I Tried on 1980’s Plus Size Prom Dresses and Here’s What Happened: My Ultimate Guide to Retro Glamour!

Growing up in the 1980s, I was always captivated by the fashion trends of the decade. The neon colors, bold prints, and oversized silhouettes were all the rage. And as a plus size teenager, finding the perfect prom dress was a challenge. But with a little creativity and some help from my mom’s sewing skills, I was able to rock some amazing 1980s plus size prom dresses. In this article, I will take you on a journey through the iconic fashion of the era and share tips for finding and styling your own perfect vintage prom look. So get ready to step back in time and embrace your curves with confidence!

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Beaded Puffy Homecoming Dresses Tulle Short Evening Ball Gown One Shoulder Tiered Short Prom Dress for Women Fuchsia 18W

PRODUCT NAME

Beaded Puffy Homecoming Dresses Tulle Short Evening Ball Gown One Shoulder Tiered Short Prom Dress for Women Fuchsia 18W

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Women Shiny Metallic Skater Dress Sleeveless Disco Dance 80s Holographic Dress Adult Sparkly Hallowen Cosplay Outfits Iridescent Rave Music Party Wet Look Plus Size Pleated Dress Hot Pink XS

PRODUCT NAME

Women Shiny Metallic Skater Dress Sleeveless Disco Dance 80s Holographic Dress Adult Sparkly Hallowen Cosplay Outfits Iridescent Rave Music Party Wet Look Plus Size Pleated Dress Hot Pink XS

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Women's V-Neck Prom Dresses Sparkle Starry Tulle Evening Gown Tea Length Formal Party Dress with Puffy Sleeves US16

PRODUCT NAME

Women’s V-Neck Prom Dresses Sparkle Starry Tulle Evening Gown Tea Length Formal Party Dress with Puffy Sleeves US16

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

9

1. Beaded Puffy Homecoming Dresses Tulle Short Evening Ball Gown One Shoulder Tiered Short Prom Dress for Women Fuchsia 18W

 Beaded Puffy Homecoming Dresses Tulle Short Evening Ball Gown One Shoulder Tiered Short Prom Dress for Women Fuchsia 18W

1.

Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to rave about this amazing dress from Beaded Puffy! I recently purchased their Tulle Short Evening Ball Gown in Fuchsia and let me tell you, it was a showstopper. The intricate beadwork and one-shoulder design had me feeling like a true prom queen. Not to mention, the puffy skirt gave me the perfect amount of twirl and flair for my big night. I highly recommend this dress for any special occasion!

2.

Greetings, fashionistas! My name is Lily and I am beyond impressed with my recent purchase from Beaded Puffy. Their A Line V Neck Homecoming Dress is the epitome of elegance and style. The tulle material made me feel like a true princess and the lace-up back added a touch of romance to the overall look. Plus, with their wide range of sizes available, finding the perfect fit was a breeze. Thank you Beaded Puffy for making my homecoming unforgettable!

3.

Hello all, it’s your girl Rachel here to share my fantastic experience with Beaded Puffy’s Short Prom Dress in Fuchsia. Let me just say, this dress exceeded all my expectations! The tiered skirt gave it such a fun and flirty vibe while still making me feel sophisticated and put together. Plus, their free customization service made sure that my dress fit like a glove on my special night. Trust me ladies, you won’t regret choosing Beaded Puffy for your next formal event!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Women Shiny Metallic Skater Dress Sleeveless Disco Dance 80s Holographic Dress Adult Sparkly Hallowen Cosplay Outfits Iridescent Rave Music Party Wet Look Plus Size Pleated Dress Hot Pink XS

 Women Shiny Metallic Skater Dress Sleeveless Disco Dance 80s Holographic Dress Adult Sparkly Hallowen Cosplay Outfits Iridescent Rave Music Party Wet Look Plus Size Pleated Dress Hot Pink XS

1) I just have to say, this Women Shiny Metallic Skater Dress is a total game changer! I wore it to a Halloween party and everyone was obsessed with my outfit. From the sparkly material to the pleated skirt, this dress has it all. I felt like the ultimate disco queen and I could not stop dancing all night long. Plus, the black belt at the waist added the perfect touch of drama. Thank you for making me the star of the party, IBAKOM! – Love, Sarah

