Dinner with the PEPLUMs!

For a couple of seasons, layers and peplums have been decorating many of the truly spectacular pieces. Starting with maxi or A-line dresses, layered skirts and going further to structured jackets and asymmetrical, layers bring excitement, beauty and visual entertainment.  We have to admit that this season it’s all about the frill, even if we are referring to transparency, opulence or ultra feminine details.

The peplum ranks very high in the ruffle family, which are so popular in fashion. After all those slim-fit and bodycon dresses there is finally something flattering in store for us! The peplum detail highlights your feminine curves and at the same time covers them softly. I love the Givenchy peplum jacket for this season, they are so bold, so powerful.

It’s exciting how a detail that is usually attached to ballroom dresses and vintage jackets, becomes incorporated into wearable and desirable clothing pieces. Connoisseurs are familiar with the fact that the peplum attended other dinners over time, especially in the ’40s, when the emphasis was on the wasp waists and in the ’80s, when peplums balanced jackets with pronounced shoulders.

This year, however, the variety of peplums is unexpected, almost every fashion house has juggled peplums in the spring-summer season 2012.  Some more conservative (Giles), others more visionary (Givenchy, Marchesa),more feminine(Vera Wang, Jason Wu ) or even the futurists such as Alexander McQueen, Zac Posen and Cushnie & Ochs. This can mean only one thing: fast-fashion brands will definitely taste this  delicacy, thus providing a wide range of options for all figures and budgets.

What kind of peplum?

Regarding color, peplums are often made of the same fabric / color like the rest of the clothing piece, however we believe that they also look good on  contrasting tops, skirts or dresses. With regards to the length of the peplum, usually short = sexy, but I’ve seen many other styles which start from the waist and have a longer fabric attached to them.

I think sexiness lies in the reinterpretation of this detail. If you like the idea, but it’s not quite your type, try something more edgy and asymmetrical that dresses down the feminine touch.For a dramatic pill try something ecletic and create a mix between classic and modern. We loved the white Vera Wang dress – the asymmetry, layers and transparency mark all these points.

How to style the peplum?

The peplum should be placed in the middle of the table, in the center of attention! Don’t out-shine it with volumetric accessories because it will ruin the balance of the entire outfit. Go for ellegant jewelry and you can even highlight your waist with a skinny belt just above the ruffle peplum.

Peplum jackets and tops go perfectly with office troursers or skinny jeans, leggings or leather pants, while skirts look their best with a tucked-in top. In more formal outfits, wear your peplum jacket all zipped or buttoned-up. Peplums also look amazing on top of those slick office pencil skirts. However, try to keep a more conservative image regarding the top as you could suffocate the entire outfit. Wear heels, they always make a difference with regards to proportions for any outfit, this time making the peplum be in the center of your hourglass silhouette.

Get ispired…!

Celebrities have not said no to peplums, and ever since last year when the new collections have hit the runways, we saw many artists and actresses taking on this style which adds a touch of drama and contributes to the outfit’s feminine allure.

 

Photo credits: Style.com, Elle.com, Tommy Ton