A peplum is a short flared panel sewn onto a fitted bodice, and that seam is the whole garment. Where it sits on you decides whether the top nips you in or makes you look wider. Aritzia’s fitted, waist-defining tops come in crisp cotton poplin that holds the flare out from the body and in soft jersey that lets it drape, and the two need different bottoms. As a designer, I think about the outfit from the seam down: the bottoms should continue the line the bodice starts, not add a second flare to compete with it. These 25 pairings follow that rule, from jeans and shorts to skirts for a wedding.
The Seam That Makes or Breaks a Peplum
Before styling a peplum, I check where its seam lands on the wearer. On most people it should sit at the natural waist, the narrowest point between the ribs and hips. If it lands lower, on a longer torso for example, the flare starts at the high hip and the top looks like it belongs to someone else.
- Stand side-on to a mirror and find your natural waist by bending sideways; the crease is where the seam should be.
- A seam that sits above the waist makes a short torso look shorter still. Petite wearers often need a cropped or petite cut.
- A seam that sits below the waist adds visual length to the body and width to the hip. Taller wearers can usually carry this; most others can't.
- Check the flare length. A short flare that ends above the hip bone is easiest to wear with any bottom.
If the bodice fits but the seam is a little low, a tailor can raise it by taking in the bodice at the waist seam. It's a simple alteration and it changes how the whole top sits.
1. Aritzia Peplum Top With Straight Leg Jeans
Straight-leg jeans are the easiest partner for A fitted Aritzia peplum top because the leg runs straight down from the hip and lets the flare be the only curve. I want the jeans' waistband right at the peplum seam or just below it, so no denim shows between the bodice and the flare. Medium wash for weekends, dark for the office. Pointed flats, a structured shoulder bag and small gold earrings finish it. If you add a jacket, choose one that stops above the flare; a cropped trench or a short leather jacket keeps the shape visible.
2. Aritzia Peplum Top With Wide Leg Trousers
Wide-leg trousers with a peplum sound like too much volume, and with the wrong trouser they are. The fix is drape. A fluid crepe or wool trouser that falls straight from a flat waistband reads as one long line, while a stiff wide leg adds a second shape under the flare. I'd keep the top close through the bust and waist, then let the trousers do the length. Pumps or heeled boots give height; loafers work for a practical office day. Carry a compact bag. A big tote at the hip lands right where the peplum is and doubles the width.
3. Aritzia Peplum Top With White Jeans
White jeans and a coloured peplum is a bright spring outfit. Black, navy, red or a pastel top against high-rise white straight-leg denim gives clean contrast; cream on warm white is the softer version with tan accessories. White denim has one fitting issue I always check: thin white fabric shows pocket bags and underwear lines, so choose a heavier weight and smooth, skin-tone underwear. Leather sandals or low kitten heels, plus a small raffia bag, keep it light enough for brunch or a garden party.
4. Aritzia Peplum Top With Black Jeans
Black jeans make most peplums look sharper. A white poplin top on faded black denim is crisp daytime contrast; an all-black version reads longer and leaner. I avoid jeans with big belt loops or a contrasting waistband here, because the flare sits right over that area and anything bulky pushes it out. Pointed ankle boots, a slim belt and a compact leather bag. Silver jewelry makes it cooler, gold softer. In winter a long wool coat works well worn open, so the waist still shows between the lapels.
5. Aritzia Peplum Top With Baggy Jeans
Baggy jeans and a fitted peplum is a contrast of shapes, and it only works if the top is genuinely fitted. A loose peplum over loose jeans makes everything blur. Go mid or high rise, and check that the jeans don't bunch at the waistband when you cinch them; extra fabric there shows under the flare. Pointed kitten heels make it polished; retro sneakers make it relaxed. If the jeans are long, a small heel keeps the hem off the ground. Bold earrings and a slim shoulder bag pull it together.
6. Aritzia Peplum Top With Bootcut Jeans
Bootcut jeans echo the peplum's flare at the other end of the body, which balances the silhouette like a bracket. I like it best on someone with narrower hips, because the two flares create a waist. Dark wash, with the hem long enough to almost cover heeled boots or platform sandals. If the peplum sits a little above the jeans' waistband, a narrow leather belt fills that gap neatly. Keep the rest quiet: a structured bag, one fine necklace and classic sunglasses. It has a slightly 1970s feel.
7. Aritzia Peplum Top With Denim Shorts
In heat, denim shorts make a structured top feel easier. A crisp Aritzia poplin peplum top with high-waisted shorts in medium, light or white denim is my summer default. I prefer a slightly longer tailored short over a very short cut; the flare adds width at the hip, and a longer leg balances it. Flat leather sandals and a woven crossbody bag for a market morning, white sneakers and a canvas tote for a long walking day. The top carries the detail, so the shorts should be plain.
