Vintage Peplum

By Tamzin Truter

What many people don’t know is that this trend has been around for ages. The peplum originated in ancient Greece, and the style has rotated in and out of fashion over the years. The peplum is primarily associated with two decades: the 1940s, 1950s and the 1980s.

Christian Dior 1947

In the 1940s, an ultra feminine silhouette gained popularity when Christian Dior added the peplum flourish to the waistline of women’s jackets. Women wore peplum dresses and coats to draw attention to a tiny waist and an hourglass figure.

Christian Dior 1947

The peplum trend waned in the 1950s but notably resurfaced in the 1980s, with exaggerated flares at the hips or stomach to create a more dramatic effect.

Marlene Dietrich (right)

Today, there are plenty of ways to wear peplums, and they can be incredibly flattering. A peplum may just be the perfect way to add a little excitement to your wardrobe this spring.

Emma Stone

Chanel’s haute couture Fall 2011 show

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