Over the past half century, the peplum has repeatedly been in trend. Despite the growing popularity of the unisex style, feminine items always remain relevant. Among fashionable clothing styles, a dress with a peplum stands out, making a woman's figure slimmer and more attractive. There are many varieties of this decorative element. To create fashionable images, it is important to understand how to wear such a dress, what shoes and accessories it is best combined with.
What is a Basque and the Reasons for its Popularity
A peplum is a decorative element of women's clothing that is located at the waist. Its width can vary: from very narrow (about 10 cm) to lush or long, going down to the very bottom of the garment (usually on a wedding dress). The most popular is a flared shape, up to mid-thigh length.
The peplum, as an element of women's dress, was first designed by the world-famous fashion designer Cristobal Balenciaga in the 20th century. In his works, the designer used the idea of the traditional costume of the peoples of Spain and France. He created a collection of clothes decorated with original peplums, which add elegance to the figure. Then Christian Dior picked up this idea and developed it in his creations; in 1947, he presented the famous Bar jacket to the public.
A peplum on a dress is a highlight of women's clothing, it always looks elegant and stylish. A skillfully chosen style helps to hide a protruding tummy or overly curvy hips. The silhouette looks slim, the waist visually becomes more graceful.
Types and location of the element
Dresses with different types of peplums, which differ in the features of the cut, are in fashion. Models made of contrasting fabrics stand out. A small short frill at the waist looks original. Designers create the most luxurious styles for evening dresses. Modern varieties of this decorative element:
- flared;
- gathered;
- Basque ears;
- asymmetrical;
- with folds or folds.
The variety of styles allows any girl to choose a dress with a peplum for herself. The table lists the main types of female figures, their features, and gives recommendations on choosing a suitable model. This will help you find a beautiful outfit that will emphasize your advantages.
| Body type | Peculiarities | Suitable type of peplum |
| Rectangle | The main problem is the waist is not clearly defined in relation to the hips and shoulders. The task is to visually highlight the waist. | If the chest is large, the peplum cannot be small in size, so as not to create disproportions. A frill of about 10 cm in length will do. The best style is a peplum with ears, to visually add volume to the hips. |
| Pear | The figure is disproportionate: narrow shoulders, wide hips. | A long peplum is recommended, the edge of which will end 2 cm above the widest part of the hips. You cannot choose a voluminous frill. The best option is a tight skirt combined with a smooth elegant peplum. |
| Triangle | Broad shoulders, narrow hips. | You should choose dresses with a lush frill to make your hips look more voluminous; asymmetrical peplum shapes are suitable. |
| With a protruding belly | The main task is to disguise the bulging belly. | A peplum at the waist will perfectly correct this flaw. |
| Hourglass | Proportional figure. | You can wear any style, but a frill with a belt especially emphasizes the beauty of your figure. |
Ears are an incomplete peplum, in which the flounces are not closed in a circle. The decorative detail is sewn into the relief seams or smoothly rounded at the front. Often this shape is combined with double frills of a contrasting color.
Models with asymmetry are festive clothes. It is worth paying attention to the fishtail dress with a peplum for a wedding celebration. The decorative element made of silk or lace can be of different lengths: short in the front, and below the hips in the back.
An asymmetrical peplum distracts attention from problem areas of the figure; it will suit a full-figured girl to hide a small tummy.
The model with folds will decorate slender and tall women, visually making the figure more proportional. Often designers use this cut in combination with complex architectural folds to achieve an even greater effect.





Models and styles
A woman looks beautiful in long-sleeved dresses at any time of the year. Narrow sleeves go well with elegant frills, making the look sophisticated and stylish. These clothes will be appropriate in any situation: for the office, at a festive event. School dresses with a peplum are additionally decorated with a white collar.
Models with a removable frill are called transformers. This is very convenient, because you can constantly change your looks. A separate element is attached to hidden hooks or buttons.
Designers have reimagined fashionable layering and created an original double frill. Such outfits look truly impressive and expressive. There are two types of peplum: in the form of a lush flared flounce or made of straight fabric with gathers or folds.
This style is specially created for thin girls, the double frill adds volume to the hips, accentuating the thin waist.
When choosing a dress with a peplum for a plump woman, you should pay attention to the features of the body type. Preference is given to models with reliefs and contrasting inserts. The ideal style is a smooth or slightly gathered frill up to the hips, a dress with a slightly high waistline, with folds.
If a plump woman's waist is not clearly defined, it is better to avoid the peplum altogether. You can always choose a style with other design elements.
Dressy clothes often have asymmetrical details: a one-shoulder neckline or a single sleeve. An additional decoration is a beautiful flared peplum, as well as lace or guipure inserts. These models look great on slender girls with an ideal figure.
A figure-hugging strapless bustier dress makes the image romantic and gentle. Attention is focused on the open neckline and beautiful shoulders, the peplum emphasizes the graceful waist and makes the hips more feminine. Stylists recommend this style mainly to young girls.
The peplum on a white bridal dress is made lush and flared, from shiny satin, silk or guipure. The upper part of the luxurious wedding dress is made in the form of a corset or a tight bodice with lace inserts. Preference is given to floor-length dresses - in the hip area, the skirt fits the figure, and flares out at the bottom.
