3 Ways to Wear Peplum (and Look Slimmer)
By Adam Glassman

Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D.
I know, I know, I was telling you to avoid this trend last season. Who needs all that extra fabric around the hips? But I've since had a change of heart because the right peplum can actually make you look thinner. Just follow these rules:
1. Choose a soft material in a silhouette that isn't too extreme, so the look is more modern, less Mad Men.
2. Whatever you wear below the pouf should be streamlined: a pencil skirt or tapered pants.
3. Accessories should contrast with the ladylike vibe—choose an edgy metallic clutch or a bright stiletto.
Dress, Dressbarn Collection, $56, dressbarn.com.
1. Choose a soft material in a silhouette that isn't too extreme, so the look is more modern, less Mad Men.
2. Whatever you wear below the pouf should be streamlined: a pencil skirt or tapered pants.
3. Accessories should contrast with the ladylike vibe—choose an edgy metallic clutch or a bright stiletto.
Dress, Dressbarn Collection, $56, dressbarn.com.

A well-placed peplum can hide a thicker middle.
Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet, $264, aliceandolivia.com
Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet, $264, aliceandolivia.com

A peplum can also give the illusion of a smaller waist.
Warehouse, $50, warehouse.andotherbrands.com.
Next: 4 must-try trends for fall
Warehouse, $50, warehouse.andotherbrands.com.
Next: 4 must-try trends for fall
From the October 2012 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine