Summer is in full effect. And with temperatures breaking 90 degrees on the regular, getting dressed has become a game of figuring out how to wear as little clothing as possible while still looking somewhat decent. Luckily, backless dresses have emerged as a big trend this season, championed by the Spring 2018 collections of Lanvin and Jacquemus.
The beauty of an open-back dress is that it offers built-in ventilation and shows off our favorite erogenous zone au moment — the back. Yes, shoulders and navels remain high on fashion’s list of It body parts, but there’s something about backs that feels new and sexy. (Is it just us, or have off-the-shoulder and bra tops been trending for, like, an eternity?) Plus, when you leave your spine exposed, you feel like you’ve got a fun secret, but not nearly as on display as you would in a belly-button-baring crop. And isn’t that what summer’s really about? Letting go of tension?
Scroll through the slideshow above to shop our favorite backless dresses in all styles and sizes. (P.S. Once temperatures dip, evergreen your pick by layering it over a ribbed tee or under an asymmetrically buttoned cardigan.)
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Backless Dresses
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Farrow
Laca Cross Back Midi Dress, $51.99 at Need Supply
It's hot out. A linen dress is the next best thing to being naked. A linen dress with no back? Even more so.
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Staud
Eunice Striped Cotton-Blend Dress, $420 at Matches Fashion
The ideal look for enjoying a sunny day at or adjacent to the beach.
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Zara
Long Floral Print Dress, $49.99 at Zara
This flowy floral dress has both a U-neck and a U-back.
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Golondrina
La Nubes Cover Up Rope Dress, $176 at The Frankie Shop
A minimal beach cover-up that manages to feel quite sophisticated.
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Free People
Josie Mini Dress, $58 at Free People
The ruffled straps on this Gen-Z yellow mini dress are a nice touch. (We live for drama.)
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Tibi
Colorblock Collage Stripe Halter Dress, $296.98 at Nordstrom
Stripes for summer! (Also, this is a very good price for Tibi.)
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Urban Outfitters
Sparks Fly Tiered Midi Dress, $79 at Urban Outfitters
Pair it with low heels and a fun tote, and tie up your hair so the back shows.
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Ulla Johnson
Willow Ruffled Broderie Anglaise Cotton Midi Dress, $387 at Net-a-Porter
The definition of an easy-breezy summer weekend dress. We're obsessed with the tiered hem and crossover back.
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1-01 Babaton
Marjorie Dress, $175 at Aritzia
As easy to throw on as a plain white tee, and appropriately breezy for ultra-hot days.
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Nanushka
The Santal Dress in Light Blue, $409 at Nanushka
We know what you're thinking, but the denim's lightweight, we promise. Note: the tan version sold like hot cakes — don't sleep on the blue.
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Mango
Asymmetrical Satin Dress, $69.99 at Mango
Satin's great for looking elegant, but not over-the-top. Wear it with a red lip and gold hoops.
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ALEXACHUNG
Ruffled Shirred Crushed-Velvet Maxi Dress, $258 at Net-a-Porter
True, black velvet doesn't exactly scream "summer," but this dress has elasticated shirring along the bodice to keep its silhouette nice and loose and relaxed. Plus the back is totally open, save for a few slim straps. Save it for a summer wedding.
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Zara
Pleated Printed Dress Details, $25.99 at Zara
Tie-dye is in, y'all.
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Creatures of Comfort
Egon Dress Open Eyelet, $385 at Creatures of Comfort
Another sweet white lacy dress with fun details. (Open back, ruffled hem, big-ass bow.)
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Diane Von Furstenberg
Floral-Print Silk Crepe De Chine Maxi Dress, $500 at Net-a-Porter
Sure, it's a bit pricey, but wrap or no, a DVF dress never goes out of style.
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Opening Ceremony
Stone Silk Open Back Dress, $210 at Opening Ceremony
A silky LBD that's easily dressed up or punked up, depending on your footwear.
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Hope & Ivy
Long Sleeve Open Back Printed Midi Dress With Delicate Lace Trim, $111 at ASOS
The open back says, “I’m ready to party,” while the high collar says, “But I keep it classy.”
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Jacquemus
La Robe Seio, $555 at Jacquemus
It seems Jacquemus' La Bomba collection is on every public fashion figure's Summer '18 mood board. Treat yourself to an expertly draped backless dress.
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Farrow
Secu Mixed-Material Dress, $98 at Need Supply
The deep V neckline, gathered elastic back waist and gently flared skirt are especially flattering. Wear it with cowboy boots to really make a statement.
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& Other Stories
Side Button Pinafore Dress, $115 at & Other Stories
A crisp cotton pinafore dress in a truly great color.
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Topshop
Brushed Sequin Cowl Neck Dress, $68 at Topshop
Made for the dance floor. Wear it with equally shiny shoes and earrings.
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Show Me Your Mumu
Say Jay Wrap Dress, $140 at Revolve
If there’s any time to buy and wear a rainbow-striped wrap dress, it’s right now.
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The Frankie Shop
Black And White Striped Apron Dress, $125 at The Frankie Shop
An easy backless apron dress you’ll find about a million occasions to wear.
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Free People
Margaret Midi Dress, $49.95 at Free People
Ribbed cotton plus side cutaways equals an un-boring, super-comfy summer dress.
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Universal Standard
Tenna Washed Jersey Maxi Dress in Evening Blue. $120 at Universal Standard
An elegant plus-size option from Universal Standard. Note: This one's currently only available for pre-order, but most definitely worth the wait.
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Stylestalker
Rory Maxi Dress, $209 at Stylestalker
A halter look from Stylestalker that's super sleek and sexy.
