Each different dress trend from throughout history—from vintage fit-and-flare vibes to babydoll dresses—has had its moment for a comeback in recent years, and now it’s finally time for ruched dresses to shine. The ’80s trend has returned to us all in a jaw-dropping display of off-shoulder minis and sexy midis, making us all leap to our favorite retailers to snag a few. Unlike the 1980s, though, where everything was over-the-top and oftentimes garish (Sorry not sorry!), 2020’s plus-size ruched dresses are anything but. With gorgeous hues and streamlined silhouettes, the ruched dresses of today are an elevated take on the vintage style—and you’re going to want to add dozens to your cart right now.
Ruched dresses feature a unique figure-hugging style that’s akin to bodycon dresses—only the fabric is (surprise, surprise) ruched. This not only makes these dresses stand out among simpler silhouettes and other sexy plus-size dresses, but also offers a cool vintage vibe unlike any other. If you’re a fan of revamped styles from back in the day and love a good going-out dress, this trend is definitely up your alley.
Fortunately for us all, there’s rarely a bad time to rock a ruched dress. Whether it’s a chic cocktail party, rooftop soiree or dinner date with your boo, you can’t go wrong with this sexy ’80s-inspired style. Just throw on a mini or midi, some heels and a dab of lipstick, and you’re set for just about any occasion. From classic LBDs to eye-catching floral prints, there’s no shortage of ruched dresses that will fit anyone’s personal style. We love a versatile trend!
Below, you’ll find 32 different plus-size ruched dresses to peruse before you decide to take the leap. After going through all these picks, though, you’ll likely want to make some room in your closet. That’s how sexy and fun these frocks are. Your going-out wardrobe is about to get a majorly cool upgrade.
Here at Unruly, we’re committed to featuring plus-size pieces we genuinely love and want to share with you. We’re connected to an affiliate revenue program, which means we might make a small commission when you buy products through our shopping guides. This in no way affects the pieces we choose to feature, and it never will. (Confused? We’d love to answer any questions you have about this. Email us at beunrulyinfo@gmail.com!)
1. Ready in a Ruched Off-Shoulder Midi Dress
shop the dress – $44.99 from Fashion Nova
2. High-Neck Ruched-Detail Satin Mini Dress
shop the dress – $20 from Boohoo
3. Floral Ruching Strappy Midaxi Dress
shop the dress – $44 from PrettyLittleThing
4. Sees Me Through Ruched Midi Dress
shop the dress – $54.99 from Fashion Nova
5. Satin Ruching-Front Bodycon Dress
shop the dress – $11 from PrettyLittleThing
6. Club L London High-Neck Ruched Mini Dress
shop the dress – $34.55 from ASOS
7. Lilac Strappy Mesh Midi Dress
shop the dress – $29 from PrettyLittleThing
8. Come to Decide Off-Shoulder Midi Dress
shop the dress – $34.99 from Fashion Nova
9. Mesh Ruched Bardot Midi Dress
shop the dress – $28 from PrettyLittleThing
10. U Can’t Touch This Ruched Dress
shop the dress – $55 from Dolls Kill
11. Ruched Off-the-Shoulder Knitted Dress
shop the dress – $16 from Boohoo
12. Bardot Ruched-Front Bodycon Dress
shop the dress – $18 from PrettyLittleThing
13. Saint Genies Square-Neck Ruched Mini Dress
shop the dress – $51 from ASOS
14. Satin Asymmetric Bodycon Dress
shop the dress – $32 from PrettyLittleThing
15. Drawstring Mini Dress
shop the dress – $19.99 from Forever 21
16. Balloon-Sleeve Ruched Bodycon Dress
shop the dress – $26 from PrettyLittleThing
17. Ruched Bardot-Sleeve Bodycon Dress
shop the dress – $17 from PrettyLittleThing
18. Veronica Beard Kendall Dress
shop the dress – $290 from Shopbop
19. Mesh Ruched Midi Dress
shop the dress – $29 from PrettyLittleThing
20. Tie-Dye Ruched-Front Bodycon Dress
shop the dress – $33 from PrettyLittleThing
21. Wild Juicy Tart Ruched Dress
shop the dress – $26.60 from Dolls Kill
22. Glitter Ruched-Front Bodycon Dress
shop the dress – $12 from Boohoo
23. Bardot Ruched-Front Bodycon Dress
shop the dress – $18 from PrettyLittleThing
24. Miss Martini Sour Ruched Mini Dress
shop the dress – $40 from Dolls Kill
25. Scarf Print Ruched-Front Bodycon Dress
shop the dress – $48 from PrettyLittleThing
26. Skylar Rose Mini Skater Dress
shop the dress – $18.40 from ASOS
27. Sweet Party Foul Halter Dress
shop the dress – $48 from Dolls Kill
28. Ruched Long-Sleeve Bardot Mini Dress
shop the dress – $38 from Missguided
29. Katchme Satin Ruched Mini Dress
shop the dress – $19 from ASOS
30. Fit Your Needs Mini Dress
shop the dress – $34.99 from Fashion Nova
31. Balloon-Sleeve Ruched Bodycon Dress
shop the dress – $26 from PrettyLittleThing
32. Got Spring Fever Ruched Dress
shop the dress – $48 from Dolls Kill