While the Oscars 2026 may have been about celebrating the very best acting talent in Hollywood, the last of the big ceremonies during awards season is nothing if not also one of the most major moments in the fashion calendar.
And although it's less of a trend-forecaster than fashion week - and much more of a jaw-on-the-floor, can't-take-my-eyes-off-the-dresses-I'll-never-have-an-occasion-worthy-to-wear kind of moment - there are occasionally dress details that will undoubtedly shift the fashion narrative IRL. Unfortunately for millennials, this year's stand-out trending detail might bring up some fashion memories you'd rather stayed buried.
We are, of course, talking peplums.
That subtle, unassuming little flare of fabric skirting out the hip is a real nails-down-a-chalkboard silhouette for so many who over-indulged in the early-2010s trend first time around, but we're pleased to let you know that - somewhat unsurprisingly - the contemporary iterations are so much better than the half-hearted little peplums that hung off the bottom of your favourite Tammy Girl t-shirt.
These are full of purpose. Drama. Extravagance. These peplums aren't shy or limp. They have structure, texture, embellishment. They don't only add to the silhouette, they are the silhouette, and it's no coincidence that they've found themselves on just about every best dressed list from last night's Oscars ceremony.
One of our favourite peplums - no, strike that, one of our favourite looks - of the night came courtesy of Sinners star Jayme Lawson, whose cobalt blue, fringed Loewe gown was nothing short of exquisite. With a pared back beauty look and contemporary up-do that ensured the high, halter neckline could be appreciated, there was no denying that this was a truly beautiful fashion moment for Jayme.
Joining her with another great peplum was Kate Hudson, whose Giorgio Armani gown took on a softer, more pastel turquoise shade of blue. Embellished from head-to-toe with ornate stones and crystals that glittered like sequins, Kate brought her hair to one side in Hollywood waves to give the otherwise bold and structured look a sense of loose asymmetry.
Other notable peplum moments came courtesy of Nicole Kidman wearing Chanel and Dua Lipa who opted for a particularly incredible Schiaparelli look for the Vanity Fair after party while Anna Wintour - who took to the stage in Dior for a particularly incredible Miranda Priestly moment with Anne Hathaway as they presented the award for Best Costume Design - and Misty Copeland in custom David Koma also gave their seal of approval to the trend's revival.
Of course, this isn't the first time the peplum has reemerged onto the fashion scene.
One of the biggest trends to come out of autumn/winter fashion week back in 2023, the historically divisive peplum was spotted on just about every catwalk, from Cecilie Bahnsen and Tove to Richard Quinn, Christopher Kane, Bottega Veneta, Off-White, 16Arlington, Molly Goddard, Zimmermann, Paco Rabanne and Nina Ricci.
Naturally, the following season saw the street style set adopt the look with aplomb - tempting even the most cynical millennial back into the peplum's orbit. From shirts to camis, dresses to jackets, just about every front row look that we added to our mood board that season had a peplum - with even Naomi Campbell unable to resist the look's allure, wearing an Alexander McQueen look with zip detailing splashed across the peplum to sit front row at Skepta's runway show debut for Mains.
But for those of us who still had a little way to go in being persuaded just how incredible this small design detail can really look, the 2026 Oscars red carpet certainly put on a very convincing show. Consider this millennial officially back on the peplum push.
For more from Freelance Fashion Editor, Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.
