Why should shirts have all the fun? The peplum heads south this season, adding a flirty finish to spring’s skirts and dresses. The “new” peplum, otherwise known as the flounce hemline, jazzes up a standard pencil skirt, and there’s no better way to add feminine flair to a drop-waist or no-waist (think: a standard shift dress).

How to Wear… Flounce Hemlines

Who it’s for…

Everyone from the ultra-chic fashion editors and buyers to the edgy and adventurous street stylers and bloggers were seen sporting the single hemline ruffle to the Fall 2013  fashion shows. But this trend isn’t just for the fashion crowd — or for the sample-size set.

Even if you don’t (technically) work in the fashion biz, there’s no better way to make people think you do than with a southern-hemisphere ruffle. It’s sophisticated yet fashion-forward, ladylike yet modern, and every bit as versatile as your standard pencil skirt or shift dress.

The key to making this trend work for your figure is to tap into the disguising power of the peplum. Be strategic when choosing the skirt length and style — like the peplum top, you want to use the extra volume supplied by the ruffle to conceal or to offset any (real or perceived) problem area.

The extra volume is a great way to offset wider hips and tap into the slimming power of a pencil skirt. For skinny minis, the flirty flutter can distract from a lack of curves, while showcasing lithe legs. A fitted three-quarter style is great for highlighting curves, but if you’re looking to conceal any extra junk in the trunk, opt for a shorter more fit-and-flare style. A knee-length style with a larger ruffle will disguises what my mom refers to as “thunder thighs,” while drawing the eye toward the thinnest part of your stems.

Wear it to…

Working girls of the world, meet the perfect office-to-out piece. For conservative office types longing for a fresh alternative to the basic pencil skirt, the “new” peplum is the answer to your your prayers, and for gals working in more creative environments, it’s really a no-brainer.

And this is one office-appropriate trend that doesn’t have to be relegated to the Monday-through-Friday section of your closet. There’s not need to spend hours online perusing dresses for that next wedding/shower/engagement party/cocktail soiree/christening, baptism or briss you’re headed to. That single ruffle adds a festive feel to a basic (or not-so-basic) pencil skirt or sheath while maintaining all of its sophistication.

Wear it with…

A blouse (tucked-in) and pumps or wedges for a polished office-to-out look; a sweater and sandals or ballet flats for a more casual look that will get you through chilly spring days; a t-shirt or plaid button-up, knotted in front or at the side and a killer pair of heels to add edge; a blazer and booties for a fashion-forward take on the skirt suit; a drop-waist or no-waist (think: a mod shift) knee-length dress for a night out; a straight midi-dress or skirt for a retro cocktail party style.

{Images via Tumblr; Pinterest; Tommy Ton; Jak & Jil}