October 12, 2012 | Comments Off on Ask a Stylist: Pondering the Peplum. How to Wear This Hot Fall Trend!

Ask a Stylist: Pondering the Peplum. How to Wear This Hot Fall Trend!

Jason Wu

Armani and Dries van Noten

The first edition of our new Ask a Stylist series addresses a trend we’ve seen on the runways and in real life: the peplum. The fun, flirty addition was not only one of the most seen street-style trends during Fashion Week, but it’s been a mainstay of fall collections. To be honest, we loved it before Fashion Week, but it was so ubiquitous at Lincoln Center that after seeing them everywhere were so over it. We really want to love it again. Really. So, to kick off the season and our series, we asked stylist Leslie Christen how to incorporate one of fall’s most popular trends into your wardrobe. We’ll be taking reader questions every week, so send us your sartorial conundrums on Facebook or at askastylist@fashiontrendsdaily.com!

Question: How do we wear the Peplum this fall? Do you have to have a certain body type?

So many designers showed peplum tops on the runways, from Alexander McQueen to The Row. It’s one of the biggest trends of the season and, believe it or not, the right cut can actually make you look thinner. That extra bit of fabric may add volume to the hip, but it also shifts the focus to the waist, making it appear more slim. The result? That long-sought-after hourglass silhouette. But, it can also hide flaws that lie beneath — a region most women consider a problem zone. Perfect for boxy and slim figures, the peplum can also help various body types play up their curves, as opposed to hiding them.

Purple peplum spotted at FABB day 2

More peplums outside Lincoln Center

In order to suit your shape I suggest you follow some simple rules:

Rebecca Taylor Tweed Peplum Top

If you have a little tummy, a peplum that sits just above the waist at the narrowest part of your torso will perfectly hide any hint that it exists.

Alice + Olivia floral-print stretch-jersey peplum top

If straight is your shape (you don’t have a clearly defined waist), make sure the peplum detail sits right where the waist would be, creating a contrast between your hips and waistline.

DKNY leather blouse with peplum

In cases of narrow shoulders, look for the designs with padded shoulders or puffed sleeves to create an ideal shoulder-waist-hips proportion.

Torn by Ronny Kobo Judy Peplum Top

If you are heavier on the bottom and think that you shouldn’t touch a peplum with a 10-foot pole, you’re wrong! The peplum can still flatter your figure by drawing in the waist and building an hour-glass shape. Just go for a sharply structured piece with a nipped-in waist.

Tibi Eyelet Peplum Top

For those of you with short torsos, peplums that flare out lower on the body will trick the eye and elongate your figure.

Zara brocade peplum top

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 works for shorter girls.

It’s usually NOT a good idea to pair a peplum top with:

leggings
jeans that aren’t skinny
harem pants
pants or skirts with pleats and gathers at the waist
cargo shorts or pants
chinos
high-low skirts

I love the peplum top with a pencil skirt, and one that hits right at the knee will create the most classy ensemble. Add a narrow belt for an even more cinched look. Another option is to pair your top up with a pair of narrow tailored pants and ballet flats or pointy toe heels. This will work especially well if your top has some texture, such as lace. For a more casual look, combine your peplum with a pair of skinny jeans and a pair of booties. And 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 to pull off this look.)

Do you have a question for our Ask a Stylist series? Email askastylist@fashiontrendsdaily.com and we’ll have our team of stylists weigh in on your sartorial conundrums. Look for a new installment every Friday.

Leslie Christen

Leslie Christen is one of Southern California’s most sought-after personal stylists and the founder of the region’s leading independent styling company: Leslie Christen | LifeStyling. Leslie’s stylish and educational Web site, LeslieChristen.com, gives her growing audience inspiring tips and showcases cutting-edge trends and images on the latest in designer fashions. Leslie spent years as a personal stylist and costume designer in the fashion and entertainment industries, and is also a fashion editor for the popular Orange County e-newsletter Greer’s OC, where she writes a weekly “Wear to Where” column. Her extensive experience in the fashion world has given her the talent to quickly assess her clients’ strengths, minimize body challenges and authentically express her clients’ individuality and best assets.

Photos courtesy Style.com, Leslie Christen, ShopBop, Zara, Net-a-Porter and Bloomingdale’s