All the chat has been about re-entry dressing… what to wear now we’re allowed Out Out and can peel off our tracksuits, slip back into heels and stride back into da club / pub. Sure, we’re all about making an entrance but sometimes making an exit is even more powerful, style-wise. The backless dresses we’ve found for summer 2021 are ideal dress options for when you want to bring some drama to the back – as well as staying on the fashion frontline.
There is something in the contrast between a demure, covered up front and then acres of bare skin that makes a backless dress so damn sexy. Showing off acres of buffed back has a surprise element too, particularly if you pick one of this summer’s demure gingham dresses.
You can take your commitment to going backless in stages. There are dresses with a couple of wide straps that still hold your look together or narrow laces that are more daring. Slashed backs or cutaway details have the look of a ‘normal’ dress from most angles while halternecks can sometimes be a clever way to go backless as they offer more options for hiding a bra.
And if you’re thinking that backless dresses are a no, because you don’t want to give up your lingerie, check out the genius TikTok hack that converts a regular bra into a backless one – or look at our guide to shopping all the invisible underwear alternatives. From stick on bras, invisible bras and nipple covers there will be a lingerie solution that you feel comfortable with.
If you’re starting with a backless baby step, Reformation’s floral dress would be perfect as it just shows off the small of your back. Rhode have a sweet pink dress with signature circle skirt and a slice of skin on show while Gucci’s crochet halterneck is totally bare-backed. On the high street, Warehouse tick the gingham trend with their puff-sleeve backless dress and H&M’s aptly named ‘airy’ dress has fine ties across the back.
Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton here or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton