Plus-Size Ruched Dresses

Ruched Dresses Are Having a Moment, and Our Wardrobes Are Cuter Because of It

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

A plus-size model wearing a purple ruched midi dress.

shop the dress – $44.99 from Fashion Nova


2. High-Neck Ruched-Detail Satin Mini Dress

A plus-size model wearing a black ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $20 from Boohoo


3. Floral Ruching Strappy Midaxi Dress

A plus-size model wearing a pink floral ruched dress.

shop the dress – $44 from PrettyLittleThing


4. Sees Me Through Ruched Midi Dress

A plus-size model wearing a black ruched midi dress.

shop the dress – $54.99 from Fashion Nova


5. Satin Ruching-Front Bodycon Dress

A plus-size model wearing a white ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $11 from PrettyLittleThing


6. Club L London High-Neck Ruched Mini Dress

A plus-size model wearing a blue ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $34.55 from ASOS


7. Lilac Strappy Mesh Midi Dress

A plus-size model wearing a lavender ruched midi dress.

shop the dress – $29 from PrettyLittleThing


8. Come to Decide Off-Shoulder Midi Dress

A plus-size model wearing an orange ruched midi dress.

shop the dress – $34.99 from Fashion Nova


9. Mesh Ruched Bardot Midi Dress

A plus-size model wearing a black ruched midi dress.

shop the dress – $28 from PrettyLittleThing


10. U Can’t Touch This Ruched Dress

A plus-size model wearing a teal ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $55 from Dolls Kill


11. Ruched Off-the-Shoulder Knitted Dress

A plus-size model wearing a ruched dress.

shop the dress – $16 from Boohoo


12. Bardot Ruched-Front Bodycon Dress

A plus-size model wearing a black ruched dress.

shop the dress – $18 from PrettyLittleThing


13. Saint Genies Square-Neck Ruched Mini Dress

A plus-size model wearing a hot pink ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $51 from ASOS


14. Satin Asymmetric Bodycon Dress

Two models wearing light blue ruched mini dresses.

shop the dress – $32 from PrettyLittleThing


15. Drawstring Mini Dress

A plus-size model wearing a taupe ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $19.99 from Forever 21


16. Balloon-Sleeve Ruched Bodycon Dress

A plus-size model wearing a black ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $26 from PrettyLittleThing


17. Ruched Bardot-Sleeve Bodycon Dress

A plus-size model wearing a light pink ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $17 from PrettyLittleThing


18. Veronica Beard Kendall Dress

A plus-size model wearing a dark teal ruched midi dress.

shop the dress – $290 from Shopbop


19. Mesh Ruched Midi Dress

A plus-size model wearing a red ruched midi dress.

shop the dress – $29 from PrettyLittleThing


20. Tie-Dye Ruched-Front Bodycon Dress

A plus-size model wearing a printed blue ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $33 from PrettyLittleThing


21. Wild Juicy Tart Ruched Dress

A plus-size model wearing an orange ruched dress.

shop the dress – $26.60 from Dolls Kill


22. Glitter Ruched-Front Bodycon Dress

A plus-size model wearing a sparkly ruched dress.

shop the dress – $12 from Boohoo


23. Bardot Ruched-Front Bodycon Dress

A plus-size model wearing a lavender ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $18 from PrettyLittleThing


24. Miss Martini Sour Ruched Mini Dress

A plus-size model wearing a lime green ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $40 from Dolls Kill


25. Scarf Print Ruched-Front Bodycon Dress

A plus-size model wearing a red bandana-print ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $48 from PrettyLittleThing


26. Skylar Rose Mini Skater Dress

A plus-size model wearing a black ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $18.40 from ASOS


27. Sweet Party Foul Halter Dress

A plus-size model wearing a tie-dye ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $48 from Dolls Kill


28. Ruched Long-Sleeve Bardot Mini Dress

A plus-size model wearing an orange ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $38 from Missguided


29. Katchme Satin Ruched Mini Dress

A plus-size model wearing a black ruched dress.

shop the dress – $19 from ASOS


30. Fit Your Needs Mini Dress

A plus-size model wearing a burgundy ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $34.99 from Fashion Nova


31. Balloon-Sleeve Ruched Bodycon Dress

A plus-size model wearing a white ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $26 from PrettyLittleThing


32. Got Spring Fever Ruched Dress

A plus-size model wearing a floral ruched mini dress.

shop the dress – $48 from Dolls Kill