WHAT do TOWIE’s Amy Childs, the Princess of Wales and actress Millie Bobby Brown have in common?
On paper… not a lot, but they’re all embracing a trend that could well trigger flashbacks to office-ready outfits of the 2010s – or even memories of earlier peplum revivals in the Eighties and Nineties.
Princess Kate dazzled in a striking red Roland Mouret dress complete with an asymmetric, sculptural peplum at Wimbledon Credit: Getty
Cheryl seen donning the peplum trend in 2014 Credit: Getty
Bizarrely, they’ve all gone potty for a peplum.
In the early part of the last decade, nearly every skirt, dress or jacket came with a flared, frilly strip of fabric attached to the waistline.
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Girls Aloud, the OG cast of The Only Way Is Essex and Victoria Beckham all loved the flouncy look that was designed to highlight the waist and create fuller hips.
At their peak, peplums were hailed as fashion’s answer to an instant hourglass figure, cleverly hiding lumps and bumps, with the potential to make wearers look a whole dress size smaller.
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But the peplum trend aged faster than cheap fake tan and, as sleeker, more minimalist styles took over, quickly became a byword for naff.
Fast forward to 2026, however, and the look has made a triumphant return to the catwalk, stunning the fashion pack when it popped up in Dior’s A/W 2026 Paris show.
What’s more, famous millennials including Princess Kate, Anne Hathaway and Taylor Swift are slipping back into the once-dated look.
Even Gen Z stars – who usually despise anything millennials wear – are giving the look a go, while according to the Style Analytics Instagram account, searches for “peplum top” have soared by 48 per cent in the past year.
Victoria Beckham looked stunning in a grey look in 2009 Credit: Getty
Amy Childs in black peplum in 2012 Credit: Getty
But peplum styles have been in (and out) of fashion for centuries.
From the cinched waists of the Victorian era to Christian Dior’s legendary revival in the late 1940s, epitomised by his iconic Bar Jacket with its nipped-in waist and sculptural peplum, it is a look that has endured.
Peplums returned in the Eighties, paired with Dynasty-style shoulder pads for an even more dramatic silhouette, before making another comeback in the Noughties, thanks to designs such as Roland Mouret’s famous Galaxy dress.
Now, it is back yet again.
And even though many will remember Topshop’s body-con dresses – complete with frilly waist trim – and recoil, they were actually a look that flattered almost every body shape.
But before you dust off your old high street relics, take some style cues from these modern-day fashion queens – including one Queen-to-be – on how to wear peplum now.
Princess of Wales: Occasionwear
WHEN it comes to formal-but-fashionable dressing, looking to the Princess of Wales for inspiration is a pretty safe option.
At this year’s Wimbledon, Kate, 44, dazzled in a striking red Roland Mouret dress complete with an asymmetric, sculptural peplum.
A signature style of the designer – whose frocks were loved during peplum’s Noughties heyday – Kate’s number was modernised with a mirroring fluted skirt and belt.
For your next wedding or trip to the races, opt for a peplum dress with muted accessories, just like Kate.
Taylor Swift: Workwear
Taylor Swift stunned in a white Stella McCartney peplum shirt, paired with grey, wide-leg trousers Credit: Getty
WHILE Taylor is better known for her chart-topping hits than her fashion credentials, even she has embraced the return of the peplum.
In May, the 36-year-old gave a subtle nod to the trend in New York, with a crisp, white Stella McCartney peplum shirt, paired with grey, wide-leg trousers.
The sharp, effortless outfit was a refreshingly polished look for the newly married pop icon and a lesson in how to elevate office style.
Taylor added a contrasting black belt and matching black shoes, proving the look can be as chic today as it was in its 1940s Dior heyday.
Anne Hathaway: Maternity Wear
Anne Hathaway showed off her pregnancy in a bright-red peplum jumpsuit from designer Ashlynn Park Credit: Getty
WHEN the Devil’s sidekick isn’t wearing Prada, she’s wearing a peplum.
Hollywood star Anne gave the trend a refreshing maternity twist when she stepped out in New York in June, styling her peplum beneath her growing baby bump.
The star, 43, showed off her third pregnancy in a bright-red peplum jumpsuit from designer Ashlynn Park’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, proving the trend is adaptable and stylish for every occasion.
Even Miranda Priestly would approve.
Kate Hudson: Eveningwear
Kate Hudson looked stylish in a double peplum black top and matching balloon trousers Credit: Getty
THE 47-year-old hit the red carpet in February for The Independent Spirit Awards in Los Angeles wearing a double peplum black top and matching balloon trousers, giving the trend a modern twist while still honouring her classic, boho style.
Equal parts relaxed and dressed up, the Song Jattvibeg Blue star’s look combined a plunging neckline with heels, offering a fresh take on both the peplum and eveningwear.
The clever silhouette also meant Kate could tuck into the canapes and enjoy the odd Prosecco or two, safe in the knowledge her chic peplum would keep her looking elegant all evening.
Millie Bobby Brown: Coffee catch-ups
Millie Bobby Brown stepped out in a a peplum trench jacket paired with straight-leg jeans Credit: BackGrid
THE Enola Holmes actress did what any self-respecting Gen Z woman would do and steered clear of the peplum’s millennial heyday, embracing the trend with a fresh twist – in the form of a peplum trench jacket.
Spotted in New York in May, the 22-year-old Stranger Things star paired her cropped Arakii jacket with straight-leg jeans and white lace-up heels.
Millie’s modern take on the trend would be the perfect look for grabbing a coffee with friends, or even a Saturday shopping spree.
For a more laid-back look, simply swap stilettos for trainers, or a chic pair of ballet pumps.
Chase Infiniti: Date Night
Chase Infiniti wowed in a structured peplum top with a deep V-neckline Credit: Getty
SINCE shooting to fame thanks to her breakout role in One Battle After Another, actress Chase has become as well known for her impeccable style as for her acting credentials.
The 26-year-old dressed to impress throughout awards season, at premieres and on the Met Gala red carpet.
But one of her standout looks came in June, at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, where she wowed in a structured peplum top.
Featuring a deep V-neckline that sat slightly off the shoulder and a sculptural peplum, the top was paired with a matching red mini skirt for the ultimate date night look.
Maya Le Tissier: Casual
Maya Le Tissier wore this casual look featuring a peplum halterneck top Credit: Getty
WE’RE used to seeing England football player Maya Le Tissier in her Three Lions strip, but off the pitch it is a different story for the stylish Lioness.
The 24-year-old Manchester United captain attended Wimbledon this year in a polished casual look featuring a peplum halterneck top.
In the tennis tournament’s trademark white, she paired her on-theme top with tailored Bermuda shorts and sandals.
Perfect for the summer heatwave, this is the kind of outfit that works whether you’re meeting friends at a BBQ or, erm, just cooling off in the supermarket’s freezer aisle.
High Street Haul
Midi dress, £49, River Island Credit: Supplied
Maxi Dress, £26, Primark Credit: Supplied
Jacket, £44.99, H&M Credit: Supplied
Shirt, £16, George at Asda Credit: Supplied
Top, £36, Next Credit: Supplied
Blouse, £22.99, New Look
