Look closely at how The Aritzia Martine Top is built and the styling rules write themselves. It has a square neckline, adjustable straps, a center tie and a tiered peplum, all in crisp cotton poplin. Poplin is a tight plain weave that holds a shape instead of draping, so that peplum stands away from the body and adds volume at the hip. Everything you pair with it should therefore be smooth and fairly streamlined. Below are twenty complete outfits, from denim and linen to satin and a shorts suit, plus my notes on proportion, torso length and keeping poplin crisp.
Why the Peplum Seam Decides Everything
On a peplum top, the seam where the bodice meets the flared tiers is designed to sit at your natural waist, the narrowest part of your torso. When it lands there, the top makes your waist look smaller. When it doesn't, it can do the opposite. So before I think about outfits, I check this seam in a mirror.
- Seam right at your waist: almost any high-rise bottom works, and you can wear the hem out over the waistband.
- Seam above your waist, common if you're long in the body: the peplum flares out over your ribs. Higher-rise bottoms help, and adjusting the straps a little longer can drop the seam.
- Seam below your waist, common if you're short-waisted: shorten the straps first. If it still sits low, skip mid-rise bottoms that leave a gap.
I never tuck a peplum. The tiers are cut to flare from the seam, and tucking crushes them into a ridge around the hips. Let it fall over the waistband every time, which is also why smooth, flat waistbands matter in nearly every outfit below.
1. Aritzia Martine Top With Wide-Leg Jeans And Ballet Flats
Wide-leg jeans and a peplum sound like too much volume, but they work because the top is fitted through the bodice and the jeans are fitted through the hip. Volume shows up at two separate points with a slim zone between them. Choose high-rise denim in mid or light wash so the waistband hides under the peplum. Ballet flats in black, cream or red keep it relaxed; a small shoulder bag, fine hoops and slim sunglasses finish it. Long wide legs drag on flats, so hem them to the shoe or pick a flat with a slightly thicker sole.
2. Aritzia Martine Top With Linen Pants And Slide Sandals
Linen and poplin are both woven cottons or cotton-like fabrics that breathe, so this is the coolest outfit in the list. Pair the top with high-waisted linen trousers in cream, beige, chocolate or soft olive, cut straight or slightly wide. I avoid very oversized linen with a peplum; two loose shapes together lose the waist completely. Minimal leather slides, a woven tote and gold earrings suit a warm day. A white top with tonal linen makes a clean monochrome look; black or bright colors stand out against natural neutrals. Both fabrics crease, and that is part of the charm here.
3. Aritzia Martine Top With Denim Shorts And Flat Sandals
Denim shorts make a sweet top easier to wear on an ordinary day. The tiered peplum covers the waistband, so the shorts' length is what balances the outfit. Mid-thigh or Bermuda lengths balance the short, flared top better than very short cut-offs, which make the whole silhouette top-heavy. Choose a high rise with a clean hem and a slightly loose leg. Flat leather sandals, a canvas shoulder bag and simple gold jewelry are enough. A woven hat in the same tone as the sandals ties the natural colors together for markets and day trips.
4. Aritzia Martine Top With Satin Midi Skirt And Heeled Sandals
To me, satin and poplin are opposites, one fluid and shiny, the other matte and structured, and that contrast is exactly why this outfit looks considered. Choose a bias-cut satin midi that follows the body without gripping it, in champagne, black, chocolate or a soft pastel. The skirt's waistband must lie flat under the peplum; a bulky waistband or belt pushes the tiers outward unevenly. Slim heeled sandals, a compact clutch and drop earrings that echo the square neckline finish it for a graduation, shower or birthday dinner.
5. Aritzia Martine Top With Tailored Trousers And Loafers
Can a peplum go to work? Yes, with tailored trousers doing the structured half. Pick high-waisted pants with a straight or slightly wide leg in black, charcoal, navy or taupe. The waistband defines the waist and the peplum softens it. Loafers keep it comfortable for a long day standing. If you add a blazer, length matters: a jacket that stops right at the waist crushes the peplum, while one that falls below it lets the tiers sit naturally. A structured bag and stud earrings keep it neat for a presentation or a creative office.
6. Aritzia Martine Top With Flowy Maxi Skirt And Sandals
A maxi skirt brings out the top's romantic side, but the waistband of the skirt is the detail I look at first. A flat, smooth waistband lets the peplum sit cleanly; a heavily gathered one stacks two layers of fullness at the hip. Solid cotton, linen blends or a soft small print all suit it. Strappy sandals, a small woven or leather bag, long earrings and a low bun to keep the neckline clear. If you're petite, an ankle-length skirt with low sandals avoids swamping your frame. It's comfortable for long summer evenings outdoors.
