Fashion trend 2023: This is how we’re wearing bubble hems this year

Fashion trend 2023
Bubble Hems: This is how we wear the new trend

© Fernanda Calfat / Getty Images

Bubble hems are back in 2023 – and more popular than ever! Here’s everything you need to know about the trend so you can wear it however you want this year – while avoiding a few fashion faux pas…

by Alenka Jepsen

Bubble hems means bubble hems. Basically, it’s the fashion trend making a comeback this year, but it’s the exact opposite of the literal translation. Because bubble hems are about the fact that the hem of a garment is narrower than its middle. The gathered hem gives it a balloon-like silhouette. While we’ve seen occasional glimpses of the look in the past, the puffed hems really came into their own at Spring/Summer 2023 New York Fashion Week. Since then, the trend has continued through the fashion world and bubble hems have adorned several celebrity outfits in recent months.

Selena Gomez wears bubble hems in the form of dramatic satin sleeves to this year's Golden Globes in January

Selena Gomez wears bubble hems in the form of dramatic satin sleeves to this year’s Golden Globes in January

© Amy Sussman / Getty Images

Fortunately, various brands prove the versatility of the style. The bubble hems trend doesn’t always have to be dramatic and over the top, it can also add subtle volume and be incorporated into our everyday fashion.

Style bubble hems

Depending on where the puffy hem is, the focus can also be set differently. One advantage of the trend is that it is really suitable for every figure type, because the bubble hem can conceal certain zones, but also emphasize them and conjure up a few sexy curves in a matter of seconds. The only important thing is: the more extreme the volume, the more carefully the rest of the outfit should be chosen, otherwise bubble hems can quickly look like a costume in everyday life. However, with a few simple rules, this can easily be avoided.

Already in February 2022 we got to see Bubble Hems here on the Proenza Schouler Runway in New York

Already in February 2022 we got to see Bubble Hems here on the Proenza Schouler Runway in New York

© Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

Ulla Johnson Fashion Show, New York in September 2022

Ulla Johnson Fashion Show, New York in September 2022

© Fernanda Calfat / Getty Images

When combined correctly, bubble dresses in particular can look ridiculously cute! Short models combine well with ankle or knee-length boots to give the look a casual and edgy touch. Perfect for a Blair Waldorf or Emily style romantic brunch in Paris! If you want to make the mini dress suitable for a party, you can wear it with delicate high heels and a clutch – et voilà – you will attract everyone’s attention in this statement look!

For about 38 euros via prettylittlething.com

For about 38 euros via prettylittlething.com

©PR

For about 37 euros via prettylittlething.com

For about 37 euros via prettylittlething.com

©PR

With maxi dresses, the sleeves in particular can be particularly voluminous, because the floor-length silhouette of the dress optically balances out the drama that takes place in the upper part of the look.

Dramatic sleeves as a fashion trend for 2023

However, with balloon-like sleeves, care should be taken to ensure that the waist is always emphasized. This way the look is not overwhelming and the focus remains on the bubble hems as a highlight. For those who prefer to slowly approach the puffed sleeves, models made of transparent fabric offer a variant with a milder effect. Material such as tulle creates a soft contour on the balloon sleeves — as opposed to a fully opaque ball on the arm — so the overall look is less intense.

Ulla Johnson Runway Show in New York, September 2022

Ulla Johnson Runway Show in New York, September 2022

© Fernanda Calfat / Getty Images

Stay in control of the look

If an outfit seems too airy and wide, you can simply counteract it with a stylish corset or a belt. Despite, or perhaps because of, the width, the décolleté and hips are accentuated. It can also help to combine a short or tight piece to avoid “sinking” into the look and to use the effect of the bubble hems by creating a contrast.

The comeback of bubble hems comes as no surprise given this year’s volume trend in fashion. The sewn-in hems turn simple pieces into real eye-catchers and are still suitable for everyday use to equip our wardrobes with them and try out the trend for ourselves – after all, it’s up to us how voluminous we want it to be!

Bridget

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