From left to right: Spring Summer 2012 designs from Marc by Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu, Alexander McQueen, Celine and Givenchy. Images: SHOWBIT
Peplums are pretty, flirty and very oh-so-hip this season. They’ve come a long way since their society-girl beginnings in the ’40s: The peplums that designers are raving over are not stiff and over-the-top, but sleek and chaste, and Hollywood celebrities like Emma Stone and Beyonce have been lapping it up on the red carpet.
Celine went for a classic, straight-forward take on the peplum while Alexander McQueen and Jason Wu upped the ante with printed fabrics and leather respectively. Givenchy was the sexiest with elaborately draped sleeveless peplum tops while Marc by Marc Jacobs kept things casual with a simple peplum skirt.
HOW TO WEAR IT:
No matter how fancy it seems, there’s really nothing to be afraid of. The peplum is a great way to add a structured look to your outfit, bring out your hourglass silhouette (or the semblance of one) and hide less-than-trim bellies. Start off with a sleeveless peplum top worn over skinny jeans, or with a striped slim-fitting shirt tucked into a dark peplum skirt, as expertly demonstrated by Marc by Marc Jacobs.
Forget about the LBD; experiment with peplum dresses or even a peplum jacket for that special occasion and stand out from the crowd.
