: Express Zip Back Peplum| Shorts: Merona Black Shorts Similar | Purse: Jessica Simpson Pink Cross Body Similar | Sandals: Steve Madden Balinn Flat Sandal Similar | Hat: Forever 21 Black Floppy Hat Similar | Necklace: Lulus Gold Chain Trio Similar | Earrings: Kendra Scott Black Iridescent Alexandra
I’m Molly Lawson! I live in Seattle and am an optimist, adventurer, and bold lipstick wearer. I created this space to inspire and empower women with words of encouragement known as #MollysWords and share inspiration through my personal style. I always want my readers to leave with a smile and I hope you do!
Hi!! I have this top (three of them actually, lol) and I do love it because it’s a versatile top…the only thing with mine is that it’s so itchy in the back…something about where the zipper meets the tag!
Anyway! I digress. Such great tips for styling peplum! You always look great!
xx
The Fashionable ESQ (Esquire)
http://www.thefashionableesq.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much! I love this top from Express!
I don’t think I’ve noticed any itching though. Have you tried taking the tags out? I’ll have to pay more attention to it next time.
Thanks for your support!
Molly