Dressing for spring can be as easy as rolling out of bed—literally. (Consider the explosion of pajama pants, one of the most talked-about looks of the season.) But peplum, another must-try spring trend, is a trickier proposition. The 1940s staple—a flared piece of fabric, often accentuating the hips—may give even the most daring style-setter pause. First, the return of the mom jeans and now the advent of the hip frill?

Well, yes. Designers like Marc Jacobs and Jil Sander (to name a few) and stars of every shape have fully embraced this ultra-flirty, surprisingly flattering trend. To find out how you wear peplum with utmost confidence, we caught up with celebrity stylist Simone Harouche, who boasts clients such as Jennifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus and Christina Aguilera. Read on for her fool-proof tips for the best way to wear peplum this spring.

Who’s worn it?

Style mavens like Diane Kruger, Blake Lively and Emma Stone have used peplum as the ultimate dramatic ingredient in their style cocktail, and even conservative fashion influencers like Kate Middleton have worn peplum suits.

What body type does peplum look best on?

Not Karlie Kloss? No problem. Curvy celebs like Beyoncé have rocked the overskirt to major effect. The architectural element of the frill cinches the waist and can create the perfect hourglass shape.

If you’re lean,
opting for bold hues and larger ruffles “can create the illusion of curves,” says Harouche.

How to wear peplum at any age

Harouche believes that there is no age cap on who can wear peplum. Her one piece of advice? “Go for a less exaggerated peplum. You’re more aware of your body and what works for you [so trust your gut]”.

Click here for some of our favourite peplum finds!

Want to know how to wear peplum for every occasion? Read on to the next page…

How to wear peplum for any occasion

To the office:

“A skirt-suit peplum is an appropriate option for the workplace,” suggests Harouche. Try pairing a peplum blazer with an above-the-knee pencil skirt for balanced and classic look.

To Sunday brunch:

For a weekend mid-morning outing, Harouche recommends trying a fun peplum shirt. Play around with colours and prints and pair with a nice sleek trouser or denim pants (if it’s more casual) for a fun laidback ensemble.

For a night out with the girls:

If you’re mulling over what to wear on your night out on the town, Harouche praises the peplum dress as this season’s go-to staple. Try a colour-block combo in
vibrant hues and textures for a standout look. Something tells us you’ll shine right through those dim bar lights.

A cocktail party:

“I love a dress with a bold peplum for a cocktail party,” says Harouche. If you’re a LBD devotee, add some drama with a waistline ruffle. Pair with some sky-high stilettos and a box clutch for a chic, elegant and on-trend look.

Read more:

Spring 2012 fashion trends: Peplum

Spring fashion trends: Modern glam accessories

Spring 2012 accessories: Decadent retro jewels