Want to look smart and stylish in the office, but struggling against the heat? Peplum tops can be your solution for nine-to-five style. Sure we may not have had the best start to the summer, but now it seems to have well and truly arrived meaning trousers, jackets and long sleeved shirts are the last things we want to wear!

This is where peplum tops come in as they balance they are sufficiently smart for the office and ideal for the warmer weather. Wear yours with a pencil skirt or some tailored shorts to keep cool in the heat.

Of course the sun probably won’t be around for long, but luckily the peplum is sticking around for autumn as a key silhouette that will work for smart or casual style. Choose prints and shades that you can wear now and next season. A silver metallic peplum is light enough to wear now but will also become a key piece as we head into autumn as a way to work the futuristic trend.

Animal prints and textured tops are also updates to the peplum that you can wear now.

My favourite is River Island’s lace peplum top that comes complete with pearl necklace detail at the top. At just £30 this would add a real style injection into a typical office wardrobe, and is a top that could take you from work to bar.

Proving work wear doesn’t have to be boring; the peplum top is a great way to update your look for summer and beyond.

About the Author : Jennifer Winnett is a receptionist who wears peplums tops.