5 Simple Steps for Your Peplum Looks

A peplum is a a flared ruffle attached to the waistline of a dress or jacket or blouse. The peplum has been been popular a few times in fashion history including Elizabethan times and the 1980's. Today brings a new resurgence of the peplum and I wanted to let you know that it is okay to get on board with the peplum trend with a little bit of advice.

Peplum dresses, defined as, a "short overskirt or ruffle attached at the waistline of a dress or skirt," is very notable fall trend. Though pretty, this dress might be a bit daunting to wear.

So here's 5 simple steps for peplum silhouette style:
1. Go Monochromatic
If the peplum silhouette makes you shy, consider a dark monochromatic style for optimal fabulousness and flattery. Blake Lively chose an all-black ensemble and finished it off with a bright gold bangle

2. Add Emphasis with Accessories
Rihanna's cheery cherry red dress is accented with dark contrasting accessories, namely the showstopping leopard belt. Not only does it highlight her waist, but it adds serious style to a classic silhouette.

3. Play It Up with Patterns
Liven up the peplum dress with a bright print. Leighton Meester's graphic black and white stripe dress creates a surprisingly flattering shape (the bold black sash certainly helps!), while the sky high red patent leather stilettos make the dress look even better.

4. Cinch Your Waist
Because the peplum style puts a lot of emphasis on the hip area, a waist-cincher is a must. Diane Kruger gets it right with a sleek chain link belt. Although it's the same color as her dress, the hardware is shiny enough to change the silhouette. The coordinated studded peeptoe pumps are a lovely touch.

5. Do the Hand-On-Your-Hip Pose
A peplum dress has quite a presence in pictures, and posing with hands on your hips like Estelle makes it even better. This sassy stance emphasizes the peplum ruffles, giving the dress a huge impact in snapshots.