If there's one fashion trend that perfectly captures the easy-breezy, care-free spirit of warm weather, it's the backless dress. Simultaneously elegant and gently suggestive, showing a smooth swathe of skin is the ideal way to elevate your holiday packing list.
Hardly a style revelation though, right? Backless dresses are synonymous with balmy, idle afternoons - this much we know.
But what many fail to appreciate is the infinite versatility of the skin-baring trend.
© GettyA red carpet classic, the backless dress is steeped in standout, sexy energy. It calls for exceptional posture and demands to be photographed alongside an insouciant, over-the-shoulder expression. The A-lister photocall is really the gift that keeps on giving…
The backless dress obviously isn't exclusively reserved for celebrities, but the daring design can certainly lend its wearer a certain star-like aura and free-flowing confidence, owing to its intrinsic sultriness.
For instant party glamour, the backless dress is a stellar choice, and we’ve got the fashion wish list to prove it.
How we chose:
- Style: All our party dress picks are united by the fact that they are backless, for an elegant sense of exposure. When combing through the internet's top fashion sites for the best styles, we made sure that each of our picks felt flattering and either on trend or timeless for maximum wearability.
- Price: Whether you're planning on splashing out or bagging a bargain, we've got a backless dress in your price range. We've selected this season's best, ranging from high-street brands to luxe designer labels.
Hello! Fashion shares the best backless dresses to shop now:
Best Backless Dresses
Chandra Lace Detail Satin Maxi Dress
Wear with...
Espadrille wedges and beachy, corkscrew curls.
With a pretty lace asymmetrical insert, this golden maxi by Meshki is a great option if you're looking to lean into the timeless slip silhouette. Unfussy and flattering, the cowl neckline allows the romantic, slim straps and the open-back design to take centre stage.
Quintette Backless Lattice-Chiffon Mini Dress
Aje
Wear with...
Clear mules with crystal adornments.
Part of cool-girl label Aje's Resort 2024, this A-line mini features a timeless silhouette but with a contemporary twist. Muted lime green chiffon has been styled into a pretty lattice, giving the piece an interesting textural feel and nodding to the ubiquitous 3D floral trend.
Satin One Shoulder Flare Sleeve Maxi Dress
ASOS Design
Wear with...
Black peep-toe mules and a glossy blow dry.
This silky blue asymmetric piece is a great affordable option for a summer soirée. It fits close to the body around the waist, emphasising the flared fluidity of the single sleeve. The reverse of the dress scoops down to the small of the back, held in place by two delicate string-style straps.
Backless Polka-Dot Crepe Mini Dress
Saint Laurent
Wear with...
Pointed slingbacks and a padded headband.
If the dress code permits, I can envision this Saint Laurent piece working beautifully for an outdoor wedding. The print classic combined with a pretty, feminine silhouette would go seamlessly with a mesh fascinator, or perhaps a statement headband.
Zelda Backless Printed Linen-Blend Maxi Dress
Alémais
Wear with...
Leather slides and statement earrings.
Created in collaboration with California-based artist Meagan Boyd, this piece by Alémais is vibrant and visually striking. Style with leather flats and a fringed raffia beach bag.
Bardot Verona Sequin Maxi Dress
Wear with...
Diamanté-studded heels and a glitzy chainmail bag.
The legacy of 16Arlington's partywear remains evident among high street and mid-priced labels and this piece by Free People is a case in point. Featuring the now-classic keyhole cut-out and a daring scoop back, it has a dazzling, distinctly luxe feel.
Lucy Silk Backless Dress
Wear with...
A sleek, cool-girl bun and mesh ballet flats.
Combining the demure high neckline with a sultry open back, vintage-inspired label Rixo's Lucy dress feels like a great, seasonless wardrobe investment. Style with an ornate metallic belt to cinch in your waist and break up the main print.
Why you should trust me:
Orin Carlin is Hello! Fashion’s SEO Content Writer. Promising to leave no stone unturned in the name of fashion and beauty journalism, she is the proud creator of our ‘Try The Trend’ series. With a particular interest in formula innovation, microtrends, royal and bridal beauty, perfume, rituals, treatments, fashion history and vintage icons, she can either be found interviewing major industry names (previous subjects include Georgia May Jagger, Mary Greenwell and Sam McKnight) or scouring the internet for must-have pieces. It's not just a job; it's a personal quest to unearth noteworthy pieces that resonate with style enthusiasts.
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