Big Skirt Energy: Bubble Hems, Tulip and Puffball Shapes Explained

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

After years of slip skirts and straight columns, 2026 has rediscovered volume. “Big skirt energy” is the shorthand for a whole family of rounded, sculptural shapes turning up on the high street — bubble hems, tulip skirts and full puffball styles. They look intimidating on the hanger and wonderful on. Here’s what each one actually is, and how to wear it.

The three shapes, decoded

Bubble hem — the fabric curves back under itself at the hemline, creating a soft, rounded finish. It’s the most wearable of the three and works on skirts and dresses alike.
Tulip — panels of fabric overlap and taper toward the hem like the petals of a flower. Neater than a puffball, with a gentle curve rather than full volume.
Puffball — the boldest: gathered, voluminous and rounded all the way round. A statement piece rather than an everyday one.

The golden rule: balance the volume

A big skirt needs a neat top. This is non-negotiable. Pair any of these shapes with:

Sandra Oh’s Relaxed Red Carpet Outfit Is a Lesson in Silhouette Dressing

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 09:01:22 +0000

Red carpets may possibly slowly be coming back again right after over a year of digital-only events, but Sandra Oh arrived well prepared.

The previous Grey’s Anatomy star graced the premiere of Marvel’s Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings with her presence on Thursday night time in London, wearing a casual-cool ensemble that gave us an immediate lesson in silhouette dressing.

Oh wore a pair of khaki extensive-legged trousers with a daringly billowy brown Acler polka dot blouse and peep-toe sneakers. She wore her hair down in unfastened waves and accessorized with just a gold pendant necklace. The broad-leg shape and the puffy sleeves on her shirt could have proved to be a tricky mix, but thanks to skilled tailoring and Oh’s self-assured simplicity, she’s wearing the outfit — not the other way all over.

Silhouette on Le Magasin

Big Skirt Energy: Bubble Hems, Tulip and Puffball Shapes Explained

The three shapes, decoded

The golden rule: balance the volume

Sandra Oh’s Relaxed Red Carpet Outfit Is a Lesson in Silhouette Dressing