Prepare for the return of the peplum

Y2K style has fully returned this year, as evidenced by Katie Holmes’ dress-over-jeans, but are the 2010s the next fashion era to see a revival? Although it has only been a decade, signs point to yes. For example, the business-casual look of the 2010s has been making a comeback. Today, it’s more about sleek suiting and less about bodycon dresses and sock buns. Whether you like it or not, a more divisive trend from the decade is making a comeback, both on the runways and the red carpet. Are you ready for peplum silhouettes to make a comeback?

The adornment, best described as a flared, gathered, or pleated piece of fabric at the waist of a garment, really took off in the early 2010s. Lanvin’s spring 2010 collection featured ruffled cocktail dresses with exaggerated peplums; Jil Sander’s spring 2011 collection featured bright looks with peplums on tees and floor-length skirts; and Alexander McQueen’s spring 2012 collection featured peplum waists on structural suits. The trend gained traction when celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Rihanna, and Nicole Kidman started wearing it on red carpets. It almost became a competition to see who could sport the biggest and most daring outfit.

However, the dramatic peplum has been retired since the early to mid-2010s. That is, until now. This year has seen the much-maligned piece gradually re-enter the fashion fray. Givenchy, Dior, and Prabal Gurung all showed new styles in stiffer fabrications on the spring runways, making them feel a little more modern, rather than romantic or flowy.

Peplum shapes have also been popular on the red carpet. Deepika Padukone walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in a red Louis Vuitton gown with a controversial waistline in May. Sydney Sweeney wore a vintage Mugler dress that felt new at the HCA TV Awards in August. Even the peplum top has recently made an appearance (at Comic-Con in July, on Danai Gurira).

These new peplums are less garish than previous iterations. They have a more subtle flair than the bold styles of the 2010s. But you can’t ignore them, and they’re once again becoming a focal point of the ensemble. The question is, will you also bring back the peplum? Alternatively, like low-rise jeans, you could leave it to the stars.

More of this year’s best peplum sightings are listed below.