The Detachable Peplum Revealed!

Before I move on from peplums for quite a while, here is just one last post.  While I am on the subject of peplums, and on the subject of detachable fashion items, I figure I can’t move on until I talk about the detachable peplum!  Unlike detachable collars, these are not trending right now.  However, In my opinion they should be.  I found one in a vintage shop a few years ago and I am converted.

Historically, like the detachable collar, a detacheable peplum was included in some patterns so that you could make to spice up your secretary skirt or day dress.   Similar to the detachable collar, these added versatility to one’s wardrobe and stemmed from the economy in the 30s to 50s, lending variety with less fabric. Similar to other accessories, you could match your detachable peplum to the colour of your dress to make it appear attached, or you could contrast it with another colour or texture¹.  Various fabrics were used including fancier materiel such as lace, organza, velvet or taffeta which would dress up one’s outfit as well¹.

Today of course I would recommend a funkier way to wear one of these than shown in these old patterns, particularly that apron-like one.  Especially never wear one like a cape! That kind of modesty is not likely to make a come back any time soon.

Though I’m advocating giving the detachable peplum a new life in this post I actually found one amazing set from the 60s in the style of the patterns above on Etsy, and there is always a place for beautiful classics in your wardrobe such as this one!

You can still match or miss-match them to your outfit, but I like a more casual use for the detachable peplum and I particularly love it paired with jeans.  If you match it to what you are wearing, then you will have an instant peplum top or dress and can mimic that look really well.  If you don’t then it will look more like an accessory, and will be really original.   Here are a few ideas of how to go about the latter.

Vintage detachable peplums are really hard to find. I have found a few on Etsy listed below all of which are from the 80s, many of which are made to go with a matching dress, which I hadn’t realized was “a thing” during this decade too.  These would be fun pieces to get because you could wear them together, or take the peplum only and wear it mismatched as in the pics above. If you are interested in keeping an eye out for them, search for “peplum belt” as well.

Luckily, I am not the only one who thinks detachable peplums are the cat’s meow and there are several hand-made pieces on Etsy.  These are some of my favourites:

You could really get a fun little DIY project going to make one of these.  When I have a little more time, I’ll blog  one, so stay tuned!

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References:

1. Sewing Made Easy; New Revised Edition.  By Marie Lynch & Dorothy Sara. Garden City Books, ~1955. USA.

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