Peplum Tops Are Back From The 2010s’ Grave — & Now They’re Actually Cute

They say bad news comes in threes and that’s felt undeniably true as of late. There’s apparently a Champagne shortage, the air appears to be perpetually on fire, and, in slightly less grave but nonetheless disturbing news, peplum tops have made a comeback.

What’s a peplum top, you might ask, your eyes wide and full of innocence? Oh, my sweet summer child, let me tell you about the many horrors I’ve seen and endured. Many moons ago (the 2010s, to be exact), you couldn’t swing a Gucci Marmont bag at a Lady Bird screening without hitting someone wearing a peplum top — a Frankenstein-esque shirt and skirt combination that mixed all the fun of officewear with a ruffle wide enough to prevent you from entering narrower doorways. 

And now, dear readers, fashion experts say the peplum top’s day has once again come — and, like that ex that finally started getting their hair cut professionally and stopped wearing sandals with socks — they’re looking better than ever. They’re smaller! They’re cuter! They’re not universally made of that weird scuba material anymore! With that in mind, we’re bringing you the best peplum tops, whether you’re trying to accentuate your hips or conceal the mountain of nachos you ate for lunch. So cue up the Tame Impala, bust out that inner lip tattoo, and get ready to channel your 2010s glory days with these peplum styles.

The Best Sleeveless Peplum Tops

The classic peplum silhouette can transition seamlessly from summer to fall with these sleeveless options, which come in materials ranging from faux leather to comfy elastane blends.

The Best Short-Sleeve Peplum Tops

Want a bit of protection from the sun with your peplum? These short-sleeve tops will keep your shoulders covered — making them perfect for fall’s cooler weather, too.

The Best Strapless Peplum Tops

The hottest days call for the smallest shirts. These strapless peplum tops are perfect for everything from beach trips to casual summer weddings.

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Behold The 20 Most Comfortable Wedding Shoes Every Bride Will Adore

Weddings can mobilize this hyper-enthusiastic side of ourselves that we didn't even know existed. Underneath the dazzling exterior of romance lies a foundation of months spent agonizing over the perfect person-to-passed-appetizer ratio. Then you have the show-stopping wedding dress — maybe even a reception dress — and all its fixings to top off this multitiered, fondant-covered stress cake. Even small items, like footwear, can be maximally important. You'll want comfy bridal shoes that are sturdy to glide you down the aisle without tripping, and that'll end up morphing into your dancing shoes. 

Your gut may be telling you to prioritize function over fashion, but don't let it stop you from letting your wedding shoe wishlist run wild. There are plenty of comfortable wedding shoes out there that will fit any preference and budget. First, decide high is high enough — should you go for a block, kitten, or ballet flats? Also consider if you want something classic or more fashion-forward. How about embellishments, feathers, or any other fun details? If thinking about all those options sends your pre-wedding indecision higher than the backs of a 100mm pair of stilettos, rest assured. We've only picked the best in a wide variety of styles that all get high marks for comfort and style. Ahead, discover the most comfortable wedding shoes for brides that'll successfully allow you to strut, saunter, and waltz through your nuptials with feet that survive to tell the tale.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Comfortable Wedding Heels

Don't let the fear of a skinny heel scare you away from wearing a pair on your wedding day. There are plenty of styles with comfortable soles you can dance around in.

Shop Badgley Mishcka At Nordstrom

Badgley Mischka Collection Blaze Pump, $, available at Nordstrom

Shop Aquazzura At Shopbop

Aquazzura Bow Tie Plexi Pumps, $, available at Shopbop

Shop Lulus

Shop Kate Spade

Kate Spade Happily Slingback Pumps, $, available at Kate Spade

Shop Dolce Vita

Dolce Vita Kanika Pearl Heels, $, available at Dolce Vita

Comfortable Block Heel Wedding Shoes

Block heels are those loyal friends who are up for a fun but safe night. These shoes give you the height you're looking for and will never let you down.

