If there's one fashion trend that perfectly captures an effortless, head turning style, it's the backless dress. Simultaneously elegant and gently suggestive, showing a smooth swathe of skin is the ideal way to elevate your eveningwear wardrobe.
Backless dresses are synonymous with a black-tie dress-codes and cocktail evenings. 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. It takes confidence to wear it and we'd keep accessories minimal to keep focus on the dress.
For instant party glamour, the backless dress is a stellar choice, and we’ve got the fashion wish list to prove it.
Hello! Fashion shares the best backless dresses to shop now:
Illustration Open-Back Tiered Pleated Cotton-Blend lace Halterneck Mini Dress
Zimmermann
The Details
- Composition: 63% Cotton, 37% Polyamide
With a asymmetrical hemline, this dress by Zimmermann is a great option if you're looking for a timeless style. The plunging neckline allows the romantic, slim straps and the open-back design to take centre stage.
Mesh Halter Maxi Dress With Extreme Cut Out Back Detail
ASOS DESIGN
The Details
- Composition: 97% Polyester, 3% Elastane
This ASOS dress is a sleek, timeless silhouette. It oozes elegance and the spaghetti strap detailing adds a sexy finish. Keep it simple with accessories and pair with some barely there heels and gold jewellery.
Jeany Silk Dress
Reformation
The Details
- Composition: 100% Silk
Reformation is our go-to brand for dresses for every occasion. Their Jeany dress with its halterneck, spaghetti straps and floor-gazing length oozes elegance and would be the perfect style for a sleek style if black isn't your thing.
Sequinned Halter Neck Dress
Zara
The Details
- Composition: 100% Polyester
This Zara piece is a great affordable option. Its large pink sequins are a fun style if you want something with a bit of character. The reverse of the dress scoops down to the small of the back with a tie-up halterneck.
Ruffled Satin-Jersey Midi Dress
Magda Butrym
The Details
- Composition: 95% Viscose, 5% Elastane
Reminiscent of 90s supermodels, this Madga Butrym number is guaranteed to make you feel like one. Its plunging neckline and draped material, its a style that can be worn during the day with raffia sandals and matching bag, or dressed up in the evening with with heels and a statement clutch.
Gigi Dress
Rat & Boa
The Details
- Composition: 100% Viscose Satin
In a bold emerald shade and a chic cowl neckline, this Rat and Boa Gigi dress is a timeless style that you'll be reaching for time and time again. Its adjustable straps allow it to work for all heights with its midi length, so it won't look out of place.
Low-Back Halterneck Dress
H&M
The Details
- Composition: Lining: 100% Polyester. Coating: 100% Polyurethane. Base fabric: 100% Polyester
Leather has been a big trend for the last few seasons and we don't see it going anywhere anytime soon. This leather low-back dress is absolutely a more everyday wearable style than a satin fabric.
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.
Why you should trust me:
I am H! Fashion’s Style Writer, with seven years of experience within the fashion journalism industry. I have a love for fashion and spotting upcoming trends, coveted pieces and scouring online for irresistible new-in finds. Finding luxe-looking pieces on the high street is my forte and I love finding those hidden gems that look so much more expensive than they are.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
