Best backless dresses for maximum glamour
If there’s one fashion trend that perfectly captures the easy-breezy, care-free spirit of summer, 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.
A 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, evening-appropriate 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 for major party vibes:
Open-back Sequined Minidress
Magda Butrym
Wear with...
Sheer tights and satin platform heels.
Polish label Magda Butrym has been flying the flag for three-dimensional florals all year round, and we're not ready to say goodbye to the trend just yet. This wine-hued mini is seriously sultry, featuring a blanket of sequins and a halter neckline. The open-back design has an air of delicacy thanks to fine ribbon ties.
Backless Sequinned-mesh Maxi Dress
Self-Portrait
Wear with...
Clear wedge mules and a silver chainmail clutch.
Encrusted with vivid turquoise sequins and beads, this mesh maxi by Self-Portrait is categorically standout. Infused with fluidity, it has a pretty drape and I love the subtle ruffles along the back, framing the bow fastening.
Asymmetrical Maxi Flower Dress
Wear with...
Rhinestone-embellished fishnets and cool-girl kitten heels.
Cut from flashy faux leather, this silver mini by Mango is playful and cute. The rosette-esque flower adornments act as the focal point, and the dainty strap detailing feels elegant. Most of the three-dimensional floral dresses out there right now have halter necklines, so I love the asymmetric look for added interest.
Limited Edition Dress With Draped Detail
Wear with...
Statement metallic earrings and black platform boots.
Created from 100% spun cupro, this Zara midaxi totally has the Midas touch. I love the molten feel of the soft cowl neckline and the elegant twist detailing above the open back.
Mila Dress
Wear with...
Shiny cowboy boots and a pop of highlighter.
Free People's Mila dress has an unmistakably disco energy - and we're totally here for it. The fit is figure-skimming, allowing for a flattering open back. Plus, the metallic shade has a really lovely, interesting lilac quality to it.
Dora Diamanté Bodycon Maxi Dress
Reiss
Wear with...
Patent burgundy pumps and a clean-girl updo.
If you're in the market for minimalism, Reiss' Dora dress turns a colour classic on its head. Black is anything but boring with this stunning diamanté chain draped down the spine. Talk about party at the back...
Breslin Dress
Wear with...
Vintage gold earrings and peep-toe mules.
Elegant and understated in equal parts, this red backless number by fashion editor-adored label Reformation is at the top of my partywear wish list. Featuring subtle sparkles, the fabric is a nylon-spandex blend for a super flattering fit.
Malaya Open-back Embellished Tulle Mini Dress
Retrofête
Wear with...
Shimmery body oil and a feather-trimmed clutch.
Retrofête's Malaya dress will easily ensure you are the belle of the ball. Encrusted with sequins and crystals, the glitz factor is seriously impressive, and I love the soft curve of the hem for a clean, flattering line.
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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