Jennifer Hudson is no stranger to commanding attention with grace and confidence. As she once said, “Don’t block your blessings. Don’t let doubt stop you from getting where you want to be.”
That same fearless mindset was on full display when she arrived at Variety’s 5th Annual Power of Women event in a striking white Yigal Azrouël peplum dress, exuding poise and elegance from head to toe.
You can easily see how comfortable the singer is in her own skin (and dress) by the radiant smile on her face. W-E-R-Q it, girl. We’re cheering you on!
Jennifer Hudson wore an updated (a.k.a. less frills, more fun) peplum dress by Yigal Azrouël
A Modern Take on Peplum by Yigal Azrouël
Jennifer Hudson donned a modern peplum dress by Yigal Azrouël. The dress’s sleek design featured no gathering or pleating around the waist flap.
Yigal Azrouël’s designs have made a lasting impact in celebrity fashion, combining modern elegance with bold statement pieces. Julianne Hough wowed in a stunning pink Yigal Azrouël dress, proving the designer’s ability to blend sophistication with trend-forward styling. Meanwhile, Brittany Snow effortlessly rocked a cut-out Yigal Azrouël piece, showcasing how his designs balance edge and elegance.
For those who love versatile fashion, Jessica Simpson’s Yigal Azrouël jacket was a masterclass in jet-set style, seamlessly blending luxury with everyday wear. Whether on the red carpet or in casual chic moments, Azrouël’s pieces remain a go-to for fashion-savvy celebrities.
Jennifer Hudson arriving at Variety’s 5th Annual Power of Women event, which was held at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on October 4, 2013 (Credit: Visual / FayesVision/WENN)
The curved hem creates an illusion of volume while maintaining a clean, flat structure
Jennifer’s Elegant Styling: Saint Laurent Heels & Chic Makeup
To complete the look, Hudson paired her sleek dress with timeless Saint Laurent pointed-toe heels—a power move that added elegance and elongated her silhouette.
Her choice of old rose lipstick added just the right touch of warmth, balancing the crisp white fabric with a soft, feminine contrast.
Jennifer Hudson radiates confidence and elegance with her beautiful smile and chic hairstyle at Variety’s 5th Annual Power of Women event
Pointy-toe heels have long been a staple in fashion, celebrated for their ability to elongate the legs and impart a sleek, sophisticated silhouette. This design not only enhances the wearer’s posture but also adds a touch of elegance to various outfits. For instance, Jimmy Choo’s ‘Love’ pumps are renowned for their signature pointed-toe and high-cut silhouette, instantly elevating any ensemble.
Similarly, Christian Louboutin’s ‘Nosy’ pumps combine a sharp pointed toe with iridescent materials, offering a modern twist to a classic design. The enduring popularity of pointy-toe heels underscores their versatility and timeless appeal in women’s footwear.
Jennifer Hudson wearing black pointed-toe heels from Saint Laurent
Jennifer Hudson exudes confidence and style in a sleek white peplum dress paired with black pointed-toe heels from Saint Laurent at Variety’s 5th Annual Power of Women event
Jennifer Hudson waves to the camera, looking stunning in a sleek white peplum dress and black pointed-toe heels from Saint Laurent at Variety’s 5th Annual Power of Women event
The Peplum Trend: A Red Carpet Favorite
We love a girl who knows how to have fun on the red carpet; a chunk of this ability depends on her outfit choice.
Peplum dresses have long been a red carpet favorite, adding an instant touch of structure and sophistication. Yigal Azrouël’s modern take ditches traditional ruffles for a sleek, minimalist silhouette—perfect for semi-formal events where power dressing meets elegance.
Plus, did we mention that it’s completely wardrobe-malfunction-proof? With a structured fit and sleek lines, it’s the kind of dress that lets you move with confidence—no fashion mishaps in sight.
Yigal Azrouël Peplum Dress, $1,050
Jennifer Hudson wasn’t the only star to embrace the power of a sleek white dress at the event. Another A-lister who turned heads in a crisp, structured ensemble was Charlize Theron.
While Hudson’s Yigal Azrouël peplum dress highlighted her curves with a modern silhouette, Theron opted for a more minimalist yet equally striking approach. Her choice? A sophisticated Stella McCartney design that exuded effortless chic. Both looks prove that a well-tailored white dress is a timeless red carpet essential.
Charlize Theron’s Stunning Stella McCartney Dress
Charlize Theron stuns in a chic white Stella McCartney mini dress paired with black-and-white cap-toe pumps and a studded clutch at Variety’s 5th Annual Power of Women event
Charlize’s white python jacquard Stella McCartney dress from the label’s Resort 2014 collection was equally gorgeous. While Jennifer’s dress focused on her curves, this one showed off Theron’s best asset — her legs that go on for days!
Charlize Theron’s sleek blonde pixie cut is effortlessly styled with a deep side part, soft layers, and a subtle tousled texture, perfectly complementing her minimalist outfit
Charlize’s Giuseppe Zanotti pumps feature a glossy, textured look finished with white cap toes. She and her mom got matching koi fish tattoos in 1991. The tattoo on her back right ankle is a Japanese symbol for love.
Charlize Theron showcases her edgy style with black patent leather Giuseppe Zanotti cap-toe pumps, drawing attention to her koi fish ankle tattoo, a symbol of strength and perseverance
Explore More Celebrity Peplum Style Moments
For readers who love peplum fashion and want to see how other celebrities have styled this timeless trend, check out the following articles on Your Next Shoes:
- Stacy Keibler’s Statuesque Legs in a White Peplum Dress at Escada Flagship Opening – Discover how Stacy Keibler wowed in a sleek white peplum dress during the Escada flagship store opening in Berlin.
- Anna Faris in a Flirty White Dress with Ruffled Peplum Detail at the People’s Choice Awards – See Anna Faris’s stunning look featuring ruffled peplum details and an asymmetric hemline.
- Pippa Middleton Rocks a Chic Black and White Peplum Skirt Ensemble – Learn how Pippa Middleton styled a classic peplum pencil skirt for a polished, everyday look.
- Lily Collins Flaunts Her Legs in a Peplum Skirt Suit and Casadei Roxanne Heels – Explore Lily Collins’s bold take on peplum fashion at PaleyFest LA, pairing it with statement heels.
These style moments prove that the peplum trend is here to stay, offering endless inspiration for both red carpet events and everyday elegance.