Tell Me Your Thoughts about Peplum Tops and Jackets - YouLookFab Forum

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Tell Me Your Thoughts about Peplum Tops and Jackets

Emily

Veteran

I was ambivalent about peplums until I saw the outfit in #1 on one of my favourite guilty pleasure TV shows (The Vampire Diaries). I liked them when worn well on others, but was just not interested in them myself. Then I saw Candice Accola looking modern, casual, and so cute in a peplum jacket on TV and suddenly I found myself craving a peplum for my own wardrobe.

What I'm wondering is:
1. How trendy is this silhouette? Is it going to look dated in a month?
2. How do you identify a figure-flattering peplum? I am busty with a short waist and all I've found in stores are tops with higher necklines, which make me look busty and wide-hipped in a bad way.
3. Which, if any, of the below do you like? Any other suggestions?

#2 is the jacket from the show: I tracked it down but decided against ordering it because of middling reviews re: fit/peplum sizeand high price (Especially when you factor in exorbitant shipping/duty cost to get it in Canada).
http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....302803.jsp
#3: Zip Front Peplum Top - quite similar in style and comes in black or white
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....wordsearch
#4: Gibson Equestrian Blazer - coincidentally both a previously mentioned on YouLookFab and worn by the same tv character. I like it in charcoal.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/gi.....sultback=0
#5: Express Peplum Tank - This would be a "cheap thrill" piece to try out the look
http://www.express.com/checkou.....3Dembedded

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Dressing

28 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I tried a few, and ended up getting one like #3, just a small peplum. The longer and fuller ones did not look right on me. I am short and small in the waist with, let's say, muscular legs. Too much volume at the hips did not work for me. I am also small chested, so the high neckline is fine for me, but I see what you mean about that not being best for you. So maybe the more scoop neck ones like the tank in #5 would work. As far as longivity goes, I don't know. It's sometimes hard to predict these things. I would look for something that can be easily and inexpensively returned in case you don't like it on you if you can't try them on in a store.

Kristin Apaz

Member

It's definitely super trendy right now, but I don't think it is a flattering silhouette on most people. It looks great on 6' tall 100lb. models, but I think you have to have a super long torso to pull it off. I tried several myself, but the peplum cuts me off right at the waist, and then flares out, it makes (me at least) look like I have am short and have much larger hips. I say skip it!

Diana

Veteran

I have the same problem as you with the necklines, which is why I don't own a peplum top yet. I need a scoop or a V, especially if the item is sleeveless.

I'm also very short waisted (and pear shaped) and I've found that it's important that the waist actually hit at your waist, otherwise it looks wide. The peplum part needs to be on the long side for us short-waisted ladies, otherwise the whole top is too short. I also like high-low hems on peplums but they're not so easy to find. The curve from the high-low hem kind of offsets the widening effect of some peplums. And then of course there is fabric composition, which influences how stiff or poofy the peplum is. I think you just have to try on a lot.

I find the peplum or peplum-esque jackets a lot easier to wear. (Because it's a jacket, you can always wear it open or not all the way buttoned up so it eliminates the neckline problem). Nanette Lepore jackets are often cut with peplums and are short-waisted. They are pricey though. Here is a picture of mine.

ETA: I've tried the Gibson and it was a good fit for me. I didn't buy it because I don't like the pre-ruched sleeves.

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teri

Veteran

I like them... Wore one this week.

and dangit, it Vampire Diaries back on?? Thought it started on 17th

Anonymous

I absolutely cannot wear them so I haven't even tried.

Emily

Veteran

Linda - thanks for the input! I am thinking a less-pronounced peplum will be the way to go. Luckily I have a trip to the states planned in February so I figure I might order a few things to pick up when I arrive and then return before I leave.

Kristin - Yes - that was what my gut said. But I have seen a few curvy ladies in the forum look amazing in peplums. I suspect it is all about fit and proportion...

