If, even after spotting peplum silhouettes in nearly every autumn/winter 2023 collection throughout fashion month, you’re still not convinced that they’re worth giving a second chance to, the news I’m about to share with you is bound to put you over the edge. After all, I’ve yet to come across a fashion item worn by Kate Middleton that didn’t go absolutely viral, and no matter how controversial peplum is, the hatred around it doesn’t come close to balancing out the influential abilities of the Princess of Wales.
If you haven’t already guessed, Middleton was spotted earlier today wearing a peplum Erdem blazer with a matching printed midi skirt at the 2023 Commonwealth Day Service held at Westminster Abbey in London, giving the once “out” trend a supersized push toward the “in” pile. With the two-piece navy-and-blue set, she wore matching Gianvito Rossi pumps, an Emmy London clutch, and a pair of double-drop diamond-and-sapphire earrings that were once owned by Princess Diana.
Though her entire look was chic and glamorous—like most she’s worn—I can’t help but continue to go back to her peplum top and, more so, what it means for the trend’s fate that she chose it for the occasion. Below, check out Middleton’s take on the peplum look vs. the ways it was styled on the runway this season. My guess? With her royal stamp of approval, peplum’s comeback is going to be bigger and better than anyone could’ve predicted.