7. Aritzia Martine Top With White Jeans And Wedge Sandals
White jeans make any color of the top look brighter. A straight or cropped flare with little distressing keeps it clean. Espadrille wedge sandals add height and suit the summery fabric. A tan crossbody, gold hoops and tortoiseshell sunglasses finish it. If the top is white too, add contrast through a caramel belt or darker sandals, or the whole outfit blurs. The peplum draws the eye to the waist, so make sure the jeans fit smoothly there; a gaping waistband shows through the hem when the tiers move.
8. Aritzia Martine Top With Cargo Pants And Sneakers
Cargo trousers take the sweetness out of the top while keeping its shape. Look for a high waist and flat pockets; big bellows pockets at the thigh, plus a peplum at the hip, put bulk in two adjacent places. Olive, stone, black or khaki all suit neutral and bright tops. Low-profile sneakers, a compact crossbody and silver jewelry suit the modern direction. Very oversized cargos compete with the peplum, so I'd keep the leg straight. It's a sound choice for travel days and concerts.
9. Aritzia Martine Top With Mini Skirt And Ankle Boots
Poplin is a summer fabric, but with a structured mini skirt and ankle boots it carries into early autumn. Denim, suede or a tailored skirt adds seasonal weight. Choose a high rise that meets the peplum hem cleanly. Ankle boots with a low block heel give structure, and tights, sheer or opaque, add coverage without changing the proportions. A medium shoulder bag and a cropped denim jacket or longer trench handle cooler days. Keep jewelry minimal since boots and skirt already add plenty of visual weight.
10. Aritzia Martine Top With Matching Poplin Skirt And Sandals
A matching poplin skirt turns the top into what looks like a dress, and it's a trick designers use all the time: same fabric top and bottom reads as one garment. Pick a gathered midi or plain A-line in the same color, or a near-match such as white with ivory or navy with soft blue. Because both pieces are crisp cotton, the texture matches even when the shade is slightly off. Thin leather sandals, a small top-handle bag and delicate earrings. For packing, it's efficient: two pieces, three outfits.
11. Aritzia Martine Top With Black Trousers And Strappy Heels
Black trousers make the easiest evening version. Choose a high rise with a clean front, a fluid drape and a full or ankle-length hem. A white or light top gives sharp contrast; black on black looks quietly polished. Slim strappy heels, a small clutch and sculptural earrings, with hair pulled back to show the square neck. For coverage, a long tailored blazer works; a short jacket presses into the peplum and spoils its shape. It's smart enough for a dressy group dinner.
12. Aritzia Martine Top With Bermuda Shorts And Loafers
Bermuda shorts are the tailored alternative to jeans on warm days. Choose high-waisted shorts that end a few inches above the knee in black, cream, taupe or a pinstripe. A slightly wider leg opening balances the flared top far better than a slim one. Loafers or loafer mules decide how polished it looks. Both pieces have strong shapes, so keep jewelry simple and skip a wide belt, which would sit right where the peplum starts. A structured bag and classic sunglasses suit museum days or a relaxed office.
13. Aritzia Martine Top With Slip Skirt And Sneakers
A slip skirt and sneakers mix dressy and casual pieces. Pair a satin or soft woven midi with the structured poplin top; the skirt should sit high and fall smoothly under the peplum. Clean white sneakers keep satin from looking like evening wear. A small nylon or leather bag and subtle studs are enough. On a cool morning, a light cardigan over the shoulders covers the arms without hiding the neckline. Neutrals look understated and a printed skirt adds personality. Easy for sightseeing or a daytime party where you'll be on your feet.
14. Aritzia Martine Top With Faux Leather Pants And Heels
Faux leather trousers against crisp cotton make a sharp contrast. I'd keep the leg straight or slightly flared with no zips or panels, because the texture already does enough. Black is easiest; deep brown or burgundy is softer. Pointed pumps or minimal heeled sandals lengthen the leg. A structured mini bag and bold metal earrings finish it. Faux leather doesn't breathe, so the cotton top helps keep you comfortable indoors. A fitted long coat adds warmth without bulk around the waist.
