Bubble Trouble
Inflated, Elevated, Totally Wearable
If fashion’s last few seasons were all about precision and polish - think tailored blazers, clean lines, and quiet luxury - then summer 2025 is all about sculptural shapes and volume play.
A good one with minimalists, still, who may have enjoyed the cleanliness of the stealth wealth trend, but with just a little added fun in the form of bubble hems or balloon shapes.
Bubbling up, sorry had to be done, for a while, we’ve reached bubble and it ain’t about to burst, sorry again. Far from its puffball heritage, the bubble/balloon pieces are seriously slick and wearable.
The bubble hem has been re-engineered. Think elongated hemlines, architectural sleeves, and subtle gathered shapes that add volume. This is the bubble, upgraded—and for grown-ups.
And with that more elegant twist to the bubble silhouette, the high street is interpreting volume across different pieces and lengths, giving plenty of variety on how to wear the shape.
Mini bubble hem skirts are inherently youthful, but treat them like a pair of shorts, and pair them with ballet flats, a t-shirt, and an oversized blazer.
A bubble hem midi skirt or dress skims rather than balloons, so they are a slightly more subtle take on the trend. It’s the easiest way to dip into the trend if you like length and ease.
Let the shape lead. Bubble silhouettes already make a statement, so don’t overstyle it - keep it modern and cool by teaming it with sleek separates and neutral hues.
Balance the proportions too - golden rule when trying exaggerated silhouettes if volume on bottom - go sleek up top.
Bubble silhouettes tend to work best in crisp cotton, technical taffeta, and matte nylon, which help hold shape while keeping things clean.
When it comes to footwear, the volume on the bottom needs a bit of grounding, often resulting in a chunky style shoe, a trainer, or a flat. Heels can work - but keep them minimal or architectural.
When your silhouette is doing the talking, opt for more pared back shades. Neutrals, monochrome, and muted pastels allow the shape to stay in focus without overwhelming the look.
Shop my edit below:
Top row: from left to right: Brown bubble hem dress, white bubble hem skirt, bubble hem jacket, pale pink bubble hem dress, brown pleated balloon skirt, terracotta tank dress, balloon sleeve dress, white balloon hem dress, one shoulder khaki dress, white bubble hem skirt, black bubble hem dress
Bottom row: from left to right: bubble hem t-shirt, balloon-leg trousers, black balloon midi skirt, white bubble mini skirt, draped bubble midi dress, brown one shoulder bubble hem dress, balloon white trousers, balloon hem t-shirt dress, off-white bubble hem dress, black bubble hem skirt, cream bubble hem midi dress