PatternReview.com: Newsletter

Tracings Vol. #23

First Maxis and now Peplums, we try to bring the most popular trends in this newsletter. If you aren't familiar with peplums it can be a little daunting. Here's a tip - Try something on in a store first!

But if you'd let us convince you, peplums can be very flattering for most body types. Here's what our members say...

We are loving the peplum trend so much that we even picked out some patterns for you to try.

New McCall's are in. Are you tracing any?

Happy Tracing!

Deepika

In Volume #23

Peplums Are Popular!

Peplum...it's a funny word. Even if you don't know what "peplum" means, you've probably seen one on a garment and didn't realize it!

The peplum is a short overskirt that became popular in the 19th century. It can be attached to a jacket, a blouse or a skirt.

This Vogue 8379 Jacket has a peplum.

Peplums Are Trendy
Great Britain's Kate Middleton has brought the peplum into the news, as have others. Many design houses such as Yves St. Laurent, Givenchy, and Alexander McQueen featured the peplum in their garments at the Paris Spring 2012 Fashion Week. Designer Kate Spade is selling her leopard ikat randie top with peplum for $268.

But PR members have already jumped on this on-trend feature and have been sewing their own versions for several months now. And with its exposure in Paris Fashion Week, the popularity of the peplum promises to grow.

Ruffled, Pleated, Flat
We traditionally think of peplums as ruffled, but they don't need to be. They can be pleated, like in New Look 6124 or even flat, like in J Stern Designs 0051. They can be short and sassy or long and tapered. They can skim the hips or cover them for a longer line.

Peplums come in all shapes and sizes.

Waist Looks Smaller
With all these options, we don't need to think of peplums as emphasizing the hips in a bad way. A flat peplum can hug the hips in a flattering, tailored way. And some sewists think that the peplum's accent on the hips does another nice thing.

When asked if she would sew Leanne Marshall's

Simplicity 1877 again, divabuddha says in her review, "I seriously might. I really like it in cotton. And it's pretty quick to put together. And it makes my waist look tiny."

A peplum makes the waist look smaller.

Adjustments
Depending on where the waist falls on the pattern, you may need to lengthen or shorten the bodice to get the look that you want with the peplum. poppykettle made this adjustment for Vogue 8739: "I increased the length of this slightly, which is a normal alteration for me against this section of my body, which is LONG."

Easy to Sew
Think a peplum looks difficult to sew? Don't be put off. Most reviewers of peplum-based patterns on PR found the patterns easy to sew and highly recommended them.

Depending on the peplum style, cutting out fabric may be another story. In her review for Simplicity 1876, Cristinagf says, "It took FOREVER to cut out the fabric and interfacing for the ruffles..."

And the results? You may like them!

Kay Y in her review of Vogue 8718: "I think the peplum is really flattering."

Poppykettle in her review of Vogue 8739: "I really love how the peplum at the waist balances my shape out."

sewmytime in her review of Vogue 8815: "Love, love that this classic piece is so on trend right now, yet it is still a classic piece..."

More About Peplums...

Join the discussion
on peplums.

Shop for patterns
with peplums.

New Patterns

McCall's 6612

Read our
McCall's new pattern announcement
with fabric suggestions!

See all the
new McCall's patterns!

McCall's 6608

Peplums on Facebook

We asked you: "Cynthia Rowley's Simplicity 1872, peplum in a dress: highly recommended by several reviewers. What do you think of the peplum in this dress??"

You said:

"Cute!!!"

"I love this dress pattern and would be so cute on a younger gal!"

"I like the blouse version but prefer peplums over a slim skirt on a dress rather than a full skirt like the dress version."

"I agree [with you]--I like the blouse version more than the dress version. But I love peplums generally. Hoping to make Simplicity 2282 with a peplum soon!"

"I like them on the right figure--not something I can wear, tho'."

"Love peplums"

"Extremely cute for someone who doesn't have my hips."

"I love this pattern, it's flattering for lots of body types!"