Peplum Power

All hail the almighty peplum dress.

They've been popping up everywhere latey. You've seen them for sure, but chances are, you had no idea what to call them. I personally danced around with a few terms, sometimes referring to them as tierred or layered. But it wasn't until I realized that my sister's Sweet 16 was dangerously close and I had yet to find a dress that I actually got on the internet and did my research.

According to Webster's, a peplum is a "short section attached to the waistline of a blouse, jacket, or dress". The term came about in the 1800's and has since evolved. The modern peplum became popular in the 1940's when we began to see fabric extending beyond the waist on skirts and dresses. A peplum typically flares out at the hips, some more so than others, creating a variety of silhouettes.

After a brief hiatus, the peplum trend came back in full force in the 80's. And what seems to be the standard now, anything with a cool factor in the 80's is once again cool now. The popularity of the peplum was partially a reaction to the constricting menswear styles that were the norm during that time period. The new peplum was a quasi-feminist statement towards freedom of dress for women and the embrace of a woman's figure.

And they've got it absolutely down pat in the UK. Topshop, ASOS and NewLook have mastered the peplum style. A quick walk through Topshop and you'll see dainty floral peplum skirts and dresses lining the floor. Asos.com offers up their version of the peplum in a variety of colors. And I can indulge my love for fake leather (American Apparel style) with New Looks "Wet Look" peplum dress which comes in black and pink.

I don't know about you but my Forever 21 floral version is in my closet ready to be worn one last time. And as soon as this unsightly rain ceases, you'll find me in my peplum dress on the Great Lawn.

-Alix