Diana - I have admired a few of your peplum jackets in the past You make a good point about a long peplum that hits right at the waist. Thanks for your input about the Gibson blazer - I missed the ruched sleeves when I looked originally. I'm not a fan of those either.

Teri - yes, you look gorgeous in a peplum! I really liked the peplum top over pencil skirt look you just posted. Caroline's peplum jacket is from 4x07, "My Brother's Keeper" - the Miss Mystic Falls episode. I am pretty pumped for Vampire Diaries to be back on Thursday

crazyone

Veteran

I love both peplum tops and peplum jackets, though I only have one of each. The peplum top was a recent acquisition, and you can see it here: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....offee-date

I completely disagree that it's only for thin, tall models--I feel like peplums can create waists on people who don't have them, and also disguise wide hips if the peplum top waist and flare hit at the right spots.

My frustration with many peplums is that they have a dropped waist, which I think isn't as flattering on most people. If you find one with the waist hitting at the natural waist, I think it will look great on you! I have a small bust, so a high neckline wasn't a problem for me. But check out Anthropologie when you're in the US, they have a bunch of peplum tops with various necklines.

Claudia

Veteran

What Crazyone wrote. Check out how flattering they are on Alison from Wardrobe Oxygen:

http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/.....eplum.html

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Mo

(website)

Veteran

I fell in love with a grey wool peplum jacket in the very late 80's/ early 90's and never stopped liking the style, although it did fall out of fashion. I have a short waist and high hip, so maybe that's part of why peplums appeal to me? It kind of camouflages that hip part.
I like ones that are not too stiff or exaggerated, but rather more of a floppy bit of fabric lol. I would think also that less exaggerated is less likely to date as fast.

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Tina.b

Veteran

I think a peplum is a lovely classic shape that really happens to be on trend right now. The ones you have chose are lovely, I'm quite drawn to the white one you posted, seems very fresh for spring.

I've tried several on myself and have never found one that works for me. I have a high waist, yet a long torso and the flare always hits me in the wrong place.

Kat

Veteran

Love it! It looks like Candace is wearing the zip partially opened as Caroline on TVD and that could be an option for creating a v-neck or lower neckline for you? I agree with others who note that the proportion is what will make a break, as this look really can be great on nearly anyone I believe. Natural waist (though if you're short waisted a bit of a drop may be flattering?) and a proportional volume and length of the peplum are key. Maybe try a bunch on, if only to determine where you want the waist to hit and how much of a peplum you need...then order away.

ps. thanks for the reminder on TVD returning, I DVR it for running on the treadmill to on Friday mornings when it's too icy/cold for running outside

DonnaF

Veteran

I have a peplum jacket like #2 from Anthropologie and have #3 on my wish list. I also have one of the peplum tops that Zapotee posted awhile ago. I am 5'1" with full (DD) but not large bust and long waist. I wear petite sizes in virtually everything, but found the regular sized Anthro jacket fit me better and my Bobeau peplum top from Nordies (now at the Rack) only comes in regular sizes. This, I think the trick is having the waist/flare hit just right. Since you are short-waisted, you may want to try petite sizes as well. (Thus, both petite and regular sizes of #3 on are my wish list.) Good luck!

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

I was pretty ambivalent about peplum, verging on very negative, but it grew on me over time. When worn right I find that it looks very feminine. I do have my reservations about the longevity of the trend though and personally I don't owe anything as I have no situations where I could wear it.

Girl With Curves wears a lot of peplum and I like it on her, e.g. here: http://girlwithcurves.com/post.....ayer-trick

ClaraT

Veteran

I am slim and lack curves--peplums work for me as they give the illusion of a waist and hips. Those of you with a waist and hips may not need the extra help! I find the silhouette flattering over a pencil skirt on me.

Niefern

I love peplums! I think they are beautiful and flattering for several body types. I especially like jacket peplums. I don't own any but would like to. They are trendy now and don't know if that will last, I hope so but who knows!

