Welcome to Addressed, our weekly column where we dive into the fun (and occasional frustrations!) of getting dressed. We’ll explore runway and street style trends, chat with people whose fashion we admire, and—most importantly—answer your burning style questions. Want to submit one? Download the Vogue app and head to the Style Chat section.

There’s a fresh silhouette taking over—the bubble. This playful, voluminous, ultra-feminine shape first popped up in the 1950s but really stole the spotlight in the 1980s. (Think Lacroix, darling—Eddie from Absolutely Fabulous would approve.) Fast-forward to 2025, and designers like Nicolas Ghesquière at Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and Duran Lantink (whose love of exaggerated shapes just landed him the creative director role at Jean Paul Gaultier) are bringing it back.

This season’s bubble styles range from minimalist to extravagant, ultra-femme to sporty—so there’s something for everyone. You might already own a piece or two, but styling them can be tricky. Sure, these rounded shapes look stunning on towering runway models, but how do they work on everyday bodies? The good news: Experimenting is half the fun.

First, embrace the bubble’s bold shape. If you’re worried it’ll overwhelm your frame, this trend might not be for you—and that’s okay! Not every style suits every person. Once you’re on board, focus on proportions. As seen in the 2025 collections, shorter hemlines—whether on dresses, skirts, or tunics—work best. Think of it as a quick burst of drama before returning to classic lines. A shorter cut leaves room to play: Do you lengthen your torso with a low-rise skirt or highlight the contrast with a high-waisted bubble? No wrong answers here.

Fashion thrives on contrast, so pair a bubble-hem skirt with something sleek up top—let the bubble be the star. But rules are made to be broken, as Cynthia Merhej of Renaissance Renaissance proved with her balloon-hem shirt-and-skirt combo for fall 2025.

For an easy entry into the trend, try a bubble-hem dress—dramatic shapes often feel more natural for evening wear. But if you prefer subtlety, opt for balloon sleeves, wide-leg trousers (Chloé nailed the boho version), or Dries Van Noten’s signature bubble-hem sweatshirt. Remember the golden rule: If you go big on top, keep it slim and short on the bottom to balance things out. Before you know it, you’ll be mastering the art of ballooning like Rei Kawakubo herself.

Long live the bubble! Comme des Garçons, spring 2025 ready-to-wear.
(Image: Isidore Montag / Gorunway.com)