Hi Belle,

I’m writing to pick your mind about peplums and their recent comeback. I feel like in the link below the women looks stylish and that I could potentially consider wearing one. What are your thoughts? With the skinny almost capri bold colors working mostly on tall rails of girls (I’m a petite girl who does not need her legs chopped) this look might give some nice shape and interest.

Thoughts?  Michelle

Making a peplum work really comes down to two things: volume and placement.  

On the first topic, you don’t want a peplum that us so poufy that it looks clownish.  You also don’t want one that makes you look heavier or thicker.  So look for a peplum with structure, so you don’t get saddled with too much flounce.  Also, unless you have a ballerina’s body, stay away from double peplums, where there is one long one covered by another shorter one.  One layer is probably more than enough if you have even a semblance of curves.

On the second matter, placement is incredibly important.  The peplum should either a) cover the rear end or b) falls with the natural curve of your rear end.  Long-legged women will have an easier time finding the right one than long-torsoed women will.  Because if you’re long-torsoed it’s entirely possible that you’ll wind up with a peplum that falls above the tush giving you the appearance of having two asses.  This is bad.

If you want to give peplums a try, start with something simple.  I would recommend a soft peplum attached to a blazer or blouse or pencil skirt.