Peplum Dress

The peplum trend has caught on like crazy with celebrities clamouring to exhibit their favourite pieces that manage to look fresh and classic at the same time. From Kim Kardashian in her clean, white and minimal peplum top paired with leather leggings, to Kate Middleton in a stunning forest green peplum dress with waist belt and beret accessories, those in the spotlight are aware of how flattering and sophisticated this style is. Swap Kim's trend led leather for a more classic pair of cigarette pants, and either of these styles would be perfect for the boardroom or the dance floor.

Despite being such a distinguished silhouette, the peplum pencil dress can also essentially be seen as a blank canvas. They come in any and every hue, skirt length, sleeve style and neckline. Hot Fall colours such as oxblood and plum are peplum favorites; pair with patent courts for a classic and current ensemble. Or if you're still in a Summer frame of mind, opt for pretty florals or nautical stripes, and complete with slingback kitten heels in cute, eye-catching shades. You can easily make this trend your own, in ways that will be suitable for day to evening wear. That's the beauty of vintage inspired dresses: the sophistication and nostalgia of decades past that they allude to, allow for a look that is both smart and evident of a devotion to fashion and style.

The look is also open to further modification for an outfit that will be even closer to your individual style and mark you as a trendsetter. Wearing a waist belt just above the peplum skirt, for example, accentuates the waist and highlights your figure. Pairing complementary yet somewhat clashing colours - such as Emma Stone's Pink and Red Giambattista Valli dress which she wore to the Friends With Benefits film premiere - propels the look further into a fashion-forward, directional league, with the illusion of separates bringing a touch of business-like style to the ensemble.

Because the peplum is a key detail and yet is relatively neutral, it is simple to blend with other trends. For example, you can pair a cream peplum top with a statement pair of ankle-grazing trousers or pencil skirt - two more of the season's wardrobe favourites. A flashback to the 80s without the nightmares of crimped hair and legwarmers, it's a retro nod that avoids that fancy dress look. Even peplum dresses in neutral tones such as black, cream and nude are statement enough to look fashionable, without that fast-fashion feel that trendy prints might have. This means that you won't be recycling them after just a couple of wears - and if you opt for pieces that have further details, such as embellished necklines, or striking sleeves, they will keep you looking interesting for even longer.

Along with the transitional peplum, two of Fall's biggest trends are the colour Oxblood and Leather. Burgundy, wine and forest fruit tones, paired with peplum are an absolute fail-safe closet combination. Leather pieces such as pencil skirts and skintight jeans will look incredibly directional with a peplum top and bridge the style gap between grunge and glamour. You don't have to choose whether you're a bad girl or a good girl with peplum; you'll simply be incredibly stylish, and ready for the new season.