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If you thought you left your peplum top back in 2010, there’s a surprise in store: they’re back and revamped. But put a stop to the bad flashbacks of structured leather and neoprene peplum tops—the voluminous style is now available in a myriad of shapes and materials that take the ugly out of the nostalgia-driven trend.
Known for its usual flouncy hem, the peplum top creates an hourglass shape. Its roots date back to the ancient Greeks. Peplum, or peplos, refers to a tunic that was tied at the waist with a cord or extra fabric. The cinch at the waist would create a voluminous detail that through the centuries evolved into the voluminous, protruding hem we know today. The Renaissance saw a reemergence of the style for both men and women. A doublet, or a fitted jacket with a short structured peplum, was the popular style for men of the day. Women’s dresses were also embellished with more exaggerated peplums to create an extreme hourglass figure. But in 2024, it all looks very different. This year’s crop of peplum tops received a much-needed upgrade, including softer cotton peplums and subtle flares on a structured blazer.
Although it may bring back painful memories, the peplum top has proven itself a versatile staple that can work with a wide range of silhouettes, no matter how you define your personal style. Ahead, a list of 11 outfit ideas for incorporating this standout piece into your wardrobe.
Go For the Unconventional
If you’re hesitant to jump back into the trend, look for a peplum top that is reminiscent of the flared hem but that takes on a new life, like this asymmetric Fendi number. You can still capture femininity with a strapless version, but give it a twist with a structured peplum hem for fashion cool points.
A Simple Hack
You don’t necessarily have to go shopping to take part in the peplum trend. Bring out your inner DIY know-how and grab a belt to create the hourglass shape of a peplum. Just like the ancient Greeks did with their voluptuous togas, you too can transform an oversize blazer into an on-trend peplum jacket in seconds with a well placed belt. Extra points for a statement belt buckle.
Suiting Gets Some Flare
At times our office uniform can elicit a bad case of boredom. If your workwear requires you to wear a suit or even a blazer, then a peplum hem jacket could be the remedy to your style woes. A peplum blazer with matching trousers injects much-needed style into your look while still being office-appropriate. When deciding what kind of peplum style, look for a slight ruffled hem and nothing too dramatic. Subtlety is key for a professional look.
A Layered Peplum Effect
If you’re not one to sit on the sidelines of fashion (and would rather lead the way), then this style hack is for you. You can easily create a peplum effect using a cropped sweatshirt layered over an oversized blouse. The fitted waistband of the sweatshirt cinches your waist and shirt to create the voluminous impression of a peplum. Using matching colors gives this look more cohesion and your flouncy top intention.
Petite Perfection
I have good news for those of you on the petite side: a peplum top is your new best friend. The versatility of a peplum top is where the waistline hits and flares out to create shape. Look for a peplum top or sweater with a dropped waist to create a long torso and dramatic ruffles for dimension. You can style it for daytime with casual pieces like a leather jacket and shorts or create a dramatic evening look with a pencil skirt and peep toe heels.
The Quiet Peplum
What I love about the new range of choices for peplum tops this time around is the variety of fabrics used. Each one gives off a different effect depending on the fabrication and a great example of this is the relaxed cotton peplum top. The flounce is less defined, but not invisible and perfect for those who want something understated. They work well with jeans or cotton shorts for a breezy look when you’re out and about.
Just Add Denim
So, you have this fabulous peplum top but are unsure how it works in your wardrobe. Trust in your denim to be your fallback whenever sartorial doubt creeps in. Your jeans swiftly take a tricky top and easily gift it the laid-back look you need. If you need to amp it up a notch, a pair of dark wash wide-leg jeans and heels give your look a touch of elevation.
Laid Back
Sometimes we don’t want to think too hard when putting together an outfit, but we still need to look like we tried. Layering a casual cotton blazer over a casual cotton peplum blouse is an effortless equation that only needs your favorite jeans to complete an easygoing but thoughtful look.
Give It The Graphic Treatment
If a head-to-toe print has never scared you, what better way to play with shape and pattern than with a peplum top and matching pants? An all-over graphic print can easily take an overwhelming turn but not if you give your look an interesting architectural slant. Go for a peplum top that has a shorter flared hemline to pair with a bootcut pant. This silhouette adds visual interest without taking away from an amusing print.
Go Monochrome
The great thing about choosing a monochrome palette is the freedom to try out exaggerated shapes. A singular-colored outfit lets the hourglass shape of the peplum stand out and allows you to work with varying sizes of hemlines. Go from a voluminous bubble hem to a micro peplum with ease when you stick with one hue.
Strike A Balance
As the saying goes, go big or go home! Big peplum blouses call for wide flowy pants and balancing a statement top like a peplum requires a pant that can stand up to the drama. The shape might be billowy, but a black pant keeps the theatricality of the top in check. So don’t be afraid you’ll be drowning in fabric because the beauty of a peplum top is a supremely snatched waistline for that coveted hourglass shape.