Can someone explain to my why I’m supposed to want to add a PUPLUM to my wardrobe this season?  The peplum, for you fashion  newbies, is the flounce of material on a dress or skirt that adds a poof to your waist, abdomen and hips.  See Exhibit A:

Personally, after 3 children, an appendectomy and abdominal surgery to correct a girly problem, the LAST place I want to draw attention to is my abdomen.  The added material adds weight and bulk to that area so many women are trying to hide – and then mix it up with a heavy fabric and pattern – trust me, you’re not doing yourself any fashion favors.

I suppose if you’re Michelle Williams and have the body and build of a 12 year old you can successfully carry of said peplum, but for the rest of us mere mortals it’s a tricky fashion proposition.

Image courtesy of popsugar.com

Despite the attitude and general fierceness of these runway models, the peplum here isn’t really working any magic on them either:

Image courtesy of thetasteoffashion.blogspot.com

If you REALLY want to go peplum, try lightweight fabrics that drape nicely and have a bit of sway to them.  Stay away from heavy fabrics that hold their shape like poplin and twill.  And peplums will work best if you tend to wear skirts at your natural waist, rather than just below your belly button.

Image courtesy of capitalfm.co.ke

Also, make sure your hem length is in line with the most flattering part of your leg or the visual that will be projected is that you have too much material going on.  (Check out the girl in the yellow dress above…yuck…)

If you’re feeling sassy and want to add a little drama and swag to your outfit, I say go for it.  But if you’re trying to dress to look slim and sleek, adding a peplum probably isn’t the way to go.  If you love peplums and think they are a great trend for this season, leave us a comment and tell us why, so we can share it with our readers.   And if you wish the peplum would just go away, tell us that too.  We love to hear from you!