How to Style a Peplum Top (Modest Outfits for Work and Shabbos)

I used to walk right past peplum tops. I thought of them as fussy, a little dated, something that only worked on very tall women. Then a friend showed up to Shabbos lunch in a simple black peplum blouse and a long skirt, and she looked so put together that I asked her about it before we even sat down. A week later I had one of my own, and now it's one of the pieces I lean on most when I want to look polished without thinking too hard.

What I love about a peplum is that it does the work for you. That little flare at the waist defines your shape, gives a skirt a clean place to start and makes even a plain outfit look intentional. Here's everything I've learned about wearing a peplum top modestly with midi and maxi skirts, for busy workdays and for Shabbos.

Choosing a peplum top that works for you

Not all peplums are the same, and a few details make the difference between a top you wear every week and one that stays in the closet.

• Neckline and sleeves. For modest dressing, I look for a high neck, mock neck or crew neck with long or three-quarter sleeves. That way it works on its own with no shell underneath.
• Where the waist sits. The seam where the peplum starts should hit at or just above your natural waist. If it sits too low, it can cut you in half. If it sits right, it makes your waist look defined and your legs look longer.
• Size of the flare. A small, soft peplum is the easiest to wear and looks the most grown up. A big, stiff ruffle is more of a statement and wants a very simple skirt.
• Fabric. A ribbed or ponte knit is comfortable and great for everyday. A crepe or woven blouse looks crisp for the office. Satin and silky fabrics feel dressy and are perfect for Shabbos.
• Length. I like a peplum that ends around the high hip. Longer than that, it starts to look like a tunic. Shorter, and it can ride up when you lift your arms.

Proportions: the one rule that matters

The whole point of a peplum is to show off the waist, so the skirt you pair it with should keep that line clean.

• Pick a skirt with a smooth waistband. A flat front or a simple waistband sits nicely under the flare. Bulky gathers, big bows or a heavy elastic waist right under a peplum can feel like too much fabric in one spot.
• Let one piece have the volume. If the skirt is very full, like a big tiered or heavily pleated skirt, choose a softer, smaller peplum. If the peplum is dramatic, keep the skirt sleek, like an A-line, a column or a soft knit.
• Midi or maxi both work. A midi that hits mid-calf feels classic and works beautifully for the office. A flowing maxi makes the outfit feel softer and a little more relaxed. If you're not sure which length suits you best, my post on midi vs maxi skirts by height walks through it.
• Wear it out, not tucked. This might sound obvious, but a peplum is designed to sit over the skirt. The flare is the tuck.

Peplum tops for work

A peplum is my secret for looking dressed up at work while still being comfortable enough to sit at a desk all day.

• Black peplum with a camel midi. A black long-sleeve mock-neck peplum blouse over a camel wool A-line midi skirt, sheer black tights and black pointed pumps. Add a cognac tote and it looks sharp, warm and very classic.
• Cream peplum with a grey or navy skirt. Soft on top and tailored below. A slim belt isn't needed because the peplum already defines the waist.
• Knit peplum with a pleated midi. On more relaxed office days, a ribbed knit peplum with a soft pleated skirt feels easy but still polished. My pleated skirt guide has more ideas.
• Under a blazer. A fitted blazer worn open over a peplum lets the flare peek out at the sides. It's a great way to make a peplum feel more serious for meetings.

For more ideas on putting together office outfits, my post on polished modest workwear covers the basics I come back to every season.

Dressing it up for Shabbos

This is where peplum tops really shine. A dressy peplum with a long skirt looks elegant without trying too hard, and it's so comfortable for a long meal.

• Satin on satin. A blush satin long-sleeve high-neck peplum top with a terracotta satin midi skirt, nude block heels and pearl earrings. The two soft colors together look warm and glowing by candlelight.
• Black peplum with a flowing maxi. A black crepe or silky peplum over a long cream or champagne skirt is simple and very chic.
• Lace or textured peplum. A peplum with a little lace or texture at the cuffs looks special enough for Yom Tov, especially with a plain skirt.

