The latest 2010 throwback references are here, and it’s all about the volume. From balloon skirts, puff sleeves, and of course, peplums, this resurgence is all attitude and play.
RETURN OF THE PEPLUM
Ah, those flared ruffles that showed up on everything from tops to dresses, jackets to skirts. Truly, it was only a matter of time before the top tier Millennial silhouette returned. But before you haul out those skinny jeans with your Tory Burch flats, remember that as with all things in fashion, revision is key. Firstly, as much as we adore the super-sized versions on full red carpet display, this season’s take on the peplum follows a ‘less is more’ approach. Small and flared, or large and languid…but not both…is the new mantra (at least for now). Second, skip the need for cut-off-your-circulation pants underneath. Instead, opt for wide leg pants, or slim (but not skinny) pants in a straight leg, or a flowy skirt to modernize the look.
Here’s some great examples, with fresh pairings…
Because summer’s not over yet, here’s Love, Bonito’s sweet babydoll peplum top paired with Windsor’s very on-trend asymmetrical hanky hem mini skort. The combination reads cute and carefree – perfect for enjoying all the rest of our sunny days ahead.
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Love, Bonito, Padded Bablydoll Peplum Top $49
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Windsor, Looking Lovely Hanky Hem Knit Mini Skort $22.90
As we head into cooler days, this combination makes for a fantastic transition look. Sugarlips’ floral embossed peplum top and Boston Proper’s tweed trouser short both add just the right amount of textural interest for a super chic, late-summer-into-early-fall outfit.
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Sugarlips, Nohemi Embossed Floral Puff Sleeve Peplum Top $59
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Boston Proper, Shift Into Neutrals Tweed Trouser Short $90
Speaking of transitions, once we hit those cooler months, you’ll absolutely love this versatile corduroy top from Agnes Orinda. It doubles as both a blouse and a stylish outer layer and looks fresh and modern paired with Democracy Clothing’s wide leg jeans.
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Agnes Orinda, Plus Size Corduroy Peplum Long Sleeve Blouse/Jacket $63.99
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Democracy Clothing, “Ab”solution Plus Size High Rise Wide Leg Jeans $98
THE BUBBLY BUBBLE SKIRT
Next on our 2010 reboot list is that quirky Y2K favorite that’s flirty, floaty, and oh-so Gossip Girl. The bubble skirt graced many a Tenties outfit, but unlike the vibrant colors and patterns of the early blogosphere, the 2024 take is playing it cool. Neutral colors are the new norm, letting the unique and fun shape of the skirt take front and center stage.
Here’s three options that are ready for your wardrobe rotation…
Starting with this marvelous monochrome combo, which is just perfect for warm summer days. Dolce & Gabbana’s cute and coquettish bubble mini skirt gets a glow up when paired with this season’s take on the shoulder pad tee, specifically this stylish slub from Joe’s Jeans.
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Joe’s Jeans, The Arden Slub Sleeveless Tee $98
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Dolce & Gabbana, Bubble Silhouette Cotton Mini Skirt $995
Consider this the upgraded version of that bubble skirt dress you wore for homecoming. Elie Tahari’s elegant, ruched silk-satin top meets Patou’s sophisticated bubble midi skirt.
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Looking for a work fit to show off your bubble love? This office-friendly combo starts with a crisp white top from Michael Stars, followed by Low Classic’s nicely neutral bubble skirt that hits nicely just above the knee. Finally we liven things up with a pair of houndstooth tights by HUE, which we’re pretty sure are 100% Serena approved.
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Michael Stars, Amara Ribbed Power Shoulder Tee $78
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Low Classic, Bubble Skirt $302
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HUE, Houndstooth Sheer with Control Top $9.50
PUFF SLEEVE PERFECTION
Much like the peplum, the puff sleeve is the trend that keeps on giving. After reaching cult status in the 80s before falling out of fashion, the puff had a brief revival in the late 90s, then again in the ’10s and (spoiler alert) here it is once more. What is it about this voluminous shoulder trend that makes it so popular time after time? Well, much like shoulder pads, adding that volume up top helps create the illusion of a longer, more slender waist. Unlike shoulder pads however, the rounded shape of the puff sleeve reads softer and more fem-forward. And as for this season’s take, we’re definitely seeing a heavy lean in, with an embracing of all types of fabrics and sleeve length. Blame it on the Bridgerton, but this sleeve is sailing through summer and into autumn without missing a beat.
Here’s three examples showing how you can incorporate this trend…
Puff sleeves and boho are a match made in fashion heaven. Case in point, this amazing summer fit we created by pairing Windsor’s lovely lacy crop top with Bunulu’s equally frolicky, printed midi skirt. This look is ready for wherever the late summer days take you.
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Next, we have this fantastic transition fit. As we drift to cooler, early fall days, celebrate the seasonal change with this super-sized puff sleeve shirt by Vera Wang and another F/W must have item, leather cargos. This uber-soft, vegan pair by Milly’s is precisely the wardrobe staple piece you’ll reach for again and again all fall.
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Simply Vera Wang, Eyelet Sleeve Top $23.67 (on Sale NOW from $40)
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Milly, Tobias Vegan Leather Cargo Pants $157.99 (on Sale NOW from $450)
Finally, we head again into full fall looks that shine. This deep purple-red sweatshirt from Rebecca Minkoff is double on-trend, first with the color (darker reds are super trending for F/W 24) and secondly (natch) with the perfectly puffed sleeves. What could possibly make this more perfect? Adding another big return trend – animal print. Gianfranco Ferre’s pencil skirt seals the deal.
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