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Bubble hems have been, ahem, floating around for a while, and after design houses like Jaquemus and Dior packed the runway with bouncy accoutrement, I have a feeling the silhouette will be sticking around. Big, bulbous, bubbly and—depending on the fabric—diaphonous, in some ways, the look resembles a jellyfish and can seem as intimidating as the sea creature itself. The proportions can be tricky, but once mastered, a balloon hem can lend fun, shape and texture to your wardrobe.
When it comes to experimenting with the cut, PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth explains: “More than anything, they’re meant to be fun, so don’t be afraid to lean into that. Rather than trying to force a bubble hem to feel ‘quiet luxury’ or like something Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy would have worn, meet the style where it’s at, which is much more overtly feminine and bold. Mary Janes, classic cardigans and Peter Pan collar tops will look much more cohesive than an oversize tee or cowboy boots.”
If you’re wondering how to style bubble hems in 2025, here’s some fashion inspiration from red carpets, runways and street style.
1. Go Monochrome
Christian Vierig/Contributor/Getty Images
Over the years, I’ve learned that an instant way to make your outfit feel pulled together is to opt for monochrome. In this street style look captured at Copenhagen Fashion Week, creator Benthe Liem paired a bubble skirt and jacket in matching jacquard, then accessorized with white tights and shoes. I love that the stark white contrasts with the cream for a color pop despite the white hues, while the jacquard print gives the outfit texture. Also note that while the jacket and skirt are similar in volume proportions, Liem tucks the top in a way that still defines the waist so it doesn’t look like she’s swimming in a shapeless piece of fabric. When it comes to monochrome, you can also play with the texture if you want to keep your shades of white consistent.
2. Cinch the Waist
Richard Bord/Contributor/Getty Images
Bubbles wouldn’t be bubbles unless they had serious volume. Left unchecked, though, you’ll find yourself swimming in a bubble bath. An easy fix is to choose a dress with a cinched waist, or skirt that has more of an A-line. The fit-and-flare works wonders on almost everyone.
3. Layer, Layer, Layer
ANGELA WEISS/Contributor/Getty Images
Take a page from Zoe Saldaña at this year’s Academy Awards. The Oscar winner showed up in a Yves Saint Laurent tiered bubble gown, in a rich burgundy. The empire waist dress works because the tiers of bubble hemming give the gown shape, breaking it up visually. Meanwhile, she also benefits from the lengthening monochrome effect, without being lost in the sauce.
4. Give It Structure
WWD/Contributor/Getty Images
Bubble hems don’t always have to feel like they’re a floaty little sea creature—they just have to look like it. I’m loving this take by Jonathan Anderson for his eponymous line (though you may know him as the genius behind Loewe, and now, Dior). The sculptural quality is fun and unexpected, rigid where you’d expect movement, drawing the eye.
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