The Peplum Skirt: 5 You'll Actually Want to Wear

Jason Wu Spring 2012 RTW

When I consider the big trends for Spring 2012, the one that strikes me as the hardest for the everyday woman to embrace is the peplum skirt. Maybe my reluctance stems from actually being old enough to remember a large part of the '80s. Peplums, along with shoulder pads and acid wash, emerged as one of those fashion moments we all wished we could forget. But, this time around, the peplums are a little more funky and a little less, well, '80s. Let's all breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Now, this isn't to say that the new selection of peplum skirts isn't fraught with potential fashion pitfalls. If you were alive in the '80s, you are way too old to wear the basic throwback designs. I promise you, it won't look ironic, it will look sad. Instead, venture with me into the land of the new and improved peplum skirt. By changing up the scale, silhouette or fabric, this old style looks new again. Check out some of my new favorite peplum skirts...

The asymmetrical peplum, combined with the pale Creme wool construction, makes this skirt look more modern architectural than vintage.



→ Buy the Katie Ermilio Clothing Asymmetrical Peplum Skirt, $995.00, at shopbop.com; shipping and returns are free.


Nothing like a bright, straight-from-the-crayon-box color to add a little pizzazz. The ruffle take on the standard peplum also helps to make this skirt more playful and current.



→ Buy the Marc by Marc Jacobs Hannah Jersey Ruffle Peplum Skirt, $168.00, at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.


It's the volume that gives this Mark & James cotton skirt it's overtly luxe look. Stunning.



→ Buy the Mark & James by Badgley Mischka Peplum Skirt, $400.00, at zappos.com; next day shipping is free.


How do you signal that this isn't your big sister's peplum? How about not calling it a peplum at all. Zara has taken to referring to this sartorial phenomenon as a "frill". So be it. This Coral colored Pencil Skirt with Frill is divine, and super affordable.



→ Buy the Zara Pencil Skirt with Frill, $79.90, at zara.com.


Want to dip just a toe into the peplum-y waters? This creatively deconstructed take on the trend is just the ticket.



→ Buy the Antonio Melani Lucille Peplum Pencil Skirt, $71.40 (was $119.00), at dillards.com.