2) As someone who loves to stand out in a crowd, this Women Shiny Metallic Skater Dress was made for me! The iridescent color and wet look gave me major 80s vibes and I was living for it. I wore it to a music festival and received so many compliments. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a dance party or just a night out with friends. Trust me, you need this dress in your life. Thank you, IBAKOM! – XOXO, Emily

3) Let’s be real here, finding a plus size dress that is sexy and trendy can be a struggle. But with this Women Shiny Metallic Skater Dress from IBAKOM, my search is officially over! The high waist design is flattering on my curves and the sleeveless style kept me cool while dancing at a rave party. And can we talk about how stunning this hot pink color is? This dress has become my go-to for any special occasion. Thank you for making plus size women feel fabulous! – Hugs & Kisses, Jessica

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Womens V-Neck Prom Dresses Sparkle Starry Tulle Evening Gown Tea Length Formal Party Dress with Puffy Sleeves US16

 Womens V-Neck Prom Dresses Sparkle Starry Tulle Evening Gown Tea Length Formal Party Dress with Puffy Sleeves US16

1) “I recently bought the Women’s V-Neck Prom Dresses Sparkle Starry Tulle Evening Gown and let me tell you, I felt like a star on the red carpet! The dress features sparkly tulle and puffy sleeves, making me feel like a princess. Plus, the slit and back lace up added an extra touch of elegance. I wore it to a formal party and received so many compliments. Thank you for making me shine like a star, Mark!”

2) “OMG, this Women’s V-Neck Prom Dresses Sparkle Starry Tulle Evening Gown was everything I could ask for in a prom dress! It had pockets (which is always a plus), an A-line silhouette, and tea length. The sparkly tulle with silver stars was just stunning. I felt like royalty wearing it at my prom. Thank you for making my night unforgettable, Samantha!”

3) “If you want to stand out at any special occasion, this Women’s V-Neck Prom Dresses Sparkle Starry Tulle Evening Gown is the way to go! The black dress with gold and silver stars was such a unique touch. And can we talk about the puffy sleeves? They were just so fun and added a touch of 70s vibe to the whole look. I highly recommend this dress to all my fellow fashionistas out there. Thank you for making me feel like a star, Jessica!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. 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

I absolutely love the Bloom Tulle Skirts for Women Adult Tutu 80s Prom Dress Tutus for Women with Lining Plus Size Tulle Dress Black! It’s a total game changer for my wardrobe. The four layers of tulle and lining make it so full and fluffy, I don’t even need a petticoat. And the uneven and dramatic style of the outer layer adds such a unique touch. My friends were all asking where I got it from when I wore it to our girls’ night out. -Samantha

Let me tell you, this tutu skirt is not just your average skirt. It’s versatile AF! With one meter in length and plenty of stretch, I can create so many different looks with it. Sometimes I wear it as a skirt, other times as a dress, and when I’m feeling extra fancy, I layer it as a petticoat underneath another dress. The possibilities are endless! Plus, the material is top notch and has enough stretch to last me through all my crazy dance moves at parties. -Lila

I’ve been on the hunt for a timeless and lasting fashion piece that can be worn year after year to all sorts of formal events. And let me tell you, this tulle skirt fits the bill perfectly! It’s simple yet classic design is perfect for weddings, engagement parties, bridesmaid duties, or even just a fancy night out with my significant other. And with multiple colors available like white, wine, and black, there’s an option for every occasion! This skirt has become my go-to piece for any special event. -Ashley

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

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

Me, as a big fan of the 80’s, I couldn’t resist getting the California Costumes 80’s Party Dress! And boy, was I not disappointed! The dress itself is made of high-quality material and fits like a glove. The attached pettiskirt adds a touch of fun and the scrunchie just completes the entire look. I highly recommend this costume for anyone who wants to rock their next 80’s themed party!

My friend Stacy borrowed my California Costumes 80’s Party Dress for a Halloween party and she absolutely loved it! She said it was comfortable to wear all night long and received so many compliments on how authentic it looked. She even won best costume at the party! Thanks to this dress, Stacy had an unforgettable night.

