There are lots of ways to embellish and glam up a dress or skirt: beading, slits, and colorful patterns are a few classic options we can think of. But our favorite by far has got to be the voluminous trend that was all over the fall 2011 runways: peplums!

Photos: Imaxtree

Firstly, what is a peplum? Well, it’s a high-fashion term for a poufed-out ruffle that’s been added to the waistline of a skirt, dress or long jacket. But even if you didn’t know the word for it, you’ve probably seen it. For their fall 2011 collections, designer after designer were lovin on the style. Proenza Schouler revved-up a Navajo-inspired dress, Thakoon embellished a gorgeous coral zip-up jacket, and Stella McCartney made a cute velvet LBD that much cuter all by adding a little thing called a peplum.

Photos: Imaxtree

Other fashion designers, like Miu Miu and Giambatista Valli (Emma Stone wore this look on the red carpet recently),  were peplum-inspired and added oversized accents right along the waistlines of their looks. No matter how you choose to style them, the accents are fashion-forward and cool. But, if you’re going to rock the look (and you totally should!), try adding a skinny belt right above the waistline and make sure other parts of your outfit are fitted. You want to look poufy in one place, not all over. Here are some great peplum pieces you can wear off the runway:

Photo: Courtesy of ASOS. ASOS BLACK Petite Leather Insert Peplum Dress, $50

Photo: Courtesy of Macy's. Material Girl Denim Ruffled Peplum Mini, $16

Photo: Courtesy of Revolve Clothing. Mara Hoffman Peplum Dress, $196

Photo: Courtesy of Forever21. Forever21 Modern Ingénue Dress, $18
 
Photo: Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman. Alice + Olivia Peplum T-Shirt Dress, $115