Bubble skirts are making us feel nostalgic, but how do you wear the trend for 2026?

Last year, the fashion world dropped some divisive trends. Like the fashion equivalent of Marmite, love-it-or-hate-it looks were everywhere. First up, we had capri pants (or pedal pushers to millennials), the sit-below-the-knee cropped trousers loved by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex And The City. And even the disc belt, once worn by the likes of Destiny’s Child back in 2001, made a return. Now, it’s time for the revival of the bubble hem. 

Also known as the ‘puffball’ and ‘balloon’, whatever you choose to call them, these dresses and skirts are back with a bang this year. But would you wear the divisive style?

While we may remember the bubble hemline as a 00s trend, they were first big (excuse the pun) in the 1980s. And like any trend during that decade, Princess Diana was one of the pioneers. Spotted at Cannes Film Festival in 1987 (above), her exaggerated hemline mini dress was worn with a double-breasted blazer and contrast-toe shoes – an iconic look. 

This knee-length iteration, worn by Paris Hilton in 2005, is most likely the kind of bubble-hem dress you’ll remember. The longer style worn with peep-toe shoes (remember those?) might be one of those Marmite looks that deter you from wanting to go there again. But have faith: the high street versions this time around feel a lot more modern compared to their Y2K counterparts. 

Alicia Keys was also a fan. Here she is attending an awards ceremony in 2006, wearing an orange maxi style. And we’ve got to say, the neckline and bracelet feel very 2026, don’t they?

Now we’ve seen some throwback balloon skirt looks, it’s time to see how to wear them in 2026. And who better to inspire our outfits than Prada? Putting a black mini on the spring/summer runway, the designer gave it a preppy twist with a buttoned-up shirt and zesty yellow jacket. And with primary colours and sporty accents being key for 2026, this look is ticking off multiple trends in one. 

Fashion insiders have already jumped onto this trend, with the bubble-hem dress already spotted on some of the most stylish women – and there’s something about the ruched hemline that adds that little extra interest to an otherwise plain dress. This street style look keeps the style more relaxed by opting for a denim skirt and doing a version of the Canadian tuxedo with a matching denim jacket. The boots make it appropriate for the season we’re in, but come spring, you’ll no doubt be switching these out for a pair of ballet flats. 

If you want to add more key trends, then it’s all about the accessories. This fashion insider has gone for top-to-toe tonal and shown how the hemline doesn’t have to be super exaggerated; it can just add a hint of volume to a classic LBD (little brown dress, in this instance). To complete the look, a cord necklace pill box hat and luxe leather gloves make the floaty skirt feel more grown up. 

Ready to try out this comeback trend? So many high street brands, including Zara, Cos and Aligne, have created fresh iterations. Here’s where to shop the look now…

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands