Coming in hot with some controversial news: Bubble skirts are back. Love it or hate it, there's no denying that this '80s-inspired hemline has begun to bubble up again (excuse the pun). Although this hemline hasn't always had the best rap, it's managed to slowly come back into style because of several factors—the first being the rise of balletcore fashion. Without the proliferation of ballet-inspired fashion, one could argue that we wouldn't have seen this trend begin to balloon in the last few seasons. But beyond the cultural obsession with balletcore, the balloon skirt's rise in popularity again can be attributed to how it's become (dare I say it?) chic. Everywhere you look, you can find evidence that the bulbous silhouette is more stylish than ever—from recent runway collections to the red carpet and even in Instagram reels.
The transformation of this once "ugly" silhouette into the shape of the season can be most attributed to how the styling has been streamlined. No longer overly maximal, the voluminous silhouette has been toned down to make it easy to style for everyday life. But we get it if you're still dubious about bubble skirts truly being back.
To present our case for adopting this trend, we've rounded up the S/S 24 and F/W 24 runway looks along with street-style images that prove that with the right styling, this skirt can be, well, stylish. Plus, we've rounded up some of the best bubble skirt pieces you can buy right now at every price point. Consider this your masterclass on how to style a bubble skirt.
On the Runway
Styling notes: Use Tibi's fall collection as the blueprint for toning down this silhouette. Try styling your skirt with tailored separates for a more minimal look.
Imagine how stylish your blazer will look with this skirt!
Styling notes: The secret to making adopting this silhouette easier is to invest in dresses with a ballon hemline—such as the stunning off-the-shoulder number above from Aknvas.
Fresh off the runway.
Styling notes: Alaïa's F/W 24 runway show proved that bubble skirts can be high-fashion if they play with volume in groundbreaking ways (like through fringe embellishments and unconventional textiles).
Not your basic bubble skirt.
Styling Notes: Draw inspiration from Staud's S/S 24 collection by styling your bubble skirt with a contrasting top to create a color-blocking moment.
Main character energy embodied.
Styling Notes: Balance out this bolder skirt shape by recreating Bally's spring runway look above. For a more minimal ensemble, try pairing a bubble skirt with a blue T-shirt, trench coat, and ballet flats.
The perfect little black skirt.
Styling Notes: Another way you can make this skirt a bit more "simple" is by styling it with separates in matching shades (as seen in Tory Burch's spring show).
Tory Burch does it again.
Styling Notes: When in doubt, opting for an all-black outfit is the easiest way to embrace the bubble-skirt trend.
I wouldn't have thought to style this type of skirt with a swimsuit, but Zara remains unparalleled for inspiration.
In the Wild
Styling Notes: Beyond the runway, we've seen the style set incorporate bubble skirts into their closets by pairing them with more casual items. For example, the outfit above features a balloon skirt styled with layered t-shirts and moto boots.
You can dress this skirt up or down depending upon your mood.
Styling Notes: Again, you don't have to go overboard in order to embrace this skirt trend. Simply style it with an oversize T-shirt and cool flats.
Ballerina vibes.
Styling Notes: If you want to dress up a bit more, lean into this hemline's more ballet-coded elements. Try pairing a bubble dress with capris and a coat like the ensemble above.
Dresses are the easiest way to adopt this trend, hands down.
Styling Notes: Don't be afraid to lean into the voluminous feel of this skirt by pairing it with other oversize items like a big cardigan and button-down shirt.
Just add layers to create the same look!
Styling Notes: If you're worried about your bubble skirt outfit being a bit too voluminous, consider pairing it with a more fitted item (such as a sheer mesh top).
The styling possibilites with this skirt are endless.
Styling Notes: Another way you can ensure this hemline isn't too over-the-top is by looking for a dress that's got the bubble skirt with a fitted bodice like in the outfit shown above. It will strike the perfect balance between being trendy and timeless.
Give your little black dress a big upgrade.
Styling Notes: Consider our editor's ensemble our final point: this "controversial" skirt can be chic! The secret to making bubble skirts work lies in being willing to get a little creative with your styling.
I can attest to this skirt being incredibly easy to style.
Shop More Bubble Skirt Pieces:
Did you just gasp? We did.
Love a pop of color.
So pretty.
Pro tip: Make this silhouette more approachable by opting for neutral hues.
It comes in five other colors, BTW.
Such a good price point.
If summertime were to embodied in a single dress, it would be in this Simkhai one.
Pistachio green? Yes, please.
The hemline on this dress makes this trend a bit easier to adopt.
If this skirt can't sell you on bubble hems at this point, nothing will.
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