Shop Margaux

Margaux The City Sandal, $, available at Margaux

Shop Loeffler Randall At Shopbop

Loeffler Randall Camellia Pleated Bow Heel with Ankle Strap, $, available at Shopbop

Shop Sarah Flint

Sarah Flint Wedding Parker Sling 50, $, available at Sarah Flint

Comfortable Low Heel Wedding Shoes

Maybe heels are really not your thing but you still want to appear taller when standing up there in front of everyone. Comfortable low-heel wedding shoes are the way to go. Low-heel shoes are the perfect medium between flats and sky-high stilettos.

Shop Seychelles At Anthropologie

Seychelles Neve Heels, $, available at Anthropologie

Shop Lauren Ralph Lauren At Zappos

Lauren Ralph Lauren Lolah Pump Slingback, $, available at Zappos

Shop Sam Edelman At Zappos

Sam Edelman Philippa, $, available at Zappos

Comfortable Wedding Sandals

Lightweight and airy, sandals are designed for the energetic bride that will stay on the move — talking to families on both sides, dancing with friends, running up the stairs to fix any makeup, and bolting straight for the dessert table.

Shop MACH & MACH At Farfetch

Mach & Mach Double Bow Flat Pumps, $, available at Farfetch

Shop Aminah Abdul Jillil

Aminah Abdul Jillil Soleil Flat Sandal, $, available at Aminah Abdul Jillil

Comfortable Wedding Mules

DJ, don't let the music stop. Are you tired of blisters from jumping up and down in stiff shoes? Mules will guarantee no back strap digging into your ankle. There's no time to stop and adjust your shoe for this dancing queen.

Shop JW Anderson At SSENSE

JW Anderson White Chain Kitten Mules, $, available at SSENSE

Shop Charles & Keith

Charles & Keith Blythe Bead Embellished Satin Pumps, $, available at Charles & Keith

Shop Reformation

Reformation Shereen Ruched Block Heel Mule, $, available at Reformation

Comfortable Wedding Flats

Are you a bride who invests in timeless pieces you can wear throughout the years? Opt for a pair of classic ballet flats. The crisp clean finish and subtle embellishments exude that polished flair, which is perfect for a wedding. Plus, you can pair it with any casual wear after the wedding for an elevated look. 

Shop ASOS DESIGN At ASOS


ASOS DESIGN Lola Faux Pearl Embellished Pointed Ballet Flats, $, available at ASOS

Shop Porte & Paire At Net-A-Porter

Porte & Paire Bow-Embellished Satin Ballet Flats, $, available at Net-A-Porter

Shop Rothy's

Rothy's The Petal Square, $, available at Rothy's

Shop Miu Miu At Saks Fifth Avenue

Miu Miu Satin Ballet Flats, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Dolce Vita Ivee Sandals, $, available at Dolce Vita

Nomasei Pompeii White ADORA Sandals, $, available at Nomasei

Be Mine Wide Fit Bridal Acadia Bow Front Flats, $, available at ASOS

Badgley Mischka Saga, $, available at Zappos

Marion Parke Carrie Twisted Napa Mule Sandals, $, available at Neiman Marcus

Bella Belle Shoe Embroidered Lace Pointed Toe Pump, $, available at Nordstrom

Sam Edelman Philippa Kitten Heel, $, available at Sam Edelman

Badgley Mischka Collection Carter Beaded Pump, $, available at Nordstrom

Sam Edelman Jade Heel, $, available at Revolve

Vicenza Love Struck Heels, $, available at Free People

Cat Quinn, Beauty Director

Wedding location: Dallas, TX 
Date: Oct. 5, 2019
Shoe choice: Glittered leather sandals by Jimmy Choo

How important overall was the shoe selection process for you? 
It was super important to me, which is why it makes absolutely NO sense that I waited until the very last minute to nail them down. My seamstress couldn't even hem my bridal gown until eight days before my wedding... Don't be like me!

