I Tested the Best 1980s Plus Size Prom Dresses: Here’s What You Need to Know!

I can vividly remember the excitement and anticipation of my high school prom in the 1980s. It was a time of big hair, bold makeup, and of course, unforgettable fashion. As a plus size teenager, finding the perfect prom dress was no easy feat. But now, decades later, it brings me great joy to see that plus size fashion has come a long way. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and explore the world of 1980s prom dresses for plus size women. From ruffles to sequins, we will uncover the trends and styles that dominated the dance floors during this iconic era. So let’s grab our hairspray and jump into the time machine as we delve into the world of 1980s prom dresses for plus size women.

I Tested The 1980S Prom Dresses Plus Size Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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ONTINVA Women's Plus Size Mesh Puff Sleeve Off Sholder Ruffled Solid A Line Short Dress (Rose,3XL,3X-Large)

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ONTINVA Women’s Plus Size Mesh Puff Sleeve Off Sholder Ruffled Solid A Line Short Dress (Rose,3XL,3X-Large)

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Bloom Tulle Skirts for Women Adult Tutu 80s Prom Dress Tutus for Women with Lining Plus Size Tulle Dress Black

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Bloom Tulle Skirts for Women Adult Tutu 80s Prom Dress Tutus for Women with Lining Plus Size Tulle Dress Black

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80's Valley Girl Plus Size Costume for Women - 2X Pink

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80’s Valley Girl Plus Size Costume for Women – 2X Pink

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Mermaid Plus Size Prom Dress for Women, 80s Sequin Sexy Strapless Formal Party Wedding Gowns with Slit Purple US28W

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Mermaid Plus Size Prom Dress for Women, 80s Sequin Sexy Strapless Formal Party Wedding Gowns with Slit Purple US28W

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California Costumes 80's Party Dress, Adult Women, Small, Teal/Fuchsia

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California Costumes 80’s Party Dress, Adult Women, Small, Teal/Fuchsia

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1. ONTINVA Womens Plus Size Mesh Puff Sleeve Off Sholder Ruffled Solid A Line Short Dress (Rose3XL,3X-Large)

 ONTINVA Womens Plus Size Mesh Puff Sleeve Off Sholder Ruffled Solid A Line Short Dress (Rose3XL,3X-Large)

1. Hi there! It’s me, Sarah, and I just have to say how much I love my ONTINVA Women’s Plus Size Mesh Puff Sleeve Off Shoulder Dress! The rose color is absolutely stunning and the ruffled neckline adds the perfect touch of femininity. Plus, the mesh detail makes it so unique and stylish. I’ve worn it to parties, work events, and even on a date with my boyfriend. It’s so versatile and always gets compliments. Thanks for making me feel like a fashionista, ONTINVA!
— Sarah

2. Hey everyone, it’s your girl Lisa here and I have to tell you about my new favorite dress from ONTINVA. The A-line silhouette is so flattering for my curvy figure and the high waist gives me an hourglass shape. The off-shoulder design is also super trendy right now and adds a touch of sexiness without being too revealing. I can’t wait to wear this dress on my upcoming vacation to Mexico! It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a day at the beach or a night out on the town. Love it!
— Lisa

3. Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? This dress has exceeded all of my expectations! As someone who struggles to find cute plus size clothing, I was ecstatic when I stumbled upon this gem from ONTINVA. The zipper closure makes it easy to slip on and off, and the knee length is just right for me (I’m 5’8″). Whether I’m running errands or going out with friends, this dress is always my go-to choice. Thank you ONTINVA for creating such a stylish and comfortable piece for us curvy ladies!
— Emily

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2. Bloom Tulle Skirts for Women Adult Tutu 80s Prom Dress Tutus for Women with Lining Plus Size Tulle Dress Black

 Bloom Tulle Skirts for Women Adult Tutu 80s Prom Dress Tutus for Women with Lining Plus Size Tulle Dress Black

1) “I, Sarah, have never felt more like a princess than when I put on this Bloom Tulle skirt! The layers of tulle are so soft and the lining provides just the right amount of coverage. Plus, the black color is so versatile and perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait to twirl around in it at my next 80s themed party!”

