This Elegant Trend Sort of Died, But It's Coming Back to Life Next Year

There are certain trends that basically come "in and out" every few seasons. I consider these to be sort of like yo-yo trends—they’ll rise up in a noteworthy way one year only to basically die down the next before they rise back up, and so on. Peplum tops (when fabric gathers at the waist and flares out) are one of said trends.

TBH, you probably have a few peplum shirts in the back of your closet from when the trend dominated a few years ago and everyone (legit, everyone) seemed to wear them thanks to their inherently chic and elegant nature. Well, it may be time to include pretty peplum-detailed pieces in your arsenal of standbys come 2020. That’s right, some of the biggest runway heavy-hitters from Tibi to Alexander McQueen showcased modern interpretations of the trend with ruffle-like accents and cropped shapes throughout their S/S 20 collections.

Below, I rounded up a bit of visual inspiration for the return of the peplum top for you, as showcased on the runway and through street style. I also shopped out a range of the coolest, most fashion-forward peplum tops to buy right now if you’re ready to re-introduce the look into your closet. Welcome back, peplum.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Peter White/Getty Images)

Khaite’s interpretation of the peplum showcases how the trend has evolved in 2020 with the ruffled bottom, ruched bodice, and cap-sleeve detail.

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(Image credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

This slightly cropped peplum top in the sweet orange hue at Tibi is especially modern with the monochromatic cargo trousers.

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(Image credit: Peter White/Getty Images)

Alexander McQueen’s bold leather peplum jacket-top hybrid is striking with the puff sleeve and strong shoulders.

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(Image credit: Pietro D'Aprano/Getty Images)

Never shy of bold colors, MSGM amped up the peplum with an eye-catching color-blocked option with laser-cut details.

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(Image credit: Victor Virgile/Getty Images)

This sophisticated peplum outfit at Michael Kors feels classic yet incredibly of-the-moment with the addition of the studded belt.

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On the street:
(Image credit: Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images)

Style Tip: A white peplum top with sharp sleeves pairs flawlessly with straight-leg jeans for that casual 9-to-5 life or in that 5-to-9 life as well.

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Style Tip: A matching set is no-fail (toss both pieces on, and you’re set) and quite forward with unexpected accessories like canvas sneakers and mesh bag.

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Style Tip: A peplum top in a neutral hue that has a touch of shine is so modern with light-wash jeans for any holiday party this season.

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(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Style Tip: Make an instant statement in a black peplum top with eye-catching details like the sheer paneling and high neck here. Try it with an equally bold pencil skirt and knee-high boots to take the vibe to the next level.

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Style Tip: Add a belt to a white blouse to give it even more dimension teamed with statement pants and black booties.

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(Image credit: Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images)

Style Tip: A peplum blouse with architectural elements (like the balloon sleeves) is impactful on its own, and requires nothing more than a pair of black pants and fun flats.

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Style Tip: Similar to the Alexander McQueen look above, the jacket-top peplum hybrids are ramping up to be a must-have for a polished vibe paired with trousers for elegant affairs.

Now, shop more peplum tops:

Next, check out seven refined trends for all the elegant women out there

Bobby Schuessler
Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.