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Two years of celebrating everything from birthdays to weddings at home has officially blurred the lines between everyday wear and evening wear. From where we stand, that’s not necessarily a bad thing: Who said mini skirts don’t belong in your daytime repertoire? One item that's typically been written off as nighttime-only attire is the backless dress. And while there's nothing wrong with reserving open-back styles for fancier shindigs, there are so many chic options available that it feels wrong to limit ourselves. Have a little fun with your warm-weather wardrobe by incorporating cutouts, strappy detailing, and halters into your sundress rotation. Between crisp poplin designs that are just as comfortable for errand-running as your go-to jeans-and-tee uniform and floor-length show-stoppers that meet wedding guest dress codes, don't write off this style just yet.
Below, 16 backless dresses in all lengths, colors, and fabrics that are guaranteed to make any occasion feel that much more special.
Consider the white cotton maxi dress the everyday, warm-weather alternative to the LBD. En Saison's take is all about the intricate eyelet detailing on the sleeves and hem—though the strappy back is definitely a bonus.
Made from a lightweight cotton poplin material, this midi has smocked elastic shoulder straps that won't dig into your skin. Wear this with leather slide sandals for a comfy look.
This handmade jacquard option is actually 19 dresses in one. Thanks to the convertible wrap top, you can transform the silhouette every time you wear it and avoid wardrobe fatigue once and for all.
Sure, you can dress up this icy pink slip dress with your highest heels for a night out, but a pair of white sneakers makes it appropriate for weekend errand-running, too.
If you prefer your summer dresses on the shorter side, you'll love Staud's Epona mini. It's made from breathable linen fabric, with side cutouts and an open back that'll keep you cool as the weather heats up.
Looking to elevate your basics? This camel-colored dress is versatile, machine-washable (!!), and super simple—save for the cutout in the back, which kicks it up a notch.
This purple halter maxi belongs in your vacation wardrobe. The silky material won't take up a ton of valuable luggage space; plus, with its splashy color and handmade watercolor print, this is a dress that deserves to be seen.
Pop a structured jacket on top of this plum-colored midi for the office, then ditch the outerwear to meet up with friends for happy hour drinks.
For those spring days where there's still a chill in the air, upgrade your sweater dress to an open-back version. This one can be dressed up with strappy sandals or worn with tall boots if you want an extra layer of warmth.
No one does statement dressing quite like Rosie Assoulin: This tonal green gown comes complete with painterly stripes, ruffles, and an asymmetrical hem that all but guarantees you'll be the center of attention anywhere you go.
Summer-ify the little black dress by giving your tried-and-true frock a break in favor of this open-back option. The silky bow is a sweet finishing touch.
For any upcoming weddings with a black tie-optional dress code, this floor-length gown is perfect. It features a gorgeous floral pattern that was applied by hand using block-printing techniques, so no two dresses are exactly alike.
Manifest that seaside vacation with this tropical-print mini. Because the back features a tie closure, you can adjust it according to how much skin you want to show.
You can never have too many silky slip dresses, right? This one has crisscrossing back straps that not only provide an extra detail, but also make it easy to adjust to your preferred fit.
The perfect summer dress is loose enough to wear on the hottest days and still looks polished; this violet option hits the mark. (Oh, and it even has pockets.)
The best way to spice up a neutral wardrobe? Choose something in a subdued shade that has an interesting silhouette. Zimmermann's Tropicana dress is all about asymmetry, from the straps to the waist cutouts.
Elly Leavitt is a fashion and luxury commerce editor with over seven years of experience covering fashion and design. Her writing can be found in Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, Town & Country, Esquire, ELLE Decor, and more. Previously, she was an editor at Domino magazine. You can probably find her in line at Trader Joe's. You will never find her at SoulCycle.
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