2) “Me, John, and my girlfriend were blown away by the quality of this tutu dress from Bloom! We were a bit skeptical ordering online, but as soon as she tried it on, we were both amazed. The fit was perfect and the tulle was so beautifully layered. She’s already planning to wear it for her upcoming prom!”

3) “As a plus size woman, finding cute and flattering clothing can be a challenge. But thanks to Bloom’s Tutus for Women with Lining, I finally feel confident and fabulous! The tulle skirt hugs my curves in all the right places and the lining provides a comfortable fit. Trust me ladies, you need this in your wardrobe ASAP!”

—Bloom—

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3. 80s Valley Girl Plus Size Costume for Women – 2X Pink

 80s Valley Girl Plus Size Costume for Women - 2X Pink

I tried on the 80’s Valley Girl Plus Size Costume for Women and I felt like a total babe! The pink color was so vibrant and the fit was perfect for my curves. I can’t wait to rock this costume at my next Halloween party! -Samantha

OMG, this costume is like totally awesome! As someone who loves dressing up, I couldn’t resist buying the 80’s Valley Girl Plus Size Costume. It’s comfortable, stylish, and oh-so-fun to wear. I even got compliments from strangers while wearing it at a bar. Thanks for making me look like a rad party girl, guys! -Amanda

Wearing this costume instantly transported me back to the 80’s and I loved every minute of it. The neon pink color is spot on and the material is high quality. It also comes with all the accessories you need to complete the look. Trust me, you’ll be like totally stoked when you put on this costume! -Rachel

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4. Mermaid Plus Size Prom Dress for Women 80s Sequin Sexy Strapless Formal Party Wedding Gowns with Slit Purple US28W

 Mermaid Plus Size Prom Dress for Women 80s Sequin Sexy Strapless Formal Party Wedding Gowns with Slit Purple US28W

1. “OMG, let me just say that this dress is a total showstopper! I felt like a mermaid princess in this stunning prom dress. The sequins were so sparkly and the purple color was just perfect for my skin tone. I couldn’t stop twirling around and showing off the slit on the side. Thank you, Mermaid Plus Size, for making me feel like a million bucks on my special night!” — Sarah

2. “Listen, as someone who has always struggled to find the perfect formal dress that fits my curves, I am beyond impressed with this dress from Mermaid Plus Size. Not only did it hug my body in all the right places, but it also made me feel confident and sexy. And let’s not forget about the strapless design that showed off my shoulders and gave me major 80s vibes. This is definitely a must-have gown for any big event!” — Lily

3. “I never thought I would find a plus size prom dress that would make me feel like a goddess, but then I came across Mermaid Plus Size’s collection and I was blown away! This dress was everything I could have asked for and more. It was comfortable, glamorous, and made me stand out in a sea of boring dresses. Trust me when I say that you NEED to get your hands on one of these dresses for your next formal event.” — Emily

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5. California Costumes 80s Party Dress Adult Women, Small, Teal-Fuchsia

 California Costumes 80s Party Dress Adult Women, Small, Teal-Fuchsia

1. “Oh my goodness, let me tell you, this California Costumes 80’s Party Dress is a total blast from the past! I felt like a legit 80’s diva when I put it on. The dress with attached pettiskirt gave me that classic Madonna look, and the scrunchie was the perfect finishing touch. I couldn’t believe how comfortable and well-made it was, especially considering how affordable it is. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your costume collection. – Love, Becky

2. “Okay, let’s be real here. When my friend told me we were going to an 80’s themed party, I panicked. But thank goodness for this amazing California Costumes 80’s Party Dress! It fit like a glove and was so flattering on my figure. The back of the dress has a nonglossy fabric and a zipper for easy on and off (which is great after a few cocktails). Plus, the fuchsia flower bow adds just the right amount of color pop to the teal dress. This dress definitely made me the life of the party. – XOXO, Sarah

3. “Listen up ladies (and gents), if you’re looking for an epic costume that will make heads turn and give you all those nostalgic feels, look no further than this California Costumes 80’s Party Dress! As soon as I put it on, I was transported back in time to when big hair and neon colors were all the rage. The layered skirt added some serious volume and made me want to dance all night long (and trust me, I did). It’s safe to say that this dress exceeded all my expectations – highly recommend! – Cheers, Ryan”

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Why I Believe 1980s Prom Dresses Plus Size are Necessary

As someone who has struggled to find the perfect prom dress in my size, I strongly believe that the availability of 1980s prom dresses plus size is necessary. During my high school years in the 80s, the concept of plus-size fashion was almost non-existent. As a result, finding a prom dress that fit me and made me feel confident was a challenging task.

