Welcome to Reality Check: a new regular franchise from the ELLE UK fashion editors that asks: how well do the season's biggest trends really work in the wild? This week, we take a look at how we're actually wearing puffball, bubble hem and balloon skirts this spring.
This year's throwback trends are truly one for the books. From polo shirts and skinny jeans to Balletcore and Tenniscore everything, the first quarter of the year proves that the Indie styles of the late Noughties and Teens are back with a vengeance.
And next on the no longer dated docket? Puffball, bubble, and balloon hem skirts and dresses.
Back in February last year I noted the proliferation of puffball peplums and skirts on London Fashion Week's AW23 runways (16Arlington, Connor Ives and Christopher Kane all taking part), but the trend has ballooned in the year since.
Miu Miu has arguably been the biggest proponent of the puffball, sending different bubble-hemmed skirts down the runway of their last three shows.
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Similarly, Copenhagen Fashion Week newcomer Nicklas Skovgaard centred both his SS24 and AW24 collections on the silhouette, reiterating the '2010s peplum does 1980s puffball does 19th Century bustle look' of it all.
But, this isn't a trend that's being left on the runway. Far from it - I've spotted plenty a bubble hem in the ELLE UK office, pounding the pavements and yes, on the high street too. Reformation and Zara have the widest selection at the moment, but I'm particularly enamoured by Rejina Pyo's sherbet lemon take.
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The Reformation Misty Skirt
Mango Mini-Skirt With Ruffed Hem
CO Gathered Poplin Maxi Skirt
Rejina Pyo Flora Skirt Taffeta Yellow
Zara Balloon Mini Skirt
If you're feeling bold, lean into the ballet overtones and pair with bow-embellished flats and a cardigan (&Daughter are offering the best around now) or keep things a little more grown up with minimal thong sandals and a clean white T-shirt as the weather heats up.
Speaking of being grown up, balloon-hem dresses are a great wedding guest dress choice, particularly in bold single colours. You'll be the comfiest and chicest guest at a London courthouse wedding if you opt for 16Arlington jersey Sidd dress, while Zara's organza midi is perfect for garden nuptials.
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Reformation Elvira Dress
Zara Organza Balloon Dress
16Arlington Sidd Jersey Midi Dress
Amy Lynn Alexa Puffed-Hem Dress
Zara Poplin Puff Dress
Whether mini or maxi, bright or beige, the bubble is yet to burst on puffball skirts. The only question is, will you be imbibing?
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