Bubble Up

A bubble hem gathers the skirt back under itself, so it puffs out and then curves in. It sounds fussy but it is the easiest party dress shape there is: the volume sits away from the body and the legs look longer.

I have split these by sleeve, because that changes everything about when you can wear one in winter.

The ones you can wear with tights to a holiday dinner. A black mock neck drop waist and two mixed media styles, where the top and the bubble skirt are cut from different fabrics.

What I check: where the waist seam lands. A drop waist should hit your hip bone, not mid thigh.

I would pass on stiff, crackly fabric that holds its shape before you even put it on; softer fabrics move better.

Party season minis. Black velvet, burgundy velvet, a one shoulder taffeta with a ruffle and a few clean black minis.

Try them on with the shoe you will actually wear. A bubble mini with a flat looks young; with a pointed pump or a knee boot it looks deliberate.

Avoid a bubble that starts above the hip if you want the shape to look grown up.

Sheer black tights, a pointed shoe and a fitted jacket or a long coat. The skirt already has all the volume the outfit needs.