This year has dropped some pretty divisive trends so far. Like the fashion equivalent of Marmite, ‘you either love it or hate it’ looks are coming thick and fast. First up, we had capri pants (formerly known as pedal pushers to millennials), the sit-below-the-knee cropped trousers loved by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City spotted all over Instagram. Then there was the disc belt, once worn by the likes of Destiny’s Child back in 2001. Now, it’s time for the revival of the bubble hem. 

Previously referred to as ‘puffball’ and now also known as ‘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 actually first big (excuse the pun) in the 1980s. And like any trend during that decade, of course Princess Diana was one to pioneer it. Spotted at Cannes Film Festival in 1987 (as seen above) her exaggerated hemline mini dress was worn with a double-breasted blazer and contrast-toe shoes – an iconic look as ever. 

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, as the high street versions this time around feel a lot more modern than their Y2K counterparts. 

Alicia Keys was another celebrity who tried out the bubble hem. Here, she attended an awards ceremony in 2006 wearing an orange maxi style. And we’ve got to say, the neckline and cuff feels very 2024.

Now, the bubble-hem dress is being 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. See how this street style look keeps the accessories simple and fuss-free? That’s the key to wearing this throwback dress in 2024. 

If you want to try out another one of this season’s key trends, then make your bubble-hem dress a bandeau. This fashion insider has gone for top-to-toe black and shown how the hemline doesn’t have to be super exaggerated, it can just add a hint of volume to a classic LBD. 

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

Images: courtesy of brands