Peplum Dresses: From Daytime Chic to Red Carpet Glamour (Celeb Pics!)

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One major trend that’s been cropping up in this season’s dresses is peplum.

Since the start of summer, we’ve seen the frilly and fluttery detail on plenty of the hottest celebrities, including Emma Stone, Charlize Theron, Jessica Biel, and even Lady Gaga:

Natalia Vodianova at the 2012 Glamour Women of the Year Awards in London, UK on May 29, 2012; Julianne Hough at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards in Universal City, CA on June 3, 2012; Emma Stone at the Italian premiere of 'The Amazing Spider-Man' in Rome, Italy on June 22, 2012; Lady Gaga at The Arts Club in London, England on September 10, 2012Natalia Vodianova at the 2012 Glamour Women of the Year Awards in London, UK on May 29, 2012; Julianne Hough at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards in Universal City, CA on June 3, 2012; Emma Stone at the Italian premiere of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ in Rome, Italy on June 22, 2012; Lady Gaga at The Arts Club in London, England on September 10, 2012 (Credit: WENN)

Charlize Theron at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards in Universal City, CA on June 3, 2012; Mila Kunis at the LA premiere of ‘Ted’ in Hollywood, CA on June 21, 2012; Anne Hathaway at the premiere of ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ in New York City on July 16, 2012; Jessica Biel at the ‘Total Recall’ UK premiere in London, England on August 16, 2012 (Credit: WENN)

Though generally formal and ladylike, peplum can also be sexy, edgy, and casual. They’re also great for concealing a belly, creating the illusion of a smaller waist, and giving you a perkier bum. It also has a way of instantly dressing up basic pieces like your favorite pencil skirt, worn-in t-shirt, and go-to pair of blue jeans.

Showcasing Versatility: Elegant Evening, Chic Professional, and Playful Casual Peplum DressesShowcasing Versatility: Elegant Evening, Chic Professional, and Playful Casual Peplum Dresses

As dresses, peplum is just as versatile. We didn’t have to search long for these peplum dresses that can be worn from day to night! Maxi dresses, club dresses, and evening gowns — the peplum trend has taken over all of them.

Do you already have a favorite way of wearing peplum?

Daytime Chic: Peplum Perfection for Everyday Elegance

Dressed Up Day Peplum DressesReverse belted peplum dress, $68.00; ‘Flirting with Fun’ dress, $57.99; Ella Moss ‘Bluebell’ peplum maxi dress, $158.00

Office Elegance: Peplum Styles for Professional Poise

9 to 5 Peplum DressesTinley Road peplum dress, $69.00; Work With Me dress, $49.99; Alice + Olivia ‘Tracey’ peplum dress, $396.00

Peplum Partywear: From Casual Gatherings to Nightlife Glam

Party Mode Peplum DressesNYC Boutique little black peplum dress, $40.00; Victoria peplum dress, $58.00; Peplum mesh dress, $58.00

Glamour Unleashed: Peplum Gowns for Ultimate Evening Splendor

All-Out Glamour Peplum DressesJason Wu belted peplum dress, $3,165.00; Carolina Herrera woodgrain-print peplum gown, $4,490.00; Mandalay sequined lace peplum dress, $2,210.00