Trend Report: Peplum Dress

By Sisi Tsoi


The Peplum the hottest silhouette of Summer 2012, and it's set to only get more popular in the fall. The Peplum shape is catching on, thanks to its versatility and ability to flatter many shapes and sizes. At this point in the year, there are a multitude of styles and cuts available, so that you can work the peplum trend, make it your own, and stand out from the crowd even as you work the most fashionable current style.

Regardless of being seen on everybody from Kim Kardashian to Kim Middleton, the detail is still fresh and novel. The comely cut implies that it's got a unique quality, in a position to add curves to a boyish figure, yet at the very same time can flatter a more voluptuous frame to surprising effect. It can even be used to hide a baby bump! A tiny overskirt adds detail to tops, dresses and skirts that might instead be considered too basic or boring. This tiny detail adds an immediate update to any wardrobe and will ensure you stay ahead of the style curve.

The look is also open to further alteration for an outfit that'll be even nearer to your individual style and mark you as a trendsetter. Wearing a waist belt just above the peplum skirt, for instance, accentuates the waist and highlights your figure. Pairing complementary yet rather clashing colours - such as Emma Stone's Pink and Red Giambattista Valli dress which she was wearing to the Friends With Benefits film premiere - propels the look further into a fashion-forward, directional league, with the appearance of separates bringing a hint of professional style to the ensemble.

Because the peplum is a key detail and yet is relatively neutral, it is simple to blend with other trends. For example, you can pair a cream peplum top with a statement pair of ankle-grazing trousers or pencil skirt - two more of the season's wardrobe favourites. A flashback to the 80s without the nightmares of crimped hair and legwarmers, it's a retro nod that avoids that fancy dress look. Even peplum dresses in neutral tones such as black, cream and nude are statement enough to look fashionable, without that fast-fashion feel that trendy prints might have. This means that you won't be recycling them after just a couple of wears - and if you opt for pieces that have further details, such as embellished necklines, or striking sleeves, they will keep you looking interesting for even longer.

Along with the transitory peplum, 2 of Fall's biggest trends are the color Oxblood and Leather. Burgundy, wine and forest fruit tones, coupled with peplum are a total fail-safe closet combo. Leather pieces like pencil skirts and skintight jeans will look fantastically directional with a peplum top and bridge the style opening between grunge and glamour. You do not have to pick whether you're an awful girl or a good girl with peplum ; you will simply be amazingly trendy, and prepared for this years' season.




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