Colors and prints
A black dress with a peplum is a classic of evening fashion. To create a luxurious look, wear gold-colored jewelry or other eye-catching jewelry: necklaces, chokers, earrings, bracelets. Matte materials are an excellent basis for combining with any other clothes and accessories.
A tight white dress with a peplum creates a beautiful and feminine silhouette. Similar models are used to create a romantic image. Light clothes are easy to combine with accessories and shoes of any color, flashy gold jewelry will be perfect.
Beige items are great for creating a basic wardrobe. Dresses with a peplum demonstrate this fashion trend. Due to its simplicity, such clothes are harmoniously combined with various accessories, making a woman's image elegant and sophisticated. This is a win-win option for any occasion: to the office or on a date.
Stylists do not advise plump girls to wear dresses of light shades, as white color makes you look fat. It is advisable to choose clothes with relief lines and contrasting inserts.
In summer, outfits in bright colors are popular: lemon, pastel, mint, azure. These shades are wonderfully refreshing and give a sunny mood. You can wear a yellow dress with a peplum on a date, going on vacation, to walk in it on the seashore.
Bright green shade is perfect for women with red or chocolate hair color. Blondes look beautiful in a dress of delicate grass color, for brunettes stylists recommend outfits in emerald tones. Khaki color suits girls who have a bright appearance.
The best way to create a gentle girlish image is to wear a dress with a polka dot peplum. A popular pattern is white polka dots on a dark background. Fabrics of gentle colors look fresh: blue, pink, beige. The polka dot print is considered a classic that is always in fashion.
A bright floral dress with a peplum looks feminine and elegant at the same time. Delicate accessories will complement the original look for summer days. Large patterns on a bright background and delicate pastel fabrics with roses are relevant. Lace trim makes the clothes even more romantic and attractive.
Red dresses with peplums are chosen by celebrities to show off their beauty at social events. An outfit made of lace and guipure is especially popular; it will be an unmistakable choice for a romantic date. This look is very self-sufficient, because it combines a catchy color and attractive decor. You should not use a lot of large jewelry.
Pink is always in fashion, only the current shades change from one season to another. A gentle pastel palette will suit any girl. Designers often use a combination of pink and white tones. For a spectacular appearance, a rich shade is suitable, for example, bright purple.
A woman will always make an unforgettable impression in a purple dress. It will suit fair-haired girls and bright brunettes. Light shades, for example, lilac and purple, will emphasize the beauty of blondes. A blue dress with a peplum will make a woman bright and attractive. The rich color has special unique properties: it suits everyone without exception.
In addition to single-color dresses, two-color models that look like a single set are also popular. For example, the top is made of white material, and the skirt is made of bright or black fabric. Designers use this technique for evening dresses with a peplum.
Fabrics and decor
Dresses with a peplum are made from fabrics with different properties. To keep the flared peplum in shape, it is additionally reinforced with special materials. When choosing clothes for a special event or for every day, you should pay attention to what material it is made of. For everyday outfits, designers choose practical fabrics: wool, polyester, jersey, satin. Festive models are made of guipure, satin, natural silk.
- Knitted fabrics contain different fibers. Avoid completely synthetic knitwear made of polyacrylic or polyester. The best option is viscose, wool with added elastane, cotton.
- Satin holds its shape perfectly. It is an ideal option for summer, as it is made of 100% cotton, so the body breathes in it. You can find suitable dresses for the office: plain or with a fashionable print, so that every day you look original and impressive.
- Linen is considered the best material for summer dresses. However, there is a drawback - this fabric wrinkles a lot, so it is not suitable for business clothes. If a woman has chosen a linen dress, the peplum should be thickened to keep its shape well.
- Lace and guipure. Outfits made from these materials are always in fashion, they look very feminine, sexy and stylish.
- A satin dress is the best choice for a dinner at an expensive restaurant or for a visit to the theater. A fur cape or a luxurious stole will be a wonderful addition. Stylists advise choosing outfits in dark shades, such as purple, blue, emerald, burgundy, black. Satin is not recommended for plump women, as its shine visually makes the figure more voluminous.
- Silk can be natural or artificial. Designers increasingly work with practical synthetic materials made of polyester. The lining is made of natural silk to make the clothes comfortable.
- Tweed is an original and warm woolen fabric. Designers create practical business dresses from this material.
For a party or a date, choose sleeveless or transparent sleeves. Elegant pumps will complete the sophisticated look.





Creating a fashionable image
A peplum is a very effective decorative element of clothing. Therefore, stylists do not recommend using large accessories in your image. It is enough to wear beautiful but modest jewelry: a thin bracelet, a small necklace or a chain with a pendant. Fashionable hanging earrings do not match the style of the frill, it is better to leave them for other occasions. You can emphasize the waist with a thin belt.
If a girl is going to wear a jacket over a dress, it should be noted that its lower edge should cover the peplum, otherwise the image will be ridiculous. Summer dresses with a peplum are combined with a small bolero jacket. A stole or a luxurious cape, which can be removed at any time, is suitable for an evening outfit. A single-color outfit in dark shades is worn with black translucent tights; for a light dress, it is better to choose invisible flesh-colored stockings.
A stylish long dress with a peplum looks beautiful with open sandals, elegant pumps or shoes with a high, stable heel. Ankle boots and low boots are suitable for cool weather. As for the color of the shoes, you can choose shoes to match the dress, and if the peplum is contrasting, then in the shade of the frill itself.
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