We’re about to inaugurate you into one of the biggest dress trends of the season.
Skin-bearing dresses have become the much-coveted statement piece of the summer since the revival of cut-out dresses in the spring and summer of 2020. The trend dates back to the ‘60s with Diana Rigg donning the infamous cut-out jumpsuit in The Avengers. It then funnelled into the ’90s as a playful addition to liberal, slinky dresses.
What re-emerged on the runway as an editorial look is now gracing e-commerce sites as a fresh take on summer and evening wear. Be it lower than your average scooped backs, perforated side holes or central aligned keyhole detailing, you can’t escape the prevalence of cut-outs. The design brings an edgy look to flirty frocks and transforms typical summer wear into contemporary styles with one, or two mere punctures. There’s no one size fits all either. The cut-out trend comes in a host of variations – from barely-there crevices (no wider than a bra strap) to exposed side panels and o-shaped holes, stitched out of material-laden dresses.
Perhaps most famed for their cult style is the aptly named Cult Gaia. Their sultry Serita dress gained cult status with celebrities and influencers alike in the summer of 2020. The release of sweeping side-to-back cut-out styles coincided with the penultimate UK lockdown lifting and it became the ‘going out out’ dress when going out was once again legal. More recently, designers including Staud, Jonathan Simkhai and Christopher Esber are fashioning knee to floor-length dresses with cut-outs, as core pieces in their collections. The high street is following suit. Retailers from Mango to Free People have introduced cut-out pieces into their collections for the second year running. No retailer is left behind on this hot trend, even conservative labels have released styles as an ode to the peek-a-boo creation.
It may be a dominant trend but I believe we’ll be revisiting this conversation in summer 2023. Keep scrolling to see my edit of the most beautiful cut-out dresses – from high street to high-end.
Who said you need to stick to midi hemlines? Mini cut-out dresses are a vibe all their own.
This colour is so 2022—kudos to Lauren-Nicole for picking up on that.
You can never go wrong with a white cotton dress.
Cut-out dresses can work for those with minimal aesthetics, as Brittany proves.
This Cult Gaia dress has been crazy-popular.
I love the juxtaposition of the subdued khaki colour with the striking cut-outs.
We’re spoilt for choice with this number. The broderie anglaise, trimming and side cut-outs make for the perfect summer dress.
The lace-up detail adds an extra sweet touch to this bold botanical print.
The contrast of the sexy cut-out with a full skirt is magic.
Bearing this year’s sweet circle keyhole and side cut-outs on a vibrant green background.
Stories recently introduced this black midi with a much welcomed 2022 twist.
The chicest mini I did ever see, with an asymmetric hem for added inches.
The most gorgeous rusty hue with a complementary gold keyhole.
Low cut-out backs are here just in time for the summer sun. Fingers crossed!
The central placed twisted knot adds a casual touch to this dress.
Sir have this column cut spot on. This is perhaps my favourite cut-out dress this season.
This is a classic style to suit many occasions, from beaches to barbeques.
A subtle cut-out if you’re easing your way into the style.
Ocean blue ruching with triangle cut-outs.
Full drama in the skirt!
This knotted detail brings a twist to the style, quite literally.
A premium-looking high street gem!
It’s very seldom I shop at H&M but this piece looks like it’ll last for years to come.
Staud’s design has a ’60s swinger style albeit with a longer length.
The tiniest cut-out reference on a slim-fitting design.
A fluted neck paired with the back and size exposure is the perfect marrying of designs.
A sweet midi with a streamlined fit. Available in a host of colourways.
A ruched side cut-out has a higher-end feel. The taught design also effortlessly enhances shaping.
Simplicity in design but well-considered placements for a modest take on cut-outs.
The linen fabrication softens this statement look.
A sculpted masterpiece made to follow the curves of your body.
Shoulder cut-outs are a subtle way to don the cut-out trend.
Silk and cocoa hues are the perfect combination. Imagine how it’ll glisten in the sun.
The placement of cut-outs under the shirred bustier is clever as it breaks up the shirring.
Front cut-outs are just as popular. This chic midi has the perfect ratio of fabric to cut-out.
Rosetta Getty created a truly jaw-dropping number for fancy evening occasions.
This forever dress is selling fast and it’s no surprise why.
The A-line skirt references the ’50s style fit and flare shaping.
