Peplum Tops: How to Wear the Flared Waist Now, and the Styles Worth Buying

The short answer: a peplum top works when the flare starts at your natural waist and the bottom half is slim and plain. Wear it with straight trousers, a pencil skirt and fitted jeans, never with volume underneath. The peplum is one of the recurring shapes at ROTATE Birger Christensen, and our favourite new one is the Satin Halterneck Top Black Polka. Shop every designer top at Coveti and see our guide to going out tops for more evening shapes.

The peplum, a short flared panel below the waist, comes from Victorian tailoring and has returned in waves ever since. This time it is softer: knit cardigans with a flared hem, satin tops with a puffed peplum, even a puffer jacket. ROTATE Birger Christensen is the Copenhagen label Jeanette Madsen and Thora Valdimars founded in 2018 with the Danish house Birger Christensen. It started with a handful of party dresses and still builds every collection around going out.

Why does a peplum flatter?

It does two things at once. It marks the waist, and it skims the hips, which balances the top and bottom half of the body. That is why the shape suits so many figures: on a straight frame it creates curve, and on a curvier one it defines the waist without clinging.

Which peplum suits which body shape?

• Straight frame: a full, puffed peplum adds shape at the hip.
• Hourglass: a fitted bodice with a short, soft flare follows the line you already have.
• Petite: a short peplum that sits high keeps the leg long.
• Fuller bust: a V-neck balances the look; avoid high, heavy necklines.

Our picks: the ROTATE peplum edit

1. Satin Halterneck Top Black Polka

Black satin with a fine white dot, a halterneck with a deep V, and a full peplum that puffs at the waist. It closes at the neck and with a concealed side zip, and it is lined. Wear it with wide trousers for a party.

2. Knit Bijoux Cardigan Black

A fitted black knit with a round neck, a peplum waist and jewel buttons down the front. It is a peplum for day, smart enough for the office and soft enough for a weekend.

3. V-Neck Peplum Top Black

A plain black peplum with a V-neck, the most adaptable of the group. Tuck nothing in; the flare does the work.

4. Peplum Leather Top Black

The peplum in leather, which gives it structure. Wear it with black denim for evening.

5. Knit Peplum Cardigan Dark Brown

A dark brown knit cardigan with a flared hem. With cream trousers, it is the quiet version of the trend.

6. Peplum T-shirt Dark Brown

Jersey with a peplum hem, the most casual shape here, and the easiest to wear with jeans.

What to wear with a peplum top

• Trousers: straight, slim and wide-leg styles in a fluid fabric. Leather trousers, like the Wide Straight Pants Black, make a satin peplum feel modern.
• Skirts: pencil and slim midi skirts. Avoid full skirts, which compete with the flare.
• Jeans: straight and slim cuts with a high rise, so the peplum sits at the waist.
• Shoes: a pointed heel lengthens the leg under the volume.

Frequently asked questions

Are peplum tops back in style?

Yes. Peplum shapes appear across 2026 collections in satin, knit, leather and jersey. The new version is softer and less structured than the peplums of the early 2010s.

What do you wear under a peplum top?

Something slim and plain: straight trousers, a pencil skirt and fitted jeans. Keep the volume in the top only.

Should a peplum top be tucked in?

No. A peplum is designed to sit over the waistband. Tucking it in removes the flare that makes the shape work.

Can you wear a peplum top to work?

Yes. Choose a knit, a plain jersey and a matte crepe, and wear it with tailored trousers. Save satin and leather peplums for evening.

How does ROTATE sizing work for tops?

Woven ROTATE tops use Danish sizes 32 to 46, shown on Coveti as UK 4 to 18; knits and jersey come in XS to XL. Each product page states the fit, and the ROTATE size guide has the full chart.