Backless Dresses and the Art of the Open Back

Backless Dresses and the Art of the Open Back

The back has become the new neckline. Open backs, plunging cuts and cowl drapes are what people turn to when the front is plain and the room is small. This edit gathers the dresses that make the exit as good as the entrance.

The best view is from behind

Fashion keeps finding new places to put the drama. The front of the dress can be demure while the back does something unexpected, and photographs from the dance floor tend to prove the point.

More gowns and jumpsuits

Satin cowls and low drapes dominate because they move well and need no fuss. Dresses are the fastest way into the trend, since one piece is the whole outfit.

Still more gowns and jumpsuits

Lace-ups and cut-outs are the playful version, closer to going-out than black tie. Here the dresses come in every length and cut, so the look is easy to match to an occasion.

Even more gowns and jumpsuits

Halters and open backs share a skeleton, so the shape is more flexible than it looks. For anyone who dresses in one decision, this is the group to start with.

Maxi dresses

Every backless dress has its own bra question, and most have built-in answers now. Dresses are the fastest way into the trend, since one piece is the whole outfit.

More maxi dresses

Satin cowls and low drapes dominate because they move well and need no fuss. Here the dresses come in every length and cut, so the look is easy to match to an occasion.

Still more maxi dresses

Lace-ups and cut-outs are the playful version, closer to going-out than black tie. For anyone who dresses in one decision, this is the group to start with.

Dresses

Halters and open backs share a skeleton, so the shape is more flexible than it looks. Dresses are the fastest way into the trend, since one piece is the whole outfit.

More dresses

Every backless dress has its own bra question, and most have built-in answers now. Here the dresses come in every length and cut, so the look is easy to match to an occasion.

More from the edit

Satin cowls and low drapes dominate because they move well and need no fuss. A few more pieces from the edit that did not fit the other groups.

Solving the logistics

Check the back in a mirror from the side before you commit. Tape and a good strapless solution make the rest easy.