Recent runway trends are pointing to a return of bubble hems. In the last year, we’ve seen it across the Spring/Summer showcases of brands like Miu Miu, Paloma Wool, and Bally.
The return of bubble skirts is fueled by nostalgia, echoing a trend that initially gained traction in the late 1950s, pioneered by esteemed couturiers Cristobal Balenciaga, Pierre Cardin, and Hubert Givenchy. This era saw a preference for voluminous skirts and fitted bodices with the prevailing beauty standard of small waists.
Following its inception, bubble hems became a staple silhouette for women's evening wear, with fashion icons like Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior drawing inspiration from its billowing form.
However, it wasn't until the early 1980s that the trend reached widespread popularity. In 1987, Princess Diana famously sported a striped, dropped bubble hem dress on two occasions–first in Lisbon paired with a navy blazer, and later in Cannes with a white blazer.
Fast forward to 2024, the bubble skirt—distinctly fitted at the waist and puffed at the hem—made some notable reappearance during the latest fashion weeks. Given that the maximalist and hyper-feminine coquette aesthetic has been all the rage in the last year, this resurgence only makes perfect sense. The current sartorial mood among Gen Z's fashion girls is all about adding a hint of personality to any look, and these bubble skirts bring just that.
Locally, budding style star Maloi Ricalde of P-pop supergroup BINI appears to have caught wind of this emerging trend. Curious to learn how you can rock the next “it” skirt for yourself? Read on and take notes from the 21-year-old vocalist.
LOOK: The Best Bubble Skirt Outfits We Spotted on BINI's Maloi
Nailing the bubble skirt look is a lesson on balance and proportions. That said, the key formula here is to match the voluminous skirt with a form-fitting top to create a sense of direction for your ensemble. And if you're looking to take things up a notch, don't be afraid to do some color blocking and play around with accessories!
1. A white and red palette, plus a knit balaclava and metal-frame bayonetta specs
Looking to make red your signature color? Maloi demonstrates how with this eye-catching number. For this look, she opted for a white base, featuring a mini bubble skirt paired with a crop top, and elevated the look with vibrant red accessories. Sporting a bold red knit balaclava, opaque tights, and pointed-toe kitten heels, all in the same striking shade of red, she effortlessly commanded attention while maintaining a polished ensemble.
2. A dainty ensemble in blue and white
If you're more into pastels, then this outfit is right up your alley. For her group's Sun and Fun Fair 2024 performance, Maloi wore a sleeveless periwinkle top adorned with a Peter Pan collar, paired elegantly with a matching bubble skirt. To enhance the soft blue hue, she accessorized with white accents, including pearl drop earrings, a pearl waist belt, laced tights, and nude-colored boots.
3. A cowboy boots moment
You can absolutely rock a pair of cowboy boots with a bubble skirt! In this particular outfit, Maloi paired a fuzzy white top with a pastel pink bubble skirt. Further punctuating the look was a glittered waist belt, as well as a pair of dainty pastel pink cowboy boots.
4. A full-on coquette look
If you're all about the coquette look these days, try pairing a white bubble skirt with a frilled tulle top in a soft pink hue. Complete the look by adding a pastel pink beret, donning ruffled knee-high socks with cut-out details, and slipping into your fave ballerina flats!
5. A red and black palette
Combining a neutral color with vibrant red creates an effortlessly striking outfit. In this instance, the lower half of Maloi’s ensemble showcases expert layering techniques by seamlessly blending the black bubble skirt with matching satin-finish tights and sleek black stilettos. This clever styling directs the focus towards the standout red top, creating an overall balanced look.
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