8. Aritzia Peplum Top With Tailored Shorts
Tailored shorts with a flat front make the peplum look deliberate rather than casual. A white or black top with beige, grey or chocolate shorts is a strong pairing. I'd choose a length that hits mid-thigh or lower; very short tailored shorts look odd with a top this structured. Slingback flats or low mules, a leather belt and a structured mini bag. If the top has thin straps or a low neck, keep a light blazer for an air-conditioned office. It's the shorts outfit I'd trust for a summer workplace.
9. Aritzia Peplum Top With Black Mini Skirt
A black mini skirt keeps the legs long and the waist clear. Choose an A-line or straight skirt with a flat waistband so it tucks neatly under the flare. A white poplin peplum gives crisp contrast; a black one makes the outfit look like a dress. Pointed flats with sheer tights in cooler weather, slingback heels when you want it dressier. I'd skip any skirt with bows, ruffles or patch pockets. The peplum is already the design detail, and two details at the same height fight each other.
10. Aritzia Peplum Top With Denim Mini Skirt
A denim mini skirt makes the peplum playful. A clean A-line in medium or dark denim works better than a heavily distressed one, which looks too rough next to a tailored top. White, butter yellow, pale pink or black all pair well. Ballet flats keep it sweet; low sneakers make it walkable. If you carry a cardigan, drape it over the shoulders rather than wearing it buttoned. A closed cardigan covers the seam and turns the peplum into a lumpy hem.
11. Aritzia Peplum Top With Satin Midi Skirt
Satin against a peplum is a nice contrast of surfaces, matte structure above and liquid shine below. A bias-cut midi that falls cleanly from the waist is what I'd choose. Black with champagne is the formal pairing; chocolate with cream is softer. Avoid satin skirts with thick elastic waists. Satin shows every ridge, and the gathered fabric will push the peplum out. Strappy heels, a small clutch and fine drop earrings. For cover, a long tailored coat beats a cropped layer. This works as wedding guest attire and for graduations or dinners.
12. Aritzia Peplum Top With Pencil Skirt
A peplum and a pencil skirt is the original pairing, and it still works because the narrow skirt continues the line below the flare. Black, ivory, navy or burgundy tops with a knee-length or midi pencil skirt. The fitting check I always do: the peplum should end above the widest part of your hips. If it ends right on that widest point, it draws a horizontal line there. Pumps are the traditional choice; slingbacks feel lighter. A structured work bag and a slim watch complete a look that suits presentations and business lunches.
13. Aritzia Peplum Top With Column Maxi Skirt
A long column skirt gives a peplum a modern, almost architectural line. I'd choose a skirt that falls straight without clinging, in crepe, a stable knit or denim. A strapless black peplum on a matching black skirt reads like a two-piece evening dress; a white top with a beige or denim column skirt is the daytime version. Pointed flats, low heels or minimal sandals keep the long line unbroken. Pick one strong accessory, a cuff or sculptural earrings, and leave it there.
14. Aritzia Peplum Top With Pleated Midi Skirt
A pleated midi skirt can sit under a peplum, but only with narrow pleats and a flat waistband. Deep box pleats plus a flare stack too much fabric at the hip. Position the skirt's waistband under the fitted part of the top, and pair a solid neutral peplum with a tonal or quietly printed skirt. Pointed flats or low heels keep it elegant. If you're petite, choose a skirt ending around mid-calf and shoes close to your skin tone, which keeps the leg line from being cut twice.
15. Aritzia Peplum Top With Linen Pants
Linen trousers relax the structure of a peplum, which suits holidays. High-waisted, flat-front, straight or moderately wide. White, oatmeal and light beige linen with black, navy, terracotta or blue tops all look fresh. The one style I'd avoid is the drawstring linen trouser. The gathered waist creates a lumpy band right under the flare. A concealed zip or button fastening is cleaner. Leather sandals, a raffia tote and simple gold jewelry. Expect linen to crease at the hip by afternoon; it's part of the fabric.
16. Aritzia Peplum Top With Capri Pants
Slim black capris give a peplum a 1950s outline, nipped waist and narrow leg. The pants should end between knee and ankle, and they must have a flat front without cargo pockets. A square-neck or strapless top keeps the shape clean; white or a pastel lightens it for daytime. Kitten-heel sandals, pointed slingbacks or ballet flats. I'd keep jewelry small and sunglasses narrow. It is a smart option for a hot city day when shorts feel too casual.
17. Aritzia Peplum Top With Cargo Pants
Cargo pants and a peplum is a real contrast, utility against tailoring, and I like it for that. The cargos need flat pockets, though; big bellows pockets at the thigh plus a flare at the hip widens the whole lower half. Olive, black, stone or khaki, with a fitted black or white top. Pointed flats make it look fashion-forward, minimal sneakers make it a travel outfit. A compact crossbody bag sits better than a shoulder bag, because it doesn't press on the flare.
18. Aritzia Peplum Top With Leather Pants
Leather pants add weight and shine against soft jersey or crisp poplin. Straight or gently tapered, in black, deep brown or burgundy, with a cream, black, grey or muted red top. All black looks sleek; a light top gives more separation at the waist. Pointed ankle boots or low slingbacks. Both leather and a peplum have presence, so I keep shoes and bag plain, one metal for the jewelry. It's a strong evening outfit for colder months.
