Does wearing a peplum jacket make my rear look bigger?

The question

My boyfriend once told me I shouldn't wear a peplum jacket because it made my derrière look more voluminous. Does peplum typically have this effect?

The answer

Let's at least applaud your boyfriend for his candour.

Part of me wants to believe that his eye is unadjusted to the peplum flare effect. After all, the bait-and-switch beauty of a peplum is that it gives the impression of a smaller waistline by fluting extra (but proportional) volume out around the hips.

If, perhaps, you have a higher-set bum – this is not to suggest a bigger one – the extra fabric might not fall as it was intended.

To me, the appearance a slimmer waist still seems like a decent, decidedly feminine trade-off for a somewhat more ample bottom. But then again your boyfriend wouldn't lie; he's clearly not into prominent posteriors.

This means you have to decide whether to dress for yourself or for him. The future of peplum in your wardrobe depends on this question alone.

Amy Verner is The Globe and Mail's Paris-based style reporter. Have a fashion question? E-mail style@globeandmail.com.