15. Aritzia Martine Top With Denim Maxi Skirt And Flats
A column denim maxi skirt grounds the top's flared hem. Look for a high waist and a front or back slit, because a narrow denim maxi without one makes walking awkward. Mid wash is casual; dark indigo is smarter. Pointed ballet flats or slingback flats keep the long line clean. I let the peplum sit over the waistband; tucking it in creates a lump and defeats the point of the tiers. Petite women may prefer an ankle-length skirt that shows the shoes. A small bag and narrow sunglasses finish it for spring or autumn days.
16. Aritzia Martine Top With Straight Jeans And A Cropped Cardigan
A cropped cardigan stretches the top beyond summer. Start with high-rise straight jeans in blue, gray or ecru. Choose a lightweight cardigan that ends near the waist, so it can be worn open without flattening the peplum. Thick, oversized knits overpower a light cotton top and hide all its construction. A neutral or tonal color works best. Slingback flats, a medium leather tote and small hoops finish it. Take the cardigan off indoors and the square neck and tie are back in view.
17. Aritzia Martine Top With Blazer Shorts And Slingback Heels
A blazer and matching shorts turn the top into a polished warm-weather suit. Pick high-rise shorts with a clean waistband and a relaxed blazer in the same fabric. The shorts need some length and room through the leg; tight short shorts look unbalanced against a fitted bodice and flared hem. Wear the jacket open. Slingback kitten heels are elegant but easy to walk in, and a structured bag with earrings matching the shoe hardware ties it together. Beige, gray, navy or black suiting suits a lunch, conference or shower.
18. Aritzia Martine Top With Pleated Midi Skirt And Mary Janes
Narrow pleats with a flat waistband are the key to this one; wide pleats add fullness under the peplum that you don't need. Black, navy, cream or muted pastels coordinate easily, and plaid adds a preppy note. Mary Jane flats or low block heels are comfortable and classic. Keep the skirt at mid-calf so the shoes show. A structured satchel and pearl or metal earrings finish it. For a layer, a long trench is better than a bulky cropped jacket, which bunches over the tiers.
19. Aritzia Martine Top With Parachute Pants And Trainers
Parachute trousers are an unexpected partner for a romantic top, and they make a contemporary street-style outfit. Choose a high rise with moderate volume and adjustable ankle cords; pull the cords so the trousers taper slightly and the eye goes back up to the top. Stone, olive, navy or black are easiest. Slim retro trainers suit it better than chunky running shoes, which make the outfit bottom-heavy. A compact bag, silver hoops and sunglasses. Let the top hang freely over the waistband.
20. Aritzia Martine Top With Capri Pants And Kitten Heels
Capri pants show off the volume of the peplum by keeping everything below it slim. Choose a fitted or straight pair that ends around the lower calf. Black with a white top is classic; tonal cream is softer. I look for a side zip or a flat front, because buttons or a tie belt under poplin create a visible bump. Pointed kitten heels or slingbacks lengthen the lower leg. A small structured bag and oval sunglasses give a slightly vintage note. Good for lunches and vacation dinners.
Pressing Crisp Poplin Without Flattening the Tiers
Poplin's tight weave is what gives the top its crisp shape, and it's also why it creases easily. Cotton can shrink in hot water, so follow the care label and wash cool, inside out, with the straps tied loosely together so they don't knot.
Take it out of the machine promptly and hang it to dry on a padded hanger. I iron while it's still slightly damp, with the iron on a cotton setting. Do the straps and bodice first, then the tiers one at a time, using the narrow tip of the iron into the gathers rather than flattening across them. Laying a tier over the narrow end of the ironing board helps. On light colors, iron from the inside or with a pressing cloth to avoid shine.
I store mine hanging, not folded, when there's space; folding puts a sharp crease across the peplum that takes a second press to remove.
On hot days, poplin also shows sweat marks less than satin or jersey, but it can yellow at the underarms over time. I treat those spots with a little liquid detergent before each wash rather than waiting for stains to set, and I let deodorant dry completely before the top goes on.
What This Poplin Peplum Asks of Your Bottoms
One structured poplin top can move between casual, smart and dressy settings once you understand its shape. Keep the bottoms high-waisted and smooth so the peplum has a clean edge to sit on. Denim and sneakers make it easygoing; satin, trousers and heels make it dressy; linen and tailored shorts handle heat. Add thin layers and closed shoes for cooler months. Start with whatever matches your usual week, then try one contrast of texture or shape at a time. Get the proportions right and the top will earn its place in your wardrobe.
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