19. Aritzia Peplum Top With Matching Pants
A matching peplum top and trousers can look like a jumpsuit while being two pieces you can wear apart. The two must really match, same shade and similar fabric weight, or the break at the waist looks like a mistake. Tailored straight or wide legs work best. Pointed heels lengthen; polished flats are fine for long days. A handbag in a contrasting colour keeps the monochrome from looking flat. Gold suits cream and brown sets; silver suits black and grey.
20. Aritzia Peplum Top With Monochrome White Outfit
All-white with a peplum is fresh, and it doesn't need perfect matching. Ivory trousers, ecru jeans or a cream column skirt under a white top give a tonal look with some depth. Warm it up with tan sandals, a light brown bag and gold, or sharpen it with white pointed flats and a silver bag. The practical check is opacity: hold each white piece up to a window, and wear skin-tone underwear rather than white. A light beige blazer gives cover without breaking the colour story.
21. Aritzia Peplum Top With Blazer And Trousers
A blazer over a peplum is the trickiest layer, and length is everything. A jacket that stops right at the flare cuts it off and makes the hem stick out. I'd choose a slightly relaxed blazer that falls below the hip so it glides over the peplum, and wear it open. High-waisted tailored trousers underneath. Black, grey, cream and navy are easy; a burgundy top gives controlled colour. Loafers, pumps or ankle boots and a structured tote make it a meeting outfit without a button-down.
22. Aritzia Peplum Top With Cropped Cardigan And Jeans
A cropped cardigan gives warmth while leaving the shape alone, as long as it ends around your natural waist. Wear it open or fasten just the top button so the bodice and flare stay visible. A sleeveless or strapless peplum with straight-leg jeans underneath. Cream over ivory looks soft and tonal; a contrasting cardigan gives more definition. Ballet flats, loafers or low sneakers. I'd steer away from chunky cable knits here, which add bulk at the bust and shorten the bodice visually.
23. Aritzia Peplum Top With Trench Coat And Jeans
A trench over a peplum with jeans is a good spring and autumn outfit, with one rule: don't belt the trench tight over the flare. It crushes the peplum and makes a bump at the hip. Wear it open, or tie the belt loosely above the waist. A knee-length beige trench works with black, white, navy or red tops; a black trench is sharper. Dark or medium straight-leg denim, loafers or ankle boots and a structured shoulder bag. It handles commuting and changeable weather well.
24. Aritzia Peplum Top With Wedding Guest Skirt
A dressy peplum can become sophisticated wedding guest attire with an elegant midi or maxi skirt. Satin, crepe or a softly structured skirt in a complementary colour, with a flat waistband under the top. Jewel tones, pastels, navy and deep neutrals all suit a wedding. Steer clear of white or anything that could read as bridal unless the couple has asked for it. Heeled sandals, a small clutch and fine earrings. I like this option because both pieces go straight back into your everyday wardrobe afterwards.
25. Aritzia Peplum Top With Casual Sneakers And Jeans
For ordinary days, a peplum with jeans and clean sneakers looks considered without trying hard. Straight, cropped or relaxed denim, with white leather sneakers or neutral suede for a softer feel. A crossbody bag, sunglasses and small hoops. I'd keep the denim mostly free of rips if you want the top to look intentional. Carry a bomber or denim jacket for cool weather, but don't tie it around your waist. The knot sits right on the flare and crushes it flat.
Pear, Apple and Straight Figures Under a Flare
A peplum adds shape at the hip, so it's most helpful where there's little to begin with. On a straight figure it creates a waist out of nothing, and nearly every outfit above will work. On a pear shape, I'd pick a soft jersey peplum that drapes rather than poplin that juts out, and pair it with dark, straight bottoms so the flare isn't sitting on the widest point.
On an apple shape, a peplum can still work if the seam sits just under the bust, more empire than waist, and the flare falls longer and softer. A stiff, short flare at the natural waist tends to draw attention to the middle instead. With a full bust, check that the bodice darts actually reach the bust point; if they stop short, the fabric pulls and the seam rides up.
Pressing a Poplin Flare So It Stands Out Again
A poplin peplum only looks like the picture when the flare is pressed. After washing, I iron it while it's still slightly damp, working the bodice first, then laying the flare flat in sections over the narrow end of the ironing board and pressing from the seam outwards. That keeps the fullness even all the way round.
Jersey peplums are different. Don't iron the flare flat; hang the top on a shaped hanger and steam it lightly so the drape returns. Store either type hanging, never folded across the waist seam, or you'll get a hard crease at exactly the spot everyone looks at.
The Peplum Seam Is the Whole Outfit
Every outfit here comes back to the seam where the bodice meets the flare. Keep that line clean, with a flat waistband under it and nothing tied or belted across it, and the top does its job of shaping your waist. Straight jeans make it casual, tailored trousers make it office-ready, and smooth midi skirts make it formal. Layers should stop above the flare or fall well below it. Start with the jeans and trousers you already own, then change shoes and texture to suit where you're going.
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