Pattern Play

Andrea Dennis

Add a stylish PEPLUM to a basic bodice for a garment that's sure to attract attention. Here are five peplum styles to choose from––each will make you the life of the party.

DO YOU REMEMBER the dramatic peplums of yesteryear? Cinched waistlines and dramatic extensions of pleats, gathers and flares created diversions. These peplums definitely warranted attention, automatically directing eyes down to just below the waistline.

A peplum includes a fitted waistline, where the bodice traditionally would be fitted, and is an extension below the waist of gathers, pleats, flares or tabs. Peplums may also be cut into the princess line of a blouse or jacket without a separate waistline. In some designs the peplum is made completely separate from the garment. A classic addition to any ensemble, a peplum can be stylized to your taste with the added benefit of it fitting your figure type.

Shaped to FIT

The GREAT THING about a peplum is that it complements any figure type, as long as the skirt or trouser worn with the peplum balances the look. The main figure types are listed below:

PEAR-SHAPED: Wear a peplum with a wider flared skirt, which detracts attention from your hip line.

HOURGLASS: A peplum may be worn with almost anything from slacks or jeans to flared or straight skirts.

STRAIGHT: You'll find the peplum to your advantage as it tricks the eye, giving you a defined waist and the impression of wider hips.

ROUND: A peplum will give you a needed waistline. A peplum also hides a protruding stomach. Wear a skirt that flares only at the hemline.

INVERTED TRIANGLE: You benefit the most from a peplum, as it creates balance with wide shoulders that are characteristic of your figure type.