[Fashion Alert] Preppy & pretty with Peplum!

Have you guys heard of "peplum" yet? 

Even if you haven't heard of this expression before, by now you should know what I'm talking about.

Look at the pictures of me having 3 different tops on: Do you notice what they all have in common?

Bingo! They all have that same cut called peplum.

Read on to learn more about peplum tops and how to style them.

~ Mary ~

source: http://www.lsg.musin.de

The word "peplum" originates from the Greek word "peplos" (as far as I know that is). See the Greek lady in the picture on the left is wearing such a peplos.

And now this ancient Greek fashion has basically come back to life this season!

Nowadays what you call "peplum" is basically a top, a dress, a skirt, a jacket etc. that has a short, puffy overskirt attached to its hem. Usually this little overskirt is located around the waist area.

Honestly talking with you guys, I wasn't that much of an advocate of this trend up until recently. Which explains why I'm introducing this trend relatively late. Peplum has conquered the shops for quite a while now. BUT better too late than never, I guess ;)

I'm starting to give peplum a try! So should you! 

To give you guys some ideas and examples, this time around, I'll be visually shopping through H&M with you!

source: http://www.hm.com

 The easiest way to rock peplum is with tops! 

There is a large variety of different shirts that have the peplum style - be it long sleeved, sleeveless, long or short hem, silk or wool... 

How about finding yourself a peplum top that's made of your favourite fabric? For starters this will help you to feel comfy and pretty in peplum!

This example has a super elegant lace layer on top. 

Peplum will naturally give you this fine feminine style. Adding a lady-like material on top (like lace) will instantly enhance the feminity. Thus pairing any bottom with this top will result in a very sophisticated, elegant outfit.

source: http://www.hm.com

 This top right here is super fancy. Because of the sparkly elements and the slightly see-through black colour this peplum top will give you a very chic look. The cut-out in the front makes this top even more outstanding. 

A very nice top for night-outs!

source: http://www.hm.com

source: http://www.hm.com

 Here is an example for a peplum dress. 

I find this type of dress will flatter a lot of body types. 

Say you have a curve-less, pretty much straight, slim body line: This dress's silhouette will visually shape you up! Your waist area will be cinched in by the peplum skirt's waistband while the skirt itself will bring more volume onto your hip area. At the same time the fitted top part and the pencil skirt underneath will maintain your slim figure.

Now say you're body line is more curvaceous: Then the peplum skirt will camouflage your belly and hip area. Thus visually toning down your curves.

Here we have a peplum pullover.

Who says that peplum has to look dressy? 

You can easily go casual with peplum by choosing the right fabric!

A peplum pullover, moreover solid-coloured, will not only make you feel all warm and cozy but also chic and preppy at the same time.

source: http://www.hm.com

I especially like this next item: A cardigan with the peplum element. 

This cardigan is the cuter alternative to your everyday cardigan. The peplum adds a sweet extra touch to it!

And finally here are 3 more examples:
You never know how things look on you unless you try them on, right? 

For me, it was the second and third top that totally sold me! 

For all of you who avoid the peplum trend because it seems too girly to you. Well, for one part I totally agree with you. That was my main complaint about peplum as well.
However I changed my mind for several reasons: 
Once you go with tougher colours like dark shades (in my case black and burgundy) the cuteness and girliness will instantly be turned down!

Secondly it also depends on your overall ensemble. If you were to pair a peplum top with a super cool, edgy leather jacket and some fly skinnies and your favourite lace-up boots - you'll look amazingly chic without giving off the impression of bearing too much cutesy! ;)

If you were secptical about the peplum trend up until now, then I hope that I could change your mind. 

Definitely give peplum a try (if you haven't already fallen for it!)