Relaxed Peplum Lookbook: Style, Fabric Picks, & Options

Mamma Can Do It just released the new Relaxed Peplum just in time for the Fall sewing season.  I wanted to share this blog post with you to explore all the options this wonderful pattern has!  I’ll look at all the options available, the best fabric for your new peplum, and style tips for both women and girls! I hope you enjoy this Lookbook!

Options

Girl’s Peplum Length Options

There are three different length options in the girl’s pattern and two different sleeve options (long and short sleeves).  All of these versions are of the full circle peplum.

Women’s Peplum Length Options

There are two different length options in the women’s pattern and three different sleeve options (long, 3/4 sleeve, and short sleeves).  The tunic on the left is a full circle peplum while the top on the right is a half circle peplum.

Girl’s Peplum Style Options

There are a couple different peplum options for the girl’s pattern.  On the left in the picture above is the full circle peplum in tunic length.  Circle peplums have an amazing twirl factor that your little girls and even older little ladies will love!  In the middle is pictured the gathered curved hem peplum which is lower in the front and back and curves up at the sides.  On the right is the gathered high/low peplum which is longer in the back and higher in the front.  The high/low and curve hem are only options for the gathered peplum.  With each option you get a totally different look!

Women’s Peplum Style Options

The women’s pattern has one more peplum option than the girl’s version.  There is a gathered high low featured in the picture to the far left which also has a double skirt half circle peplum on top.  The picture to the center left shows a gorgeous version of the gathered curve hem tunic style and the picture to the center right pictures a full circle top peplum.  The picture on the right shows a half circle peplum top length.  The half circle peplum was added in later during testing because the ladies thought that it was a very flattering way to slim the hips and accentuate the waist and I am so happy with the results.  I think it looks stunning on all of these ladies!

Additional Fun Option:  Double Skirt Peplums!!!

I just love that this pattern can be changed up in so many ways.  These double skirt peplum tunics are so fun!!  Tips and Tricks for sewing up your own double peplum is included in the tutorial of the pattern.

Fabric Options

The Relaxed Fit Peplum requires a fabric with at least 50% stretch and good recovery.  The good recovery is especially important for your bodice to hold up to a heavier weight fabric peplum.  There were many different fabrics tested out by our team of Mamma Can Do It Testers.   Some favorite fabric choices were cotton lycra (spandex) or jersey knit, liverpool, double brushed poly, rayon spandex, and french terry.  The gathered peplum option can even be used with medium to lighter weight woven fabrics.  Other fabrics to try:  Scuba, stretch velvet, ponte, and sweater knit!!!  Note:  The higher the stretch the larger and sometimes longer (if it is a 4-way stretch) a garment will feel. 

Cotton Lycra or Cotton Jersey Knit

Liverpool, Scuba, Double Knit, Stable Knits

Double Brushed Polyester & Rayon Spandex French Terry

Style Tips and Tricks

Each style of peplum will flatter different figures.  We are all shaped differently and this changes throughout our lives.  I know I am a completely different shape than I was before having kids.  Peplums as a garment will most often add fullness to the hip area which accentuates the waist by making is look smaller.  No matter what your body type, there is a peplum style for you in this pattern.

Gathered or Full Circle Peplum with Your Body Type

The gathered peplum works well if your body shape is straight or your waist is not usually well defined.  This happens when your waist measurement is close to or the same as your hip measurement.  Make sure that you use the finished side measurements to get your peplum to fall at your natural waist (the smallest part of your torso).  The gathers will then create a fullness at the hip that will be very flattering.  This also works well for the full circle skirt.  Don’t forget to check out the pleated hack on the blog.  Pleated peplums look professional and great on everyone!!!

Half Circle Peplum with Your Body Type

This type of peplum is great if you are heavier in the hip or bottom like I am post kids.  It helps draw the eye to the smaller waist and the circle hugs your hips which creates a very pleasing hourglass figure.

High/Low or Curve Hem Peplum with Your Body Type

The Curve hem is a gathered option that is shorter along the sides and longer in the front and back.  It looks fantastic with leggings and boots for a fun turn of the season look.  This type of peplum works great for curvier body types.  The High/Low hem which is longer in the back and shorter in the front is perfect for those with narrow hips.

Favorite Style Looks from Our Tester Team

From dressing this peplum up with fun necklaces to dressing it down with relaxed shoes, this peplum is so versatile in style.  For an awesome fall look wear leggings or skinny jeans with boots or flats.  It pairs great with the Mamma Can Do It Fit Pants and many of our testers sewed up both to share with you.  For a more professional look wear a pencil skirt.  Here are some of our favorites.

Girl’s Peplum

Women’s Peplum

No matter how you style, I know this pattern will be a staple in my fall and winter wardrobe.  I can’t wait to see how you style yours and what you will sew next!  Happy sewing!