What are peplums?
Peplums started out life in the 1800′s as short overskirts that flounced out from the waist. The general definition holds true, though in the 20th century they became attached to the waists of jackets or skirts as structured frills that accented the hips. In 1947 Christian Dior debuted the ‘Bar’ suit, which formed an iconic part of the ‘New Look’, bringing a nipped-in waist and padded, peplumed hips into raging popularity.
The peplum now
Peplums have been playing on the edges of fashion for several seasons now, but on the spring 2012 runways rose up to have their moment. But while some designers adhered to the stiff femininity of the peplum as history has known it, others brought it well and truly forward, laying out contemporary options that see it crossing paths with other spring trends.
Peplums beyond the skirt
While we usually picture peplums as being either attached to skirts or attached to jackets worn with skirts, there’s no such requirement any more. Peplums now find themselves frilling out across the hips of skinny-cut pants, or being worn with tailored shorts as a modern day update that marries the peplum silhouette with a cool hint of androgny
Feminine with a twist
The other brilliant thing about the smorgasboard of peplum options available to you right now is that not everything is clear-cut and safe. If you want to rock peplums in a way that’s very now look to the runway designs that incorporated femininity with a twist.
Peplums for fall 2012
When the cold weather hits and spring gives way to fall / winter 2012, don’t feel you have to give up the idea of playing with peplums. Though, there are particular interpretations best suited to the cool seasons.
With the layering that goes into staying warm come chilly fall days, voluminous peplums can go from elegant to lumpy. As such:
- For cold weather, peplum jackets are one of the best ways to interpret the trend. They can be worn over slim layers to create an interesting look, while on the contrary peplums worn as under-layers can be bulky.
- While peplums in spring can be flirty and flouncy, winter works best with structure. Sharply structured peplums have a strict elegance when applied to winter outerwear.
- Experiment with heavier fabrics. Wool, leather, or jacquard are good options for structured fall peplums.
How peplums can flatter your figure
The glad truth about peplums is that they can add volume where volume is most needed. If you’re thinking that hips are the one place volume is not needed, don’t write peplums off just yet.
Adding volume to the hips also creates more negative space at the waist. In other words, even for those heavier on the bottom, peplums can flatter by drawing in the waist and creating a deliberate hourglass shape. Choose wisely though; only opt for pieces that create that s-curve by really drawing in the waist. You’ll probably be better off opting for tops or jackets with peplums high at the waist as opposed to skirts with peplums that flare out from lower on the body.
Have fun with your peplums <3
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