How did you know when you had found the ones?
Comfort. Comfort. Comfort. I wanted them to be pretty and classic, but ultimately I needed something that was well made, well balanced (with a nice pitch between the heel and sole), and didn't cause blisters. I brought three pairs to my final dress fitting and the right choice was clear. Not only did the Jimmy Choos complement my satin ball gown, but I could also stand still the entire fitting without shifting my weight or feeling my toes pinch, even after laps around the showroom and a practice dance session. This was more than I have ever spent on a shoe, but I saved up gift cards from Christmas and birthdays for years in anticipation of this purchase, which made it a little less painful.

Did you switch your shoes at any point in the evening?
I brought my favorite pair of comfy Topshop sandals and a second outfit to the reception, but I never found a moment to tear myself away to the back and change. Luckily, my feet stayed happy and light in my heels all night. I never had to sit down or take them off or use a blister guard. I did finally change into the sandals for the after-party, and stayed on my feet until 3 a.m.

If you could go back and change the shoes you ultimately chose, would you?
No, I love the shoes I wore and I love that I can wear them again. These babies are staying in my closet as a joyful and glittery reminder of the best night of my life.
Photo: Courtesy of A Sea Of Love.

Jimmy Choo Minny Ankle-Strap Glitter Leather Sandals, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Blue by Betsey Johnson Sage Evening Sandals, $, available at Macy's

Charles & Keith Embellished Block Heel Sandals, $, available at Charles & Keith

Mekita Rivas, Contributing Fashion Writer

Wedding location: Paris, France 
Date: Sept. 21, 2019
Shoe choice: Block-heel pumps by Karl Lagerfeld (in off-white)

How important overall was the shoe selection process for you? 
Similar to dress shopping, I romanticized the process a bit too much. And I severely overestimated how much time I was actually going to have to look for shoes (and accessories for that matter). So my shoes ended up being somewhat of an afterthought. I'm a fashion writer — surely I'd do all this research and give it all this careful consideration and deliberation, right? In reality, I was frantically scouring sale racks a few weeks before my wedding because I'd been so consumed with other wedding decisions (and life in general).

So how did you end up with these?
Since my shoe search came down to the wire, I truly selected the first pair that felt right and spoke to me in some way. Comfort was, in theory, my main priority and I wanted to be able to walk along the cobblestone streets of Paris without tripping or wobbling. Stilettos were out of the question but I wasn't leaning toward flats, either (my husband is 7 inches taller than me!). Plus I just wanted to feel really feminine, and heels do that for me.

Did you switch your shoes at any point in the evening?
Yes, because by the end of the night they were downright murdering my feet. I didn't break them in or wear insoles. But the only backup shoes I had packed was another pair of heels (wedding brain is real), but if I'd given it more thought I would've brought along a pair of Allbirds Breezers to change into. Instead, I just kicked off my shoes and went barefoot on the dance floor!

So if you could go back and pick a different pair, would you?
My instinctual response is no. Even though I didn't have the most thought-out strategy, I ended up finding a pair of shoes that worked for the occasion. Yes, they could've been more comfortable, but overall they were about as close to perfect as I was going to get given the circumstances. 
Courtesy of Minh Ha Nguyen.

Karl Lagerfeld Paris Sabrina Pump, $, available at Nordstrom

Nic + Zoe Carmela Half d'Orsay Column Heel Pump, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

Allbirds Tree Breezers, $, available at Allbirds

Danielle Cadet, VP of Content Strategy & Development

Wedding location: Washington, D.C.
Date: Oct. 12, 2019
Shoe choice: Crystal-embellished mesh and glittered pumps by Christian Louboutin

Did you have a clear idea of what you wanted from the beginning?
I have a pretty intense shoe addiction, so my wedding shoes had to be fabulous. I am one of those women who had been planning her wedding well before getting engaged so I basically had a short list of shoes before I even had a ring on my finger. I also ended up buying my shoes before buying my dress — so to say the shoes were important is an understatement.  

