11 October, 2012
Style

Sassy Trend: How to wear a peplum

11 October, 2012

If you have picked up any fashion or celeb gossip magazine over the past few months, you’ll have undoubtedly seen a trend sweeping across the starlet population… Yes, the peplum is back people!

The peplum originally dates back to the Ancient Greeks where both men and women rocked the look. It popped up again in the 1800s as an additional piece of fabric to the bottom of ladies’ jackets and yet again in the 1940s, where your grandmother might even have used the McCall’s pattern to sew her own (fashionable granny you have there)!

Well, the peplum has been given a new life for a new generation and this time around it begs to be noticed! So whether you’re a style newbie or a fashion pro, I’ve put together some style guidance for how to wear a peplum

NOVICE

Clockwise, from top left: Nelly Trend Halo hair band, Red Valentino Ultimate leopard shift dress, Etro leather peplum belt, Wallis gold pyramid earrings, H&M rings, Christian Dior Lady Dior tote, Audrey Brooke Beverly sandal

Let’s start small for those of you who may not feel completely ready for this trend to be rebirthed. Modern day peplums can actually be bought as a belt and added to your garment of choice. The easiest way is to pick your favorite fitted shift and instead of adding your usual skinny belt, try a peplum belt instead – instant upgrade! This would be a super simple way to take your outfit from the office to a party. The peplum belt has been spotted in the H&M and Monki fall collections so you can try the look without spending much to do it!

Other peplum belt options:

ASOS leather peplum skirt waist belt, Zara wide peplum belt

 

SEMI PRO

Clockwise, from top left: Chanel vintage earrings, Jil Sander peplum dress, Butter London Lips & Tips in Chancer, Yves Saint Laurent Cabas Chyc tote, Bqueen peep-toe leopard pumps, River Island bangles

Ready to commit to a garment with a built-in peplum? Go retro with a classic black dress – just look at that waist! Spice it up with some chunky accessories, a fun pair of leopard heels and red lips and nails, and you are a very sexy siren indeed!

You may look at all that extra fabric around your hips and think you can’t pull off this look, but wait! To be the most flattering, a peplum should start at your waist and then flare out. This emphasises your smallest part and gives you a beautiful and alluring hourglass shape. The trick to remember is to keep the bottom of the look very fitted and sleek; a pencil skirt shape is ideal while a pair of skinny pants could be a younger alternative.

Other peplum dress options:

Hakaan peplum dress, Aqua Louise peplum pencil dress

 

PRO

Clockwise, left-to-right: Fracas by Robert Pigeut (available from Lane Crawford IFC), Haider Ackermann peplum jacket, River Island futuristic sequin pencil skirt, Temperley London Delilah top, Marcia Moran Midnight ring, Jimmy Choo Anouk pump, Diane von Furstenberg Tonda clutch

Why not try the peplum as a top? You can go more architectural with the shape to modernise the trend even more. The bronzy tone of this jacket is perfect for a night on the town and adds instant glamour when paired with an over-the-top bedazzled skirt and a smoky eye! While this is a pure party ensemble, this jacket would also pair beautifully with some super skinny black cigarette pants for a date or dinner out.

Here you may notice that I added a divine tuberose based sent called Fracas by Robert Piguet. People should notice more than just a striking outfit when you walk in a room – have a scent to match!

Other peplum top options:

ASOS peplum top, Alice & Olivia Patty peplum top

 

SABRINA’S ULTIMATE

Clockwise, from top left: Yves Saint Laurent black & gold velvette chain necklace, French Connection Suzy Winter top, Topshop lime lace peplum pencil skirt, Friis Jada ring, Dolce & Gabbana leopard print tote, Designers Remix Sign neon platforms, YSL La Laque Couture in Violet Baroque (available from Lane Crawford)

My perfect peplum pairing is this loose totally-HK-weather-appropriate blouse with the lacey neon skirt with the zip-off peplum… I am basically checking all my trend boxes with one skirt! As I’m no stranger to standing out in a crowd (hello 6’4” in heels!), I added the leopard bag and platform bootie with matching neon bottom! One must always accessorize so I added a totally rocker-chic chunky chain necklace! This outfit is perfect for the weather now and could be made “fall appropriate” with the simple addition of a leather motorcycle jacket!

Other peplum skirt options:

ASOS Curve peplum skirt, Alice & Olivia Roset peplum skirt

 
So don’t be afraid to experiment with trends! Fashion is fun and you should feel fun while wearing it, so wear clothing you love and that excites you… After all, life is too short to be bored by your wardrobe! Now go buy that amazing leopard peplum skirt at Zara and own your look!

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