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

Veteran

I <3 peplum. It's a very classic look. I have a love of WWII era fashion and the peplum was very popular then too. I am with CrazyOne - I feel that a properly fitted peplum that begins at the waist is very flattering on all figure types. It will hide hide hips and/or create a waist so can work with curvy gals or rectangles.

rachylou

Veteran

I think peplum tops will pass out of style, but that jackets will be here to stay.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I agree with crazyone. I think they can be very flattering on a lot of body types, but you need to find the right one for you, if you're interested in wearing them.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I have a high hip & short waist & large waist (in proportion to hip). I'm also curvy - they work well on me so long as they are not too full & hit the right part of my waist.

Jyoti

(website)

Veteran

1) Its trendy. I think it could potentially look dated, but I think the peplum silhouette works with a romantic/bombshell/retro personal style, so I think it also has the potential to simply look stylish well into the future.

2) You've identified one thing to look for yourself-- a more open neckline. I also look for the way the peplum falls-- some materials make weird folds, so watch for that. Another important thing is where the seam hits you-- try to get it to hit as close to your natural waist as possible!

3) I like 3 and 5. I think the material of 1 and 2 doesn't speak to me (looks too casual) and 4 is too baggy to my eye, and not in a cool way, but more in a messy way. I think 5 is the best for you in terms of a more open neckline.

Are you in Canada? If so, I recently got some really super cheap peplum tops from Urban Planet/Sirens. It would be a really, really cheap way to try the trend out. xD I don't think they have an online presence though. I've also seen some at Suzy Shier, also really cheap. And all the ones I've seen have deeper necklines!

In response to some other comments, I am short and have wide hips, and I feel like peplum silhouettes can highlight my small waist if I wear them right!

Nicole D

Veteran

So odd that you mention it - I have been gazing at the peplum top I bought this fall and wondered when I am going to wear it again. Don't know why I am not wearing it more - it is flattering and shape defining. Maybe I will haul it out and give it another try!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I love love love love the trend, I have a few tops but only one that was moderately expensive because I'm worried it is a trend. I find H&M very useful in satisfying my peplum needs - they look so cute with skinny jeans or pencil skirts!

Deborah

Veteran

I find the look very attractive but I have yet to find one that is made from a substantial enough fabric to maintain a nice tailored effect, hold its shape well and flatter my figure. I do think this is a trend that will have shortish life span but it's bound to make it's way back again

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I am short-waisted, big-busted, and big-hipped, and I can wear a peplum if the waist and hem hit me at the right spot. Fortunately, the leather/ponte peplum top from NAS fit that bill, and I love the top, but I have yet to wear it in a casual ensemble. Hmmm, maybe tomorrow!

Anonymous

I've always been able to wear peplums, and am thrilled that they're on trend right now.

Jules

Veteran

I actually *love* what curvier women are doing with peplums on this site and fashion blogs. I think they can really show off curves beautifully, it's more than flattering. On the models there is more of that clothes hanger effect - this woman is beautiful and these clothes are beautiful and hang off her beautifully - but it's not a magical combo that is more that the sum of the parts, IYKWIM. Once again I think the fashion industry actually sells the clothes short by insisting on one body type as the ideal. I feel the same about 50s style bathing suits.
Personally, I'm both somewhat curvy and short-waisted, so I gather I will have trouble getting a great fit, and I believe it's too much of a trend for me to invest the time in hunting and trying on right now - but I'm low-fuss that way.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I like them. And I like the ones you linked to.

I have a sort of modified peplum jacket from BR a few seasons ago that I still enjoy wearing. (It is a spring/summer item so doesn't come out in winter).

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love the look of peplums on others, although I have no desire to get one for myself. They are fun, and the '80's flare appeals to me because I LOVE most things '80s inspired. But whenever I put one on, it feels wrong for this Urban Prince. And it's not because I don't like flirty things! I love flirty flared skirts and lace. I guess the ruffle and the cut line is just in the wrong place.

But my thumbs are up for peplums and I hope that makes sense!