Burberry Prorsum top | Zara trousers | Jessica Buurman lace up flats

HOW TO WEAR A PEPLUM TOP

When I read those “How to wear….” articles it always strikes me as a bit daft, I mean just put it on & wear it Duh? However if the item of clothing in question is something that you haven’t worn before then I can see where it gets too daunting to attempt putting an outfit together.

A prime example is the peplum top with its hip heavy appearance it could be considered too tricky to try yet it’s such a strong look I think it is worth considering. Peplum tops come in an infinite number of  styles & shape variations however the basic look of a flared out skirted finish is always the same. You may be surprised to hear, I do believe there is one to suit every body shape.
I have quite a few of these tops in different styles but I’ll begin with the most exceptional, this one from Burberry Prorsum. You’ll notice it is an exaggerated peplum therefore you’ll see clearly the shape it creates however you absolutely do not have to go this full on with it. I have others with a softer more drapey peplum that are more subtle & certainly easier to wear it just depends how confident you feel at the time.

Here goes a little guide on how to wear a peplum top.

Burberry Prorsum top | Zara trousersBurberry Prorsum top | Zara trousers | Jessica Buurman lace up flatsBurberry Prorsum top | Zara trousersBurberry Prorsum top | Zara trousers

Because I have wide hips & narrow shoulders this particular peplum top perfectly balances my shape.

Look at this top as if it were a shadow silhouette & it becomes clear where the line goes in & comes out on my body. This is the key to a flattering cut for you so take notice when you’re trying yours on. The slightly gathered shoulders broaden my top to balance my hips & the elbow length sleeves end exactly where the peplum waist flares out – again BALANCE

In addition the plunging neckline broadens my narrow chest giving yet more BALANCE to my ample bust.
Today I’ve paired my top with wide leg trousers for the penultimate BALANCING ACT! Unquestionably the last word in “How to Wear a Peplum Top” is wide leg trousers.
Easily the most straightforward way to get this look right & keeping the line straight down your body!

Obviously with varying body shapes a peplum will work differently for example a peplum top on a small bust will look amazing with skinny jeans. Another example is the hour glass shaped silhouette which looks stunning in the peplum top with a pencil skirt. Consider the structured full-skirted peplum to hide a fuller tummy etc etc…well you get the drift. Essentially, you know your body shape so just picture yourself as a shadow & go from there!
However if you’re still not sure just drop me a line in comments or email me directly on my contact page, I’m happy to help.

Brunette tonal hair colour

I usually cut & colour my own hair

However, last week I was gifted a very special treat from Skye Norman Hair & Beauty Salon. The result is glossy warm chocolate tones in a slightly choppy layered bob & I couldn’t be happier!
The scalp massage was pretty awesome too – wink
If you’re in or around Chelsea London I highly recommend paying them a visit – tell them I sent you & receive 20% off whatever you have done!  You won’t be disappointed…

Glossy chocolate toned brunette hair by Sky Norman Hair & Beauty

brunette hair

Chanel CC vintage chocker | fur gilet | Ellin Ambe blazer

Burberry Prorsum top | Zara trousers

Chanel CC vintage choker | Burberry peplum top | fur giletBurberry Prorsum top | Zara trousers | Jessica Buurman lace up flats

Burberry Prorsum top | Zara trousers

Burberry Prorsum top | Zara trousers | Jessica Buurman lace up flats | Gucci bag

Burberry Prorsum top | Zara trousers | Jessica Buurman lace up flats | Gucci bag

Zara trousers | Jessica Buurman lace up flats

Thanks for popping by, Mx

  • Comments ( 7 )

  • avatar
    MonicaP

    While I love peplum tops, not all are created equal. Those flutter ones are the kiss of death for me .. making me look like an elephant in a tutu .. lol. Your top is Perfect for a pear shape .. as it creates a balanced visual shape without making the hips look wider 🙂

    Monica.

    • avatar
      retrochicmama

      Elephant in a tutu is genius! Hahahaha
      Thanksfor your lovely comment Monica x

  • avatar
    Amy Johnson

    I so agree with you on the “How To” title posts, and for the longest time I had similar thoughts (me too). However, I still begin a lot of my posts with “How to” because they get the most hits/views. I also struggled with peplum tops for years, not because they made hippy (that’s impossible with my oddly straight body), but because they seemed to enlarge my stomach area. Then I finally tried one on that was one size larger than I normally wear and it fit perfect and actually made me look like I had a waist AND hips. Your point “all peplum tops are not created equal” is true. You not only have to try them all on, you have to try different sizes too. Yours looks great!

    • avatar
      retrochicmama

      EXACTLY! You so get where I’m coming from, thanks I love that Amy x

  • avatar
    Abby@midlifecrisisnut.com

    I admit too, they can be quite tricky. I personally prefer wearing them with a pencil skirt as I find that it accentuates the peplum waist nicely. I love your flats – it’s a brand I didn’t know until now. And your fur gilet – my favourite. And I’m looking forward to your take on the shop page. xx Abby

    • avatar
      retrochicmama

      That’s the thing about a certain style though isn’t it? It’s often what you wear it with to suit your body shape that’s not necessarily “on trend” (for want of a better term) but works for you.
      I’m super keen to get on with the shop page too, such fun xxx

  • avatar
    The Stylopedia

    Oooo! So many nice things in this post! First, your hair looks great! Second, it is nice to see peplums again, after wearing them a lot in the 80’s! I’ve had my eye on a few peplum blazer/coats, but I’ve not pulled the trigger yet. Love the proportions of the wide trousers with your peplum; that looks great. xx

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