How to Wear | Alice + Olivia’s Peplum Tee

Posted on January 23rd, by Brittany Witkin in How to Wear, Tops. No Comments

You, over there, pick one word, any word, and I’ll show you that the root of that word is Greek. Sound familiar? If you’re as obsessed with the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding as I am, then the first sentence in this paragraph should ring a bell.

So, why am I referencing a rom-com when I’m trying to get to the point of the post, (a.k.a. me offering my sage advice having spent the past decade in the fashion industry on how to wear a top with a peplum)? Because literally, I kid you not, the ancient Greeks rocked the peplum, and the root of that word is truly Greek. Did they invent it? I’m probably not going to go on written record with that. I’m in fashion remember? We’re not known for our accurate historical references when diving outside the lines of famous design or publishing houses. However, I will say that, back in fifth century B.C. Greece, you would have definitely seen images of what is now coined, the ‘peplum,’ painted on vases, you know, as they should be. They were remarkably on point when it came to decor, among other things.

This particular garment that the Greek goddesses covered their statue-inspiring bodies with was called a ‘peplos.’ Peplos, peplum, and there you have it. Seriously, back to the movie, can’t you totally hear the Greek father say that last sentence? I know…

Fast forward to 2012…Alice + Olivia’s spring collection to be exact, and you see the peplum, one of my all-time favorite cuts in fashion mind you (thank you Greece, oh and a+o), resurfacing over a pencil skirt and slouchy leather, knee-high boots. I’m sure the ancient Greeks would have envisioned the ensemble in a different light, but quite honestly, I’m thinking a+o did the classic cut some serious justice. And with that, I give you the inspiration for how to wear a peplum tee:

source: www.style.com

Did I also mention that the peplos of Ancient Greece, with stories and myths surrounding the theme of Athena’s defeat woven carefully into the fabric, took nine months to create, finally making it’s cameo at the Panathenaea religious festival? Yes, you heard correctly. Nine months. That’s dedication. Mention this manufacturing window to any buyer roaming the halls at a luxury retailer today and watch the line get passed over quicker than an outerwear company launching a down-puffer jacket line for Spring/Summer ’12 at a 30% markup and no margin agreement. Translation: fast.

Am I done with the history lesson? Yes. Fine. I get it. You want the goods. Check out how to wear the look, piece by piece:

(clockwise starting from the left) 1. Ella Peplum Tee With Zip (www.aliceandolivia.com) 2. Orange Square Ring (www.topshop.com) 3. MARNI Necklace (www.yoox.com) 4. J. Crew No. 2 Tweed Pencil Skirt (www.jcrew.com) 5. Sacha London Women’s Belina Knee-High Boot (www.amazon.com) 6. Givenchy Leopard Print Flap Bag (www.mytheresa.com)

The look is one part Ancient Greece, a dash of an on-trend runway look, another part saturated pop colors, shake, and top it off with a little animal print to tie it all together. All inspired by the peplum. Now you know everything about it, so, don’t let me hold you back, go tell someone something, sound like a style-savvy smarty pants (or peplum), shop a little, and above all, spread the StyleShaker love. But first, check out what else is going on here.