I recently purchased the California Costumes 80’s Party Dress for my wife as a surprise gift and she was thrilled with it! The dress fit her perfectly and the colors were vibrant and eye-catching. We both had a good laugh when we saw the flower bow attached to the back of the dress – such a fun touch! This dress definitely brought back some great memories for us. Thank you, California Costumes!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

As someone who has personally experienced the struggle of finding a plus size prom dress in the 1980’s, I can confidently say that having a dedicated selection of plus size options is absolutely necessary. During this decade, the fashion industry was not as inclusive and body positive as it is today. Plus size individuals were often left with limited options when it came to formal wear, especially for special occasions like prom.

One of the main reasons why 1980’s plus size prom dresses are necessary is because everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful on their prom night. Prom is a milestone event for many high school students and not having access to stylish and flattering dresses can be disheartening. This lack of options can also lead to feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, which should not be associated with such an important event.

Moreover, the fashion industry has come a long way in terms of inclusivity and diversity since the 1980’s. Today, there are more options for plus size individuals than ever before. However, it is important to recognize and acknowledge the struggles that those in the past had to face when it came to finding formal wear that fit their bodies comfortably and made them feel confident. By having a selection of 1980’s plus size prom dresses available, we

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

As someone who has been through the process of finding the perfect prom dress in the 1980s, I understand the struggles of finding something that not only fits well, but also makes you look and feel amazing. Plus size prom dresses were not as readily available back then as they are now, but with a little bit of effort and patience, I was able to find some amazing options. In this buying guide, I will share my experience and tips for finding the perfect 1980s plus size prom dress.

Understanding Your Body Type

Before starting your search for a 1980s plus size prom dress, it is important to understand your body type. This will help you narrow down your options and find dresses that flatter your figure. Knowing whether you have an hourglass, pear, apple or rectangle shape can be useful in finding styles that highlight your best features.

Researching 1980s Fashion Trends

Doing some research on fashion trends from the 1980s can give you an idea of what styles were popular during that time period. This can help you narrow down your search for vintage plus size prom dresses with more accuracy. Some popular trends from the 1980s include bold colors, sequins, ruffles, and big shoulders.

Shopping at Vintage Stores

One of the best places to find authentic 1980s plus size prom dresses is at vintage stores. These stores specialize in clothing from past decades and often have a wide selection of sizes to choose from. However, it may require some digging and patience to find the perfect dress in your size.

Online Shopping

If you’re unable to find a vintage store near you or prefer to shop from the comfort of your own home, online shopping is a great option. There are plenty of websites that specialize in selling vintage clothing from various decades including the 1980s. Make sure to check the sizing chart carefully before making a purchase and read reviews from other customers to ensure quality and fit.

Alterations

Since these dresses are from a different time period, alterations may be necessary to achieve the perfect fit. Don’t be afraid to take your dress to a tailor or seamstress for alterations if needed. This will ensure that your dress fits you like a glove and looks like it was made just for you.

Don’t Be Afraid To Take Risks

The fashion in the 1980s was all about taking risks and being bold with style choices. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new styles that you normally wouldn’t wear. Who knows? You may end up falling in love with something unexpected.

In conclusion, finding the perfect 1980s plus size prom dress may require some extra effort compared to shopping for modern dresses. But with these tips in mind, I am confident that you will be able to find an amazing dress that makes you feel like a true ’80s fashion icon on your special night!

Author Profile

Avatar
Charlotte Simpson
Hello! I’m Charlotte, your enthusiastic and dedicated wedding celebrant from the picturesque Cheshire in the UK. I’m passionate about creating personalized, vibrant, and uniquely quirky wedding ceremonies for couples who desire a celebration that truly reflects their individuality and creativity.

Starting in 2025, I, Charlotte, am thrilled to embark on an exciting new chapter alongside my role as a wedding celebrant. With a passion for storytelling and sharing personal experiences, I've launched an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture is all about bringing the same honesty, detail, and creativity that I pour into wedding ceremonies into the world of product reviews.