The timeless peplum silhouette, a fashion staple since the 1940s, experienced a major resurgence in 2013 and remains a stylish choice in 2025. Peplum dresses are elegant, on-trend, and undeniably feminine. They also flatter nearly every body type!
Peplums offer versatile style, ranging from subtle accents to bold statement pieces. Their flattering design elevates any look. Whether it’s a dress, top, or skirt, peplums effortlessly add a touch of sophistication to your day or evening attire.
Get The Look: Yellow Dress (Fruugo, £55), Black Mesh Frill long sleeved top, (Missguided, £15), ASOS Soft Peplum High Apex Midi Dress
Peplum Dresses
What Are Peplum Dresses?
What exactly defines a peplum dress? It’s any garment featuring a short, often gathered or pleated, strip of fabric attached at the waistline of a jacket, dress, skirt, or blouse. Peplums are celebrated as a major resurgence of femininity, thanks to their frilly, flamboyant nature and their knack for enhancing any ensemble. Emulate style leaders like Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé, and Kate Winslet by embracing a chic peplum dress.
PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest
Are Peplum Dresses Right For You?
Absolutely, peplums remain stylish! Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to effortlessly create a flattering, curvy silhouette for women. Peplums are especially beneficial for women with more athletic or boyish figures. They cleverly create the illusion of an hourglass shape, often considered the most desirable female form. Plus-size women also find peplums advantageous. They can subtly camouflage areas of concern while simultaneously accentuating existing curves.
Our Favourite 20 Peplum Dresses
Struggling to choose the perfect peplum dress? Don’t worry! Selecting the right size, frill detail, and color can be overwhelming. We’ve simplified your search with our top 20 peplum dress recommendations for 2025.
Best for Bold Colour
Vibrant hues shine in summer! They also banish autumn/winter gloom when paired with jackets and tights. Light blue complements fair skin and blond hair beautifully. Deeper skin tones can rock bold pinks and purples with confidence.
Clockwise (L-R): Boobtube multi pleat dress (AX Paris, £24.99), Closet Wine Long Sleeve dress, (Wallis, £55.80), ASOS Mesh Peplum Midi Dress (Asos, £19.50)
Best for Pastel Colour
Pastel shades like soft pink, baby blue, or nude are anything but dull! These colors instantly refresh your style. We especially adore the playful feather accents on this peach peplum dress, adding a touch of glamour.
Clockwise (L-R): Lace feather dress, (Revolve, £55.46), Sky Blue Bow Waterfall Dress, (Designer Desirables, £41.99), Vesper Phoebe Midi Dress (Asos, £27)
Best for Patterns
In 2025, elevate your style! Embrace patterns like stripes, polka dots, or a chic lace peplum dress. Adding any pattern, large or small, instantly makes your outfit unique and fashionable.
Clockwise (L-R): Lost Ink Broderie Insert Midi Dress (Lipsy, £55) Sheer Peplum Mermaid Dress (Dezzal £58.88), Onyx Peplum Hem Dress (Reiss, £110)
Best Little Black Peplum Dress
A classic black peplum dress remains a timeless wardrobe essential. Consider it a smart, enduring investment for your style.
Clockwise (L-R): Black & Nude Lace Mini Dress (Pink Boutique, £35), Black Tube Dress (Zara, £25.99), Phase Eight Maritza Dress (Phase Eight, £69)
Best Metallic Peplum Dress
Glow with confidence! Metallic apparel dominated 2016 and remains a strong fashion trend in 2025.
Clockwise (L-R): Metallic Cross Strap Midi Dress (Boohoo, £10), Blue Sequin Dress (Very, £23), Belaya Metallic Mini Dress (AQ/AQ, £180)
Best White Peplum Dress
A crisp white peplum dress paired with a sun-kissed tan is the perfect ensemble for any event in 2025.
