Somewhere between the nap dress and the smock dress lies the shirred dress—a comfy alternative to bodycon minis and frocks without an ounce of stretch. Because honestly, who has time for uncomfortable clothing? (Certainly not us.) Equipped with stretchy, smocked bodices and often fluffy (but not over-the-top) skirts, plus-size shirred dresses offer us the best of all worlds. We’re able to stay comfortable all day—thanks to the stretchy fabric—without sacrificing style. And if that isn’t a major win for fashionistas everywhere, we don’t know what is.
If the last year has taught us anything, it’s that comfort matters. It doesn’t matter whether you’re sitting at home on the couch or out grabbing brunch with your BFFs. If it’s uncomfortable to wear for more than an hour, we don’t want it. And thankfully, shirred dresses understand this. Throw one on just to remind yourself you know how to put on an outfit—or wear a shirred dress to meet up with your friends and shop ’til you drop. Either way, you’re getting the ideal combination of comfy and cute all day long.
Like all other dress styles, of course, plus-size shirred dresses come in plenty of iterations. You have your classic babydoll-inspired shirred dresses—perfect for pairing with chunky sneakers and maximalist sunglasses—as well as shirred maxi dresses (which look incredible with strappy sandals and structured bags). Mini or maxi, Off-the-shoulder or puff-sleeved, neutral or maximalist—all shirred dresses are worth wearing this season.