Taylor paired a black, box-pleat top with a girly peplum and a frayed design in a tweed skirt done in wine red.

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"Peplum helps define that hourglass shape, which overrides the idea you may look too hippy, " says Stephanie Solomon, women's fashion director at Bloomingdale's.

WSJ: The Peplum: A Fashion Trend That Goes Straight to the Hips

"It's flattering, because you see the waist and how small that is when the peplum goes out, " says Thakoon Panichgul, of the label Thakoon.

WSJ: The Peplum: A Fashion Trend That Goes Straight to the Hips

Crew women's design, says peplum tops complement "all the slim tailored pants that are in style right now, " which won't make women look bottom heavy.

WSJ: The Peplum: A Fashion Trend That Goes Straight to the Hips

" She quickly added, "but now I love the peplum.

WSJ: The Peplum: A Fashion Trend That Goes Straight to the Hips

"A peplum is a play on proportion to make the waist look smaller, " says Vera Wang, who showed looks with peplum detail in her Spring 2012 runway show.

WSJ: The Peplum: A Fashion Trend That Goes Straight to the Hips

Part of Posen's signature are red-carpet gowns, such as the strapless, draped bustier ballgown worn by Crystal Renn and the architectural peplum gown with cutouts and sharp shoulders worn by Coco Rocha.

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Some say peplum can ultimately be flattering.

WSJ: The Peplum: A Fashion Trend That Goes Straight to the Hips