Unless you have been living under a rock for the past few months you will know that the peplum is one of the big trends for summer 2012. So, what is a peplum and how can I wear it as a wedding guest dress we hear you ask?
Well, 'peplum' originates in the Greek word for 'tunic' and is a short overskirt that is usually attached to a fitted jacket, blouse or dress designed to exaggerate the curve of the hips rather than to mask it. A peplum gives the illusion of a smaller waist and therefore perfect for giving you curves in all the right places.
Spotted on the runways of designers such as Jason Wu, Nina Ricci, Vera Wang, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney, the peplum is a huge trend for Spring - Summer 2012, and has invaded all the shops both high street and designer. So we've done the hard work for you and picked out some of our favourite peplum styles for all those up and coming summer wedding guest dresses you most certainly will need...
First up we have (starting left to right) the gorgeous Preen dress with a short hot pink ruffle style peplum, perfect for rocking the trend but in a subtle way, this dress is €1641 from online shopping heaven Net-a-Porter.
If you're not into splashing out gazillions on a wedding guest outfit (save it for the wedding dress!) then pop into Zara for this very pretty coral dress with a bubble style peplum and lace overlay and this stunner is only €69.95.
In a pretty shade of blush, this next dress from Sandro is a sweet way to wear fashion's hottest silhouette. €185 from Net-a-Porter and BT2.
The red one shoulder Karen Millen signature dress with its waist peplum ticks all the right boxes for a super sleek silhouette. This dress is €215 and available in a variety of colours.
This blue double peplum dress from A|Wear is an absolute steal at €35 down from €58. Perfect from a fashionista on a budget!
At the other end of the scale - for the fashionista who wants to blow the budget, how about this stunning blush pink satin dress with black floral embroidery and pretty peplum by Marc Jacobs? This dress was £2,340.00 and is currently on sale at Browns for £1,170.00, practically a bargain! Maybe as a wedding guest dress it might be a stretch, but what about a Mother of the Bride?
Next up is the lovely aqua dress from Oasis. This fitted dress features a pretty peplum frill to the waist (€81.)
Finally, from Dorothy Perkins a blush lace with gold glitter spots, and a lovely little peplum detail on the hips. For €50.00 you cant go wrong!
This yellow sleeveless bodycon mini dress with high waist flared peplum is not for the faint hearted! This fun little guna is from Rare London and is £32.00.
Next is the ribbon trim dress by ASOS Collection which features a boat neckline with contrast trim, and a skirted peplum frill. The slightly longer peplum is perfect for those who are concerned about any wobbly tummy bits! This dress comes in at €59.99.
The navy Romola dress from Coast features a high neck, a flattering peplum detail at the waist and with its slightly longer length, this dress could be perfect for the mother of the bride. This dress is €195.00.
Last but not least is this beautiful cream peplum dress by Aqua. Featuring a woven silver bodice, a sweetheart neckline and a deep peplum. This perfect summer dress is €199.95 and is available from ASOS. Be careful though ladies with this one - you know the only rule of wedding guest outfits - don't wear white! Maybe reserve it for the second day party if there is one...
So there you have it - peplum dresses for all styles, shapes and size wallets - will you be wearing a peplum as your summer wedding guest dress?
