The peplum is a short attached flounce or ruffle that runs along the waistline of a garment, forming a little 'skirt' over the hips. This device visually accentuates a slim waist by contrast and softly conceals the hip line, creating a refined, feminine silhouette. The peplum has a long history (recorded as far back as the 15th century) and returns especially vividly in the 1940s and 1980s with their cult of a defined waist. It is added to jackets, tops, dresses and skirts. The peplum is an elegant way to give a look structured femininity and an 'architectural' accent right at the waist, without changing the rest of the cut.
