Peplum tops have been around for years and they are one of my favorite trends. A trend that will always be timeless and never go out of style. For those of y’all who aren’t really sure what peplum means it was a trend that was first introduced in the 19th century. Peplum is essentially extra fabric sewn onto tops, pants and/or skirts to give your body a curvier figure. As you can see, this trend caught on because it hasn’t gone anywhere!

Here’s what to look for when buying a flattering crochet peplum top.

Not all peplum tops are created equal. Not even close. This is one trend that has a multitude of options; casual, dressy, flattering, and not flattering. What works for some body types isn’t going to work for others. I don’t want to bore anyone with a multitude of details but want to give y’all some basics of what to look for when purchasing a crochet peplum top.

Your body type is key. Here are a few tips that will help find the perfect peplum for your body.

If you are slim, opt for a peplum top that sits close to or a little above where your waist is. This will create a slimming effect and also create a contrast between your hips and waist.

If you are curvier, find a more structured or fitted peplum. I’ve heard a lot of stylists tell curvier women to stay away from peplum tops. Even curvier ladies tell me that they don’t think they can pull off peplum tops. I am here to tell you that is completely false. These tops work for any and every body type.

If you are plus size stay away from anything that is overly frilly. You don’t want a lot going on with peplum or it is going to make you look larger than you actually are. Look for a more structured or a fitted peplum.

Overall, keep these tips in mind –

Wear peplum tops with super skinny jeans, leggings or a tighter pencil skirt and keep your accessories to a minimum. Do not wear these tops with anything loose on the bottom; no loose fitting jeans, or maxi skirts, etc.

Peplum tops are amazing because of their slimming illusion. Peplum tops can flatter any figure by opting for a piece that is tighter at the waist. These tops show off your figure and create an illusion of smaller hips and booty. You’re probably like, won’t this accentuate my big hips and butt? If you wear the tops correctly, it will do the opposite. I always opt for a peplum top that isn’t fitted around my hips. I want a little extra fabric around so it shadows your hips which essentially makes them look smaller.

These tops have been a dream for my longer torso. They give the illusion of having super long legs. I have had to learn how to mask my long torso problems with my clothing and peplum has always worked wonders for me. I always wear a tighter peplum top with skinny jeans or leggings and pair that with some heels or heeled sandals.

Peplum has definitely evolved over the years. We are now seeing more casual peplum tops pop up in stores. I’ve surprisingly been stocking up on more casual peplum tops to wear during the summer versus in the past when I would focus more on the dressier side. Casual peplum tops are where you need to be careful. There are so many unflattering, loose cuts that just don’t work for anyone. I’ve noticed designers coming out with drop waist peplum tops which are really hard to flatter. They end up making us look larger no matter how skinny our pants or shorts are! I’m talking about the looser tops that have about a 5 inch peplum hem.

The top I am wearing in this post is a perfect example of a great casual crochet peplum top. It has the perfect amount of give but still gives the illusion of a higher and slimmer waist. The lace/crochet peplum top hem is a great added detail to break up the white. Overall, just make sure you are picking a peplum that is actually gathered at the waist. The entire point of peplum tops is to be flattering and give you an accentuated figure. That’s not going to work if you purchase a top that is loose and baggy.

Crochet Peplum Top Outfit Details:

Top – Chicwish // Shorts – Nordstrom // Shoes – See by Chloe

Handbag – Gigi New York (ON SALE!) // Sunglasses – Billy Reid

Bralette – Free People // Watch – Cartier

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