Trust me, no one was as aghast as I was when I saw that bubble hems had hit the runway. I was looking through images of Prabal Gurung’s spring/summer ’22 show when I spotted them, and all the disastrous outfits I wore back when I was, like, 12 years old came rushing back into my brain. Fast forward some months, and there they were again—this time at Jason Wu’s fall/winter ’22 show, and then at Khaite, Prada, Proenza Schouler, Ulla Johnson, JW Anderson, Valentino, Molly Goddard, and Dauphinette for spring/summer 2023. The more I realized I could not avoid this divisive trend returning from my childhood, the more I warmed up to the idea of wearing a bubble hem again.
The last time I donned the silhouette was probably middle school, but the current iterations are much more sophisticated than, say, the Limited Too and dELiA*s designs of yore. Sure, there’s still an inherently youthful energy to them with all that flounce, but some styles are less exaggerated than others. Plus, it turns an otherwise simple skirt, dress, or even T-shirt into something a little more interesting with the fabric delicately pooled at the bottom. Below, I rounded up some inspiration straight from the catwalks and some bubble-hem pieces that you can shop right now if you’ve been converted like I have.
Paired with a netted top and marshmallow-like flatforms, the mix of textures in this bubble-hem outfit at Proenza’s spring/summer ’23 show is gorgeous.
Everything about Khaite just screams elegance, so it’s no surprise that designer Catherine Holstein gave bubble hems her own sophisticated spin when showcasing the label’s spring/summer ’23 collection.
This color though!
This high-rise style has a pretty gold zipper at the back for an eye-catching detail.
If you’re over minis, try this maxi bubble style.
You’ve heard of a bubble skirt, but how about these bubble shorts?
How about a LBMS? (That’s “little black mini skirt” to you.)
The pastel shade your spring wardrobe needs.
Gotta love a skirt with pockets!
Dauphinette unveiled a very exaggerated version of the trend for its spring/summer ’23 presentation, but it’s definitely a design you can’t look away from.
When you mix ’90s minimalism with the trend—like Prada did here for its spring/summer ’23 show—it makes it much more elevated.
Here’s a similar tube dress style if you want to wear two trends in one.
Warmer weather is calling, and it’s begging you to indulge in this white maxi from The Row.
Like a staple shirt dress with a little more volume.
The silhouette is simple, but the plunge neckline and bubble hem spice things up.
Walk through the doors wearing this and prepare for jaws to hit the floor.
The fitted waist just makes the voluminous bottom more apparent.
Be the center of attention in this striking orange shade.
Go for a “wow” moment with a black mini featuring a plunging neckline and balloon sleeves.
The bubble hem often repeats on the sleeves of dresses, as seen here with this gorgeous Amanda Uprichard number.
Drooling over this red-hot strapless design.
The moiré fabric and cobalt hue are to die for.
Don’t be surprised when heads start turning while wearing this patterned dress with a ruched bodice.
This crisp white shirt situation at Valentino’s spring/summer ’23 show is everything.
Yes, it’s an investment, but you’ll get so many compliments on this versatile top.
Make the trend an everyday moment with a solid-colored crop. Coordinating skirt not required but extremely recommended.
Pair this off-the-shoulder bubble-hem shirt with flowy skirt or high-waisted jeans as soon as warmer temperatures hit.
This crop top even has a bubble effect—and it looks even better with the matching skirt.
Or go with a plaid one that’s very appropriate for spring.
Flouncy sleeves and a subtle bubble hem waist turns this wine-colored sweater into something really special.
Just watch your sleeves when you’re eating!
Instead of buying yet another plain shirt, opt for this sequin design.
