The Bubble Dress & Bubble Skirt in 2024
Fashion has a fascinating way of bringing back styles from the past, and in 2024 one trend that’s stealing the spotlight is something that many (including me) would’ve worn back in the 80s. Anyone remember the ‘Puffball’?
In 2024, it’s renamed the ‘Bubble skirt’ or ‘Bubble dress’. You remember those outfits with a skirt that puffs up at the hem, creating a cute “bubble” effect? Not to be confused with the layered ‘Ra-Ra skirt’.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see how this trend came to be, and why it’s making a big comeback this year.
The story of the bubble skirt goes way back to the mid-1950s, when two legendary fashion designers, Pierre Cardin and Christian Dior, introduced their own takes on this playful style. Christian Dior’s red satin bubble dress from 1954 is particularly famous and can still be admired at the Missouri History Museum. What makes it fascinating is the way it blends Dior’s love for architecture with his passion for women’s fashion. Fashion historians often describe the bubble dress as “structurally challenging” due to its unique inner construction and fabric draping.
A Return to the Limelight
The ‘Puffball’ skirt had a further moment of glory in the 1980s, with style icons like Princess Diana and Madonna rocking drop-waist dresses and those ‘puffy’ hemlines. Even designers like Yves Saint Laurent couldn’t resist featuring them on their runways during that era.
Fast forward to the mid-2000s, and the ‘puff-ball/bubble’ trend made another splash, with celebs like Sarah Michelle Gellar and Paris Hilton embracing the playful look. The fact that this style has remained a favourite among celebrities is a testament to its timeless appeal.
And in 2024: The Bubble Craze is Back!
This year, fashion is all about making statements, not just with sleeves, but also with dramatic hemlines and silhouettes. Voluminous bubble skirts and dresses have once again stolen the show. This time around, drop waists are all the rage, accentuating the volume from the waist down and making you feel like a modern-day Cinderella.
What’s great about these modern bubble outfits is that they’re not just stylish but also comfy and breathable, perfect for everyday wear or special occasions and covers any lumps and bumps you wish to remain hidden.
