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.
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 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. Morris Dress in Melody
shop the look — $248 from Reformation
2. Puff-Sleeve Mini Dress
shop the look — $119.95 from ELOQUII
3. Plus-Size Shirred Tie-Back Mini Dress
shop the look — $24 from Nasty Gal
4. Meadow Dress in Giulia
shop the look — $248 from Reformation
5. Plus-Size Denim Shirred Smock Dress
shop the look — $26.50 from Nasty Gal
6. A New Day Sleeveless Smocked-Waist Dress
shop the look — $27.99 from Target
7. Ruffle Detail Maxi Dress
shop the look — coming soon from ELOQUII
8. That’s the Way It Grows Plus-Size Floral Mini Dress
shop the look — $28.50 from Nasty Gal
9. Morris Dress in Wallflower
shop the look — $248 from Reformation
10. Tiered Tie-Strap Dress
shop the look — $149.95 from ELOQUII
11. Plus-Size Shirred Bardot Dress
shop the look — $31 from PrettyLittleThing
12. Plus-Size Gingham Mini Dress
shop the look — $29.99 from Forever 21
13. Smocked Bodice Ruffle Day Dress
shop the look — $99.95 from ELOQUII
14. A New Day Sleeveless Smocked-Waist Dress
shop the look — $27.99 from Target
15. Plus-Size Shirred Tie-Back Mini Dress
shop the look — $24 from Nasty Gal
16. Plus-Size Shirred Bodycon Dress
shop the look — $35 from PrettyLittleThing
17. Meadow Dress in Blanche
shop the look — $248 from Reformation
18. Smocked Bodice Ruffle Day Dress
shop the look — $99.95 from ELOQUII
19. Plus-Size Shirred Bardot Dress
shop the look — $31 from PrettyLittleThing
20. Chambray Off-Shoulder Smocked Dress
shop the look — $45.17 from Torrid
21. Plus-Size Peasant-Sleeve Shirred Dress