Clockwise (L-R): Long Sleeve Plunge White Bodycon Dress, (Missguided, £35), Jane Norman Cream Deep V Textured Dress (House of Fraser, £25), TFNC White Strapless Pencil Dress (Asos, £28)
Best for Larger Ladies
These dresses flatter curvier figures. The peplum design cleverly conceals any areas of concern. An asymmetrical peplum adds visual interest and further diverts attention. Ideal for Petite and Boyish Body Types.
Peplum dresses work wonders for boyish figures! Opt for styles with larger peplums to create the illusion of more curves. Explore petite sections in stores and online for the perfect fit and design.
Clockwise (L-R): ASOS Petite Premium Midi Dress (Asos Petite, £15), Lipstick Petite Pink Dress with Lace Top (Asos Petite, £28), Alter Petite Hem Dress (Asos Petite, £27)
Best for Casual Wear
Peplum dresses are versatile enough for everyday wear. Opt for a looser, more relaxed fit for a casual, comfortable style. It’s the perfect blend of practicality and fashion!
Clockwise (L-R): White Stuff Poppy Dress (John Lewis, £39), EDIT Oversized Stretch Crepe Dress (Selfridges, £265), Closet Large Print Dress (John Lewis, £65)
Best for Girly Glam
Embrace floral patterns, delicate frills, and exquisite details with a chic, feminine peplum dress. It’s the perfect choice for a glamorous, girly look in 2025.
Clockwise (L-R): ASOS Bandeau Dip Back Dress (Asos, £40), ASOS Premium Ombre Floral Scuba Bandeau Midi Dress (Asos, £32), ASOS Bandeau Pink Midi Dress (Asos, £38)
Best for Celebrity Copy Cat
Emulate style icons like Kate Middleton, Taylor Swift, and Blake Lively! Choose from traditional, modern, or classic outfits to create your own stunning look.
Best for Work
For professional settings, a peplum midi dress is often an excellent choice. Its length is both appropriate and fashionable. However, workplace dress codes vary. If a shorter dress feels right for your office, go for it!
Clockwise (L-R): ASOS Sleeveless Nude Pencil Dress (Asos, £28), Asymmetric Purple Waist Dress (Karen Millen, £95), V by Very Lace Black Dress (Very, £24.50)
Best High Street & Best For Budgets
These affordable styles are trendy and look fantastic.
Clockwise (L-R): Rita Black Twist Bodycon Dress (Pretty Little Thing, £10), Pink Bodycon Dress (River Island, £15), Black Bandeau Frill Midi Dress (Missguided, £25)
Best Designer & Best For Splurging
Invest in enduring pieces. These high-quality, classic items offer lasting style. Wear them repeatedly for years to come.
Clockwise (L-R): Armani Embellished Dress (Armani, £690), Roland Mouret Teal One Sholder Dress (Roland Mouret, £2,095), Ted Baker Fitted Pencil Dress (Ted Baker, £179)
Best for Summer
Embrace vibrant hues and shorter hemlines for summer fun in 2025! Soft nude and peach tones are trending. Accentuate your waist with a peplum top. Add a belt for emphasis and layer it over a classic pencil skirt.
PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest
Best for Winter
Stay warm and stylish this winter with knitted or sweater peplum dresses! They’re the perfect choice for combating the cold.
Clockwise (L-R): Mock Neck Sweater Dress (Dezzal, £58.88), Rokoko Knitted T-Shirt Dress (ASOS, £30), Black Knit Sheer Lace Dress (Sheln, £49.99)
Best Short Peplum Dresses
Chic peplum mini dresses are perfect for both daytime and evening events in 2025.
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Best Red Carpet Event Dresses
Attending a special event like a dinner, gala, or ball? Dressing appropriately is key to making a great impression.
Clockwise (L-R): Raishma White Gown (John Lewis, £280), Phase Eight Arianna Dress (John Lewis, £295), Adrianna Papell Sleeveless Beaded Dress (John Lewis, £320)
