Peplum Sweaters Are Back, and This Time They're Actually Cute

Let's get this out of the way: yes, the peplum. The flouncy top you tried to forget. It's back for fall, and stylists say it's much more refined this time. It's not frilly or fussy. It's a knit with a little shape at the waist, and that's all it needs to be.

It works because it gives you shape without any effort. Most fall knits are boxy. A peplum pulls in at the waist, then flares out a little. You look put-together, but you didn't really try.

How to wear one right now

Keep the rest of the outfit simple and warm. This fall is less about all-beige and more about earthy texture, so try it like this:

• Brown jeans. Olive, tan and brown denim count as neutrals now, and brown jeans are being called "very 2026." A cream peplum knit with brown denim is the easiest good outfit you'll wear this season.
• Low-profile suede sneakers. Stylists love them because the texture adds richness. They're flat and comfortable, and they make a sweater feel less precious.
• A slouchy espresso suede bag. Deep brown suede shoulder bags are everywhere this fall. Wear one across your body and you're done.

For one small pop, add cherry red: a lip, a sock or a hair clip. Keep it tiny against all that brown.

Want to see what's out there? Search peplum sweaters and filter by your size and budget.

Put a jacket over it

A peplum under a cropped jacket is a very good look, because the flare peeks out at the hem. The best deal here is the one in the photo at the top: the N NATORI Sparkle Tweed Cropped Jacket, now $75 (it was $150). Tweed with a little sparkle, cropped short enough to show your waist. At $75 it's a yes.

If you want one jacket that looks serious, AJE's Preston Jacket is $300, down from $549. That's real money, so only buy it if you'll wear it every week. If you want something longer, trench coats are back in tan, navy and chocolate brown, and a trench over a peplum knit with brown jeans looks great.

For days you'd rather wear a dress

The Milly Gingham Flared Mini Dress from Collectif is $52, down from $97. It's the same idea as the peplum, fitted up top and flared below, in a sweet gingham. Put a fine knit over it with tights and suede sneakers, and it works well past summer. It's cheap enough that you shouldn't overthink it.

For going out, AJE's Monica Chain Link Mini Dress is $250, down from $625. It's a splurge. But if there's a birthday dinner on your calendar, it's the dress everyone asks about.

The small stuff

A soft knit needs one hard edge. Dangerfield's Spike Cuff is $27.20 (it was $34), and it stops a sweater from looking too sweet.

For something softer, Pura Vida's Engravable Coin Harper Charm is $10.50, down from $14. Engrave an initial on it and give it to your best friend. It's the easiest gift you'll buy this year.

The short version: get the peplum, keep everything around it brown and simple, and save your money for the one piece you'll wear most.