Contents
- 1 Norma Kamali Tara Long-Sleeve Deep-V Ruched Stretch Jersey Midi Dress
- 2 Pretty Garden Off-the-Shoulder Ruched Bodycon Dress
- 3 Abercrombie & Fitch Mesh Asymmetrical Off-the-Shoulder Draped Maxi Dress
- 4 Adoore Porto Dress
- 5 J.Crew Asymmetrical Ruched Dress
- 6 Elexiay Kebbi One-Shoulder Dress
- 7 Topshop Plaid Smocked Strapless Cotton Maxi Dress
- 8 Norma Kamali Diana Strapless Ruched Stretch Jersey Midi Dress
- 9 Rhode Lettie Dress
The shaping detail is a total game changer.
My motto in life: There’s nothing a little ruching can’t hide (put that on a bumper sticker). Whether you’re heading to a summer wedding or just want a new dress to add to your closet, a ruched dress is always a no-brainer. It snatches your waist and gives you that coveted hourglass effect. Plus, it can easily be dressed up with heels or dressed down with a comfy pair of sandals. And you know who agrees with me? The queen of television herself: Oprah.
Oprah was recently spotted in a pastel pink, long-sleeved ruched dress at her bestie Gayle King’s son William Bumpus Jr.’s wedding at Oprah’s Montecito, California home, and we took some notes. She looked so good, not to mention appeared to be super comfy, thanks to the dress’s stretchy nature. Talk about a wardrobe win! But of course, I’d be remiss not to mention that ruched detailing that’s basically like an optical illusion. It draws the eye inward, with the textured fabric drawing the eyes inward.
So, whether you want something similar to Oprah’s, a short-sleeved version, or prefer to let your arms be free with a sleeveless style, we found some of the best ruched dresses for you, inspired by Oprah’s flattering wedding ensemble. You get a ruched dress! You get a ruched dress! You all get a ruched dress! Get that Oprah reference? I hope so.
Norma Kamali Tara Long-Sleeve Deep-V Ruched Stretch Jersey Midi Dress
$175 at Anthropologie
When I think of ruching, I immediately think of Norma Kamali and her gorgeous dresses. Not only do they look super flattering on all body types, but they’re incredibly comfortable. Normally, I have an aversion to spending hours on end in formalwear, but these feel like you’re in workout gear thanks to the brand’s use of four-way stretch jersey. This style comes in three colors and is customizable, making it something you can wear time and time again. It can be worn front to back or back to front, and the neckline can be worn wide or higher on the shoulders. We love options!
Pretty Garden Off-the-Shoulder Ruched Bodycon Dress
$53 at Amazon
If you’re in a time crunch or got invited to be a wedding guest at the last possible minute in a “let’s be each other’s wedding dates so everyone leaves us alone” rom-com hi jinks, this Amazon number is a great option. There are 20 colors to choose from, including a pretty pink shade if Oprah is your muse. It’s off the shoulder, but there’s an anti-slip strip on the bust area, so you don’t need to worry about any slip-ups if you go too hard on the dance floor.
Abercrombie & Fitch Mesh Asymmetrical Off-the-Shoulder Draped Maxi Dress
$120 at Abercrombie.com
Gowns might not be the first thing you think of when you think of Abercrombie, but the brand has recently expanded its collections with many formal dresses perfect for summer weddings and beach vacations. This ruched maxi dress comes in a pretty lilac shade or a floral option in a stretchy mesh fabric. It also comes in sizes XXS to XL and in petite, regular, and tall lengths, so you don’t need to worry about it being too short or too long that you face plant on the dance floor.
Adoore Porto Dress
$150 at Adoore.com
Swedish brand Adoore is one of my go-tos when looking for a flattering dress for any occasion, as its brand mission is to create clothes that celebrate all different body types. The Porto dress, in particular, is incredibly flattering, featuring modest long sleeves, a sexy waist cut-out, and a high-leg slit. There are two floral designs to choose from, making it the perfect dress to stand out at a spring or summer event.
Shp more ruched dresses below, and get ready to be obsessed with its waist-snatching effect.
J.Crew Asymmetrical Ruched Dress
$168 at Jcrew.com
Elexiay Kebbi One-Shoulder Dress
$350 at Nordstrom
Topshop Plaid Smocked Strapless Cotton Maxi Dress
$95 at Nordstrom
Norma Kamali Diana Strapless Ruched Stretch Jersey Midi Dress
$265 at Anthropologie
Rhode Lettie Dress
$595 at Madewell.com