Originating in the 19th century, a Peplum is a short overskirt that is usually attached to a fitted jacket, top, or a skirt.
Early peplums was generally not attached to a coat or a top, it was an extra overskirt or flounce sewn onto, and dropping from, the waist.
The modern peplum became popular as a design in women’s outfits in the 1940s: jackets were often fitted at the waist, but the fabric extended beyond the waist in an overskirt.
It’s come back! All hail the return of the peplum!…But, did they ever really…’go away’. Looking at the visual timeline below, peplums are shown throughout historic fashions, whether making a large or small statement – they seem to keep poking their little frilly peplum heads above water. I am liking the modern twists on peplums, the matching brightly coloured tops with the skirts. Smart.
A lady moved through a coffee shop a couple of weeks ago wearing an aqua coloured peplum skirt with matching top. Every man in the place turned to look at her..Every woman too. It may have been the fact she was about 7 foot tall, with never-ending legs and long, brunette, flowing hair…But the peplum definitely had a role to play :)
S/S12 saw the peplum return in all its glory, in bold colours, neons and clean lines.
1870s
1940s
1980s
2008
2009
2011
Emma Stone wearing a modern peplum dress designed by Giambattista Valli 2011. I love Emma, and I love her in this peplum!
2012
Elie Saab tailored dress
What do you think of peplums? Flattering, not flattering, garish, pretty?
