Bubble Skirts Are Back — What’s Next?

The ’80s are caching up to us yet again with the second revamp of the bubble hem. From skirts and dresses, to sweatshirts and gym shorts (yes, bubble hem gym shorts), retailers are really working to build the embarrassing photo albums we’ll show our kids one day.

The Bubble’s Beginning

First introduced by Yves Saint Laurent haute couture in the late 1950s, then repopularized in the ’80s for the dramatic silhouette, bubble hems are now on their third and hopefully last pop culture go-around.

The great thing about trends, however, is that nothing lasts forever. So what’s next once we rid ourselves of this current obsession?

Fortunately, the trend cycle works in predictable fashion (no pun intended). We know capris are on the way back after seeing them on Sabrina Carpenter and Blythe Beardsley, but we at VALLEY think there may be more on the horizon.

Trends from the Past

Fall 2024: The height of flare leggings and platform Uggs. We were in athleisure, sporting ’70s flare without even knowing.
Summer 2024: We were either wearing “coastal granddaughter” or cutting the neck hem off our t-shirts. Old money and ’90s grunge began to come back. Think linen pants and sailing outfits — an homage to classic Ralph Lauren campaigns.
Fall 2025: Mock-neck sweaters, low-rise jeans and a push to find the perfect going-out jean … only for that perfect jean to be replaced by a denim miniskirt (an ’80s staple) the following spring.
Summer 2025: Back to boho with the Frye boot and music festival garb. Once again, a reference to the ’70s with loose-fitting outfits and bright, airy colors. And of course, the bubble skirt — an ’80s staple for prom or a night out.

A Look Into the Future

If we follow the structure of the trend cycle to this point, we can expect to be back in the ’90s for fall 2026. We’re anticipating thick headbands, big hair, bright colors and classic patterns.

There was even a whisper from the depths of the internet about zebra print, but we think after last year’s cheetah craze, that might be pushing the envelope.

Beige to Bold

Above all, despite the vintage undertones of our everyday looks, the main differentiator between the 2020s and any other decade has been the rise of minimalism, particularly in the color palettes of our outfits.

The “sad beige mom” movement is something that affects us all more than we would like to admit. While all of us at VALLEY love a slick-back and matching sweatsuit at the end of a hair-wash week, it’s time to bring back big hair and real, colorful outfits. We’re talking Victoria’s Secret blowouts and Rory Gilmore headbands—something that screams, “I’m hot but I also read.”

And when did fun go out of style? We’re bringing back bold classic patterns like argyle and houndstooth for 2026, making fall academia sexy again.

Fashion is Forever

It’s important to remind ourselves that no trend is absolute. We are fortunate to live in a world where nothing ever really goes out of style … even we can’t say no to a bubble skirt if you wear it the right way.

So do what makes you feel hot, and take comfort in knowing that whatever you like will cycle back eventually.

Let us know your opinion on the bubble skirt by tagging us on Instagram @valleymag!