Ruched tops and shirred dresses are showing up everywhere this spring and coming summer! Currently, the 'slightly scrunched' look is reigning supreme on catwalks to curbside. This is thanks to our Instagram influencers styling the two trends casually, or for fancy evening events.

Read below and see just how widespread the ruching and shirring trend hand gone!

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What's the difference between Shirring and Ruching? 

Shirring occurs when there are two or several rows of gathers to the fabric. This trend is often used to 'cinch' or decorate parts of a dress, top or bottom. This can be found in the sleeves, a bodice, the yoke or throughout entire garment. Shirring has a distinct parallel-look to achieve its decorative effect.

Since the 12th century, the shirred or smocked technique was a practical method to prevent fabric wastage. 

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Ruching is a specific type of gathering used for decoration, and for equally distributing fabric to other areas of a dress. Compared to shirring, the ruched technique has a fuller and more freestyle 'pleat', fold or rippled appearance. 

Ruching historically, was a technique used exclusively among the gentry as it required more fabric. Ruching was also a high-fashion standard in the 80s. Knowledge!

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Why These Particular Trends?

Ruching
(The fabric detailing that raises a level five outfit to an eleven!)

Girl, it's easier to get your ruching game on than ever before. Here's why we love it!

-  Makes any outfit look luxurious. Used by recognised designer labels from YSL, Gucci and Preen by Thornton Bregazzi to name a few. 

- Its fluid fold appearance hides any unwanted lumps and bumps, making the dress super flattering for ALL bodyshapes.

- A popular feature for maternity dresses, as it leaves ample space for the baby bump!. 

- Extra fabric, means extra wiggle room and comfort. (Ruching can also hide a full stomach!)

- Lends instant 80s powerhouse vibes to any look!

- Makes tight-fitting bodycon dresses more versatile to wear.

- Ruching imultaneously hugs the curves and conceals imperfections at the same time.

- Great for girls with bigger chests. 

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Shirring
(The hella cute, 90s style cinches and flatters the figure at ALL angles)

- Super stretchy and comfortable for summer. 

- Gathered design prevents the fabric from sticking to the body. No sweaty patches! 

- Doesn't crease compared to a satin slip or jersey dress. 

- Never loses its shape. 

- Shirring increases fabric longevity. A shirred dress is easy to handwash and dry. 

- A shirred dress 'shrinks' when not worn. Thus it can easily be rolled in your luggage for a weekend getaway without creasing or taking up space.

- Unlike a tight fitting jersey bodycon, a shirred bodycon dress will conform to your bodyshape, exemplifying your natural silhouette. 

- Its parallel folds hides any unwanted imperfections. 

- Great for girls with bigger chests. A shirred dress will help compress and shape the upper body, giving the appearance of a smaller chest. 

- Shirred is also flattering for all body shapes, including pregnancy. 

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Shop our picks and discover why you need these styles in your wardrobe! 

The Shirred Midi Dress (or Skirt!)

Looking to boost your confidence? Effortlessly elongate and flatter your natural bodyshape with a shirred, ruffle trim midi dress or skirt and crop top combo. Whether you're opting for floral print or a bold block-colour, this clothing style can easily transition you from brunch to bar wherever you go!

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The Milkmaid Dress 

If the bodycon is not for you, then stay feminine and fierce by working in the whimsical milkmaid trend. This style is characterised by its ruched sweetheart, or square-cut neckline with complementing peasant puff sleeves. A floral printed milkmaid dress is an excellent Sunday Funday essential.

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The Shirred Ruffle Mini 

A shirred mini that features ruffle trimming, is a great essential to hide any lumps and bumps while drawing attention away from the mid-section. Find a dress with multiple ruffle tiers to give off a playful summer vibe!

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The Off-The-Shoulder Bodycon

#stylegoals right here! If you're one for looking fabulously feminine, go for an off-the-shoulder shirred bodycon dress with ruched detailing to the bust and sleeves. 

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The Ruched Satin Slip

If you're after a dress designed to impress, look no further! A ruched slip dress lends a luxe Grecian vibe to any party-edit. Find one with adjustable drawstrings to the sides so you can experiment with your looks whenever you wish!

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The Brightly-Coloured Ruched Bodycon

Struggling with your party-edit? Throw on a hue popping bodycon dress with ruching throughout the bust, front and back. 

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The Shirred Back Crop Top

Whether you're opting for a soft palette or a vivid sun flower print, long sleeves or short, the shirred back crop top will promise all day comfort, and a flattering fit everytime you wear it.  

Shop our selection of shirred and ruched pieces today and get Express shipping worldwide!