One Peplum Top 2 Ways

It took me a while to come around to this trend. To be honest I wasn't a fan of the peplum top until I got a chance to view Joy Cioci's Fall 2012 Collection (read here) that I thought "maybe this trend isn't so bad after all." Of course I had to search for a peplum top for myself, after trying it on it didn't seem so scary and the endless possibilities of outfits started pouring out. The simple rule for the peplum top is keep everything else straight. This is the best way to pull of this trend and to show off your curves. The two best looks are probably the simplest and clothing that many of us might have in our closets already: 1. a pencil skirt 2. high waist skinny jeans.

The Peplum Top: 2 Ways by fashionistany featuring a polyester shirt

Polyester shirt, $48

J Crew striped pencil skirt, $118

Topshop skinny leg jeans, $40

Kelsi Dagger buckle shoes, $100

Zara heel sandals, $50

Madewell crossbody handbag, $168

Shoulder bag, $48

1. The Pencil Skirt. Pencil skirts help elongate the legs and accentuate your curves in all the right ways. While the peplum gives you a little hip action, whether you have them or not. The peplum top and pencil skirt plays on portions-- makes your torso look shorter and your legs long. When doing a pencil skirt go for a sexy little stiletto for height.

How I pulled this look off:

Top: H&M

Skirt: H&M

Shoes: L.A.M.B (bought on RueLaLa)

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (bought at Sample Sale last year)

Sunglasses: H&M

Ring: Forever21

Bracelets: H&M, Gifted

The reason why I love this look: This is the perfect summer look that can take you to the office and to after work cocktails. It's chic and sophisticated.

2. High Waist Skinny Jeans. Like pencil skirts these two give the look of long legs. Keeping a straight line is important-- if you go with a wider pants leg you'll end looking wider. Keeping to a straight line is key to looking long and lean. This spring is all about printed jeans so go for a fun print pants like the Topshop MOTO Geo Jamie Jeans (currently on sale $40). Of course to give you a lift and for a flirty summer look do a wedge heel.

How I pulled this look off:

Top: H&M

Jeans: Topshop

Shoes: Kelsi Dagger

Bag: c/o Remi & Emmy

Necklaces: H&M

Sunglasses: local Brooklyn Boutique

The reason why I love this look: Peplum tops can look to formal so this is a great mix of formal and casual. This look works for a casual date, brunch with friends, or even a casual office look.

Which look is your favorite? How would you wear the peplum top?

**all above photos taken by Brian Cavanaugh**