Okay, usually I don’t write about clothing that I haven’t worn myself, but peplums are so in with the In Crowd that I’m thinking about trying on a peplum dress or top (in the luxury of my own home, through the magic of online shopping).
As you can imagine, I’m not quite ready to try on this new trend in a Nordstrom dressing room where some young sales associate, who I don’t know and shouldn’t care about, might see me.
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What is a Peplum?
If you grew up in blue jeans, you might not know much about peplums. A peplum is a short overskirt or flounce, usually attached to a jacket or dress. Well, if you try to picture Joan Crawford in a suit, your mind will eventually show you a peplum jacket. However, peplums can also be found attached to sweaters, skirts, and even pants.
Why Would Anyone Want to Wear a Peplum?
Although I don’t think I’ve ever worn a peplum in my life, I have an easy time visualizing different silhouettes on various body types. Therefore, you can count on me to search the internet, give you the best info, and shield you from any wrong advice from young, skinny, but well-meaning, bratatatat teenies. (Well, I do make mistakes every now and then, but most of the time, I’m spot on.)
One of the best quotes about finding the right peplum for your body comes from The Telegraph. According to Hilary Alexander, “The secret of a successful peplum is in the cut and fit, and the balance between shoulder, hip, and waist to achieve that all-important hourglass silhouette.”
In other words, a peplum can make you look like schnizzlefits if you don’t get it just right. However, do not give up on the idea just yet because a good, well-proportioned peplum can make your waist look smaller and become the focal point of this modern look.
What Kind of Peplum is Right for You?
Peplums come in all kinds of silhouettes. There are various shapes and sizes, like frilly and ruffled or stiff and architectural. Some peplums are so small they’re barely noticeable, while others are the only thing that anyone will notice. In theory, there is a peplum style that will look great on you by camouflaging your fat tush or balancing out your top height. The trick is to find the right type of peplum that flares out in just the right spot (where you’re the skinniest) and ends at just the right spot (so you’re not drawing attention to your least favorite area).
- Hourglass Shape: If you have an hourglass-shaped body, peplums can exaggerate your already ideal proportions.
- Top-Heavy or Inverted-Triangle Shape: If you have a top-heavy or inverted-triangle body, adding bulk to your lower half will balance out your upper half and make you look like you have a waist while hiding your tummy.
- Pear-Shaped Body: If you have a big-bootied, pear-shaped body, the right peplum will camouflage your hips and butt.
- Skinny Frame: If you’re as skinny as a string bean, a peplum will add some luscious curves to your skinny body…but we don’t really care about you because you look good in everything. “And have some more spaghetti, dear.”
How to Wear a Peplum
Here are various tips that may or may not help you in your search for the hottest peplum for your body. Remember that most clothing “tips” are a list of what looks good on the woman writing the article, so take these with a grain of salt:
- Smartly Tailored Styles: Smartly tailored styles are better than loose and droopy garments.
- Length of Peplum Dresses: Peplum dresses are often extremely short and look best on women with long, well-shaped legs.
- Volume Control: Complicated, very gathered peplums can add volume and accentuate your tummy.
Additional Ideas by Paula Joye
Here are more ideas presented by Paula Joye in her article, How To: Wear Peplums, from The Sydney Morning Herald:
- Color Blocking: If you use peplums in conjunction with color blocking, you can make your proportions look even more ideal. Minimize your large bust or wide shoulders by wearing a darker color above the peplum and a lighter color underneath. Do the opposite if you have a large tush.
- Casual Look: If you want a casual look, try a peplum top with skinny jeans or jeggings. (Just make sure to cover your Groove Things if you’re old enough to remember that song.)
Will You Look Good in a Peplum?
In a perfect world, where you had your own designer to custom make a perfect outfit that accentuated the positive and minimized the negative…sure, you would look fantastic in a peplum.
If you live in the real world like the rest of us, you’ll probably need to try on several types of peplums from many different companies until you find the right combination. But, once you get it right, you are going to look smashing and hip compared to your other Boomer pals.
Takeaways
- Understand the Silhouette: Choose a peplum that complements your body shape, whether you’re hourglass, top-heavy, pear-shaped, or skinny.
- Balance Proportions: Use peplums to balance your upper and lower body, creating an hourglass silhouette.
- Choose the Right Style: Select peplum styles that add the right amount of volume without overwhelming your figure.
- Experiment with Colors: Utilize color blocking to enhance your proportions and highlight your best features.
- Layer Thoughtfully: Pair peplums with the right tops and bottoms to maintain a cohesive and flattering look.
- Find the Perfect Fit: Be prepared to try different peplums to find the one that fits and flatters your body best.
- Confidence is Key: Wear your peplum with confidence to truly showcase your unique style.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate peplums into your wardrobe, enhancing your style and embracing this trendy silhouette with ease.
