Peplum Perfection

While peplum may seem like a recent fad, it's actually had popular moments during the 1940s and 1980s. Personally, I love the trend. When done properly, it emphasizes the waist making it appear small and widens the hips. It's perfect for women with more of a boyish or inverted triangle shapes as it balances proportions out and creates a feminine figure. When picking out peplum, make sure it the peplum fabric nips in at your smallest part of your waist and flares out right below. No matter what you do, do not choose a lowered peplum shirts that flares mid-hip. This causes the fabric to balloon in an unflattering manner and should be avoided altogether. Make sure that the top is very tailored, and not oversized as that competes with the peplum.

If your peplum piece is just a shirt, then pair it with skinny pants or a tailored pencil skirt. Similarly, with a peplum skirt, pair it with a tailored shirt or for a bit of contrast, try a slim-fit tee. Peplum dresses are best when sleeveless or with cap sleeves and should fall mid-thigh to above the knee. To add a bit more rocker-chic interest, get a peplum piece with leather accents! It's a popular trend that will be sticking with us throughout 2014!

Peplum Top by historyandhighheels

Black long sleeve top, $110 / Linea zipper skirt, $125 / American Eagle Outfitters dark blue jeans / Sole Society short leather boots / Zara royal blue suede pumps

Peplum Skirt by historyandhighheels

Madewell top / T shirt / Mossimo pencil skirt / J.Crew slip on shoes, $120 / Jeffrey Campbell red pumps / SHOUROUK emerald necklace

Peplum Dress by historyandhighheels

Peplum dress, $21 / Forever 21 biker jacket / Sole Society black high heel pumps / Jimmy choo handbag / Gold jewellery / Eddie Borgo cone bracelet, $905

For New Year's Eve, I tried out the trend with an embellished coral peplum sweater top from Banana Republic and an old gold polka dot pencil skirt. The sparkly print matched well with the jeweled top and was perfect for NYE! P.S. that colorblock leather clutch is also from Banana Republic! I found some great finds in the after Christmas sales!