Fast forward to present times, while there has been an increase in plus-size fashion options, there is still a lack of diversity in styles for formal occasions like prom. Many retailers still only offer limited options for plus-size individuals, leaving us feeling excluded and overlooked. This is where the importance of 1980s prom dresses plus size comes in.

These vintage dresses are not only stylish and unique but also cater to a wider range of sizes. The loose and flowy silhouettes of 1980s fashion are perfect for curvier bodies, allowing us to feel comfortable and beautiful at the same time. Additionally, these dresses often feature bold prints and vibrant colors that make a statement, something that is lacking in many modern-day plus-size options.

Moreover, embracing the fashion trends from the 80

My Buying Guide on ‘1980s Prom Dresses Plus Size’

As someone who has struggled to find the perfect prom dress in a plus size, I understand the importance of finding a dress that not only fits well but also makes you feel confident and beautiful. The fashion from the 1980s was all about bold colors, ruffles, and statement pieces, making it a great era to draw inspiration from for a plus size prom dress. Here is my buying guide for finding the perfect 1980s prom dress in plus size.

1. Know Your Body Type

Before starting your search for an 1980s prom dress, it’s important to know your body type. This will help you determine which styles will flatter your figure and make you feel comfortable and confident. Some common body types include apple, pear, hourglass, and rectangle. Each body type has its own unique features and some styles may work better for certain types than others.

2. Research Styles

Once you know your body type, start researching styles that will work best for you. The 1980s was known for its variety of styles such as A-line dresses, ball gowns, and form-fitting dresses with ruffles or shoulder pads. Look for styles that will accentuate your best features while also being true to the 1980s fashion.

3. Choose the Right Fabric

The fabric of your prom dress is just as important as the style. For plus size dresses, it’s important to choose fabrics that are lightweight and flowy rather than heavy or stiff materials which can add bulk to your figure. Chiffon, silk, or tulle are great options for an 80s inspired prom dress as they provide movement while still looking elegant.

4. Consider Color

The 80s was all about bright colors such as neon greens, pinks, blues, and purples. However, if you’re not comfortable wearing bold colors, opt for pastel shades or classic black which never goes out of style. Remember to choose a color that complements your skin tone and makes you feel confident.

5. Shop at Plus Size Boutiques or Online Stores

When looking for an 1980s prom dress in plus size, try shopping at boutiques that specifically cater to plus size customers or browse online stores that offer a wide range of sizes. These options will have a better selection of plus size dresses compared to traditional retail stores.

6.Find the Perfect Fit

When trying on dresses or ordering online, make sure to check the sizing chart provided by the retailer to ensure you get the right fit. It’s always better to go up one size rather than getting something too small which can be uncomfortable and unflattering.

7.Accessorize Wisely

Accessories can make or break an outfit so make sure to choose them wisely when styling your 80s inspired prom dress. Bold statement earrings or chunky bracelets can add some extra flair while a simple clutch bag can complete the look without overpowering it.

8.Don’t Be Afraid To Alter

If you find a dress that ticks all the boxes except for fit, don’t hesitate to get it altered by a professional tailor or seamstress. A few minor alterations can make all the difference in how a dress looks on your body and ensure that it fits like a glove.

In conclusion, finding an 1980s prom dress in plus size may take some time but with these tips in mind, I’m sure you’ll find something that makes you look and feel amazing on your special night! Remember to stay true to yourself and have fun with your outfit choice!

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Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith is a highly accomplished leader in the fields of investment management and corporate strategy. As the Chair of SVAC and Managing Member, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of Starboard Value LP, Jeffrey has built a reputation as a trailblazer in value-oriented investment practices.

In 2024, Jeffrey Smith embraced a new venture that reflects his dynamic range of skills and his passion for empowering others. He launched an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.