What Is a Peplum Top?
A peplum top is fitted through the bodice and then flares out from the waist into a short ruffle or flounce that sits over the hips. That waist seam does the shaping for you, which is why the style flatters so many figures without a belt. The name traces back to the peplos, a draped garment worn in ancient Greece. Our edit of peplum tops for women runs from smocked camis to structured blazers, priced from about $21 to $73, with most pieces around $33.
Peplum Styles We Carry
- Peplum blouses: the biggest group, with balloon, flutter, flounce and puff sleeves in florals, gingham, Swiss dot and polka dot mesh.
- Peplum shirts: button front and collared versions, including striped shirts with mandarin knot buttons and plaid styles with 3/4 sleeves.
- Sleeveless and smocked peplum tops: smocked bodies with adjustable straps, ruffled necklines and V neck camis for warm days.
- Long sleeve peplum tops: textured, ribbed and surplice knits, plus a cable knit peplum sweater for cooler weather.
- Denim peplum tops: tie front and puff sleeve denim shirts and a denim jacket with a peplum hem.
- Peplum jackets and cardigans: jacquard jackets, a double breasted blazer and a fuzzy cardigan with pearl buttons.
How a Peplum Top Should Fit
The waist seam is the detail to check first. It should land at your natural waist, the narrowest point of your torso, so the flare starts exactly where it should. Too high and it reads as a babydoll top; too low and the flare adds width at the hip instead of balancing it. The bodice should feel close but not tight across the bust, and smocked styles give the most stretch if you are between sizes. Compare each product's measurements with our size guide before you order.
Who Peplum Suits and When to Wear It
Peplum works on more bodies than people expect. On a straight or athletic frame, the flare creates curve at the hip. On an hourglass or pear shape, a soft flounce balances the hips rather than hiding them. If you prefer to skim the midsection, choose a longer, gently flared peplum over a short, stiff one. Plus size styles also live in our curve tops.
As for occasions, a gingham or floral peplum blouse handles brunch and office days, sleeveless smocked styles suit summer heat, and velvet or rhinestone trimmed camis are ready for evenings out next to our going out tops.
How to Style a Peplum Top
- Keep the bottom half slim so the flare stands out: skinny jeans, a pencil skirt or fitted trousers.
- For a looser, current shape, try high rise wide leg jeans; the rise should meet the peplum seam so there is no gap at the waist.
- Leave it untucked. The peplum already defines your waist, so a belt is rarely needed.
- Wear a peplum blazer or jacket over a plain tee and dark denim for the office.
- When the sleeves are the statement, as with balloon or puff sleeves, keep jewelry small. See more in statement sleeves.
Caring for Peplum Tops
The flounce is usually the first part to lose its shape, so treat it gently. Always follow the care label on each piece. In general, cold water and air drying help smocking keep its stretch and ruffles keep their body. Steam the peplum rather than pressing it flat with an iron, hang jackets and blazers on shaped hangers, and fold knit styles so the hem does not stretch out on a hanger.
Shop Peplum Tops at Fashorio
Browse the full peplum tops collection above for blouses, shirts, denim and layering pieces in one place, then pair them with more shirts and blouses. Free shipping on orders over $75.