What attracted you to this particular pair?
I wanted to look back at all the things I chose for my wedding and still feel like I would wear them years later. I also wanted something that would fit the overall look of the entire event. I wore this pair because they were exactly what I was looking for in terms of classic elegance which a touch of over-the-top glam. Pumps are such a feminine and sexy, sophisticated shoe and I loved that about them.  

If you could go back and change the shoes you ultimately chose, would you?
I wouldn't change them for a second. I kept my shoes on all night! They went perfectly with both my dress and the jumpsuit I changed into, and I believe when you commit to a shoe you've got to keep them on all night. These were honestly the cherry on top to a perfect ensemble and a perfect day.


Photo: Courtesy of The Madious.

Christian Louboutin Foilles Strass Red Sole Pumps, $, available at Bergdorf Goodman

Badgley Mischka Felicity Heels, $, available at Zappos

Nina Buena Pumps, $, available at Zappos

Lucie Fink, Video Producer

Wedding location: Water Mill, New York 
Date: Sept. 21, 2019
Shoe choice: Hand-made acrylic-heeled booties by Lucia Cornejo & Firfina

What was the most important thing you were looking for when it came to your shoes?
I mainly considered shoes from the standpoint of COMFORT. I knew I'd be up on my feet all day and I'm not a high-heels person generally, so I didn't want to spend my wedding day in pain. I was most concerned with the overall style and wanted to wear something interesting, unique, and slightly different from what most people would consider a "standard wedding day heel."

What made this particular pair so special?
These are custom, made-to-measure, acrylic-heeled booties hand-made from Argentina. They're white with mesh that wraps around my foot perfectly, they're open-toed, and they have a 2-inch acrylic heel (the heel is pretty thick as far as heels go, so I was 100% sturdy). The soles were engraved with our initials (L & M) and our wedding date (9.21). Midway through the reception, I did actually change into Keds x Kate Spade glitter sneakers so I could keeping dancing non-stop, and I also gave my bridesmaids different versions of the sneakers in rose gold, cream, copper, etc.
 
If you could go back and change the shoes you ultimately chose, would you?
I wouldn't change them for the world. I love how different they were and how they kept my feet comfortable all day. I also love that they were customized... I never wear customized shoes and it made my wedding day even that much more special.



Photo: Courtesy of @roeyyohaistudios & @dan_rystudios.

Raye Aiden Heel, $, available at Revolve

Raye Bardot Heel, $, available at Revolve

Cult Gaia Jila Heel Slides, $, available at Shopbop

Keds x Kate Spade New York New York Champion Glitter, $, available at Keds

Meg O'Donnell, Junior Art Editor

Wedding location: Besse, France 
Date: Aug. 25, 2019
Shoe choice: Ballerina sandals by Solillas

Did you have a clear idea of what you wanted from the beginning?
I was just really passionate about wearing flat sandals. I'm not a heels person anyway but the garden where we had the reception is very grassy and all paths have been made with pebbles and stone so heels were not an option for me. I even warned guests!

How did you land on this particular pair?
I've had a pair of the originals for a while and they're such a great holiday shoe. The ones I purchased for the wedding had a lovely suede ankle tie which made them feel different to my originals and they were very fitting for the day. I should mention also the price! Super cheap (originally $79 and currently on sale for $27) and in the midst of wedding lead up, any sort of money saving/small spends I could get were an absolute bonus. They were just divine!

Did you remove them at any point?
They were SO comfortable, but I actually took them off after the food and spent the evening running around the marquee and garden in bare feet — ha! But I think I just got really into the rustic vibe of the day so the shoes were off... very Sandie Shaw of me!

If you could go back and change the shoes you ultimately chose, would you?
No, I definitely wouldn't change them, I was so delighted with them. Really comfy and so cute. After the wedding we went on to Paris for a few days and I wore them whilst exploring for hours.
Photo: Courtesy of Sadhbh O'Sullivan.

solillas Solillas Ballerina Sandals, $, available at Office

Soludos Cadiz Wave Sandals, $, available at Shopbop

Ruanyu Espadrille Platform Wedge Sandals, $, available at Amazon

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