I keep jewelry delicate with a dressy peplum: pearl studs, a thin chain or a simple bracelet. For head coverings, a solid color pulled from the outfit, like cream, camel or blush, keeps everything calm. If you want even more Shabbos ideas, I put together a whole list of Shabbos and Yom Tov outfit ideas.

Everyday and weekend peplums

A peplum doesn't have to be formal. A soft knit peplum is one of the coziest ways to look put together on a regular day.

• Camel knit with a cream maxi. A camel ribbed long-sleeve high-neck peplum over a flowing cream pleated maxi with cognac loafers. This is my favorite for errands and a coffee date on a sunny fall afternoon.
• Striped peplum with a denim skirt. A navy and cream striped knit peplum over a long denim skirt with white sneakers or ballet flats feels relaxed and fun.
• Chocolate peplum with a knit skirt. Brown on brown, with a matching knit skirt, looks rich and cozy.

Colors that work well

I find peplums look best in solid colors, because the shape is already the interesting part.

• Black is the easiest and most slimming, and it goes with every skirt you own.
• Cream and ivory feel soft and fresh, and they're lovely for Shabbos.
• Camel and chocolate brown are perfect for fall and pair with almost every autumn skirt.
• Blush and dusty rose are feminine and glow next to terracotta, camel or grey.
• Navy is a nice change from black for work.

If you do want a pattern, I keep it on one piece only. A solid peplum with a plaid or houndstooth skirt can look great, but a printed peplum with a printed skirt is usually too busy.

Layers and outerwear

Because a peplum has shape at the waist, I think about what goes over it.

• Cropped cardigans and jackets that end at or just above the waist show off the peplum perfectly.
• Open blazers let the flare peek out at the sides.
• Long coats look best worn open over a peplum, or with a soft belt tied at the waist so the shape still shows.
• Avoid hip-length jackets buttoned closed. They squash the flare and hide the best part of the top.

If a peplum top is a little sheer or the sleeves are shorter than you like, a fitted shell or long-sleeve layer underneath fixes it easily. My post on layering slips and shells explains how I do it.

Shoes

The shoes depend on how dressy the outfit is.

• Pointed pumps make a peplum and midi look sharp and professional.
• Block heels are comfortable for a long Shabbos and still look elegant.
• Loafers are perfect for everyday and pair beautifully with knit peplums and maxi skirts.
• Ballet flats keep things simple and easy.
• Ankle or knee-high boots work well in cold weather, especially with a midi and tights.

Three peplum outfits to try

Office day: Black long-sleeve mock-neck peplum blouse, camel wool A-line midi skirt, sheer black tights, black pointed pumps and a cognac leather tote.

Autumn errands: Camel ribbed high-neck peplum top, cream pleated maxi skirt and cognac loafers.

Shabbos dinner: Blush satin long-sleeve high-neck peplum top, terracotta satin midi skirt, nude block heels and pearl earrings.

Caring for your peplum top

• Check the label. Satin and silky peplums often need hand washing or dry cleaning, while knit peplums can usually go in a gentle cycle.
• Steam the flare. Steaming brings the peplum back to shape without flattening it the way an iron can.
• Hang it on a shaped hanger. A padded or curved hanger keeps the shoulders neat and lets the flare hang freely.
• Store knits folded. Heavy knit peplums can stretch on a hanger, so I fold them in a drawer.

FAQ

Is a peplum top modest?

Yes, when you choose one with a high neckline and long or three-quarter sleeves and pair it with a midi or maxi skirt. The flare sits over the skirt, so it covers well.

Can I wear a peplum top with a maxi skirt?

Absolutely. A softer, smaller peplum with a flowing maxi looks relaxed and pretty. Just keep the skirt's waistband smooth so the flare sits nicely.

What skirt goes best with a peplum top?

An A-line midi, a pencil-style midi, a soft knit skirt or a flowing maxi. Skirts with a flat, simple waistband work best.

Does a peplum work for petite women?

Yes. Choose a smaller flare that starts right at your natural waist, and keep the skirt and shoes in a similar color to make the whole outfit look longer.

A peplum top is one of those pieces that looks like you made an effort, even on busy mornings. Pair it with a simple midi for work, a satin skirt for Shabbos or a soft maxi on the weekend, and you'll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

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