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best backless dresses
Zara

The Backless Dresses That Will Turn Heads This Summer

Shop breezy linen styles, slinky satin designs, and more.

By Amy Lee

With summer in full swing, you may get the urge to reach for dresses that skew more on the sultry side. Blame it on the weather—or simply feeling flirty—but there’s nothing like showing off a little more skin than usual—and backless dresses are the foolproof trend we can count on.

The perfect backless dress strikes a balance between understated and sexy, featuring adequate coverage (à la high necklines) that highlights the wow factor of a bare back. Not sure how much you want to reveal? There are a plethora of options for your preferences. From low-back styles that disclose just enough to daring cuts that go down to the waist, we’ve got at least one backless dress you’ll feel confident in for every occasion this season.

Whether you’re seeking a bold mini for your next vacation or an elegant and comfortable midi for wedding season, shop 17 of the best backless dresses that will be sure to get a double take.

Bow Tie Straps

Zara Contrast Tie Knit Mini Dress

Contrast Tie Knit Mini Dress

The shoulder ties instantly offer a darling look to this simple knit mini from Zara. The best part? You can make it yours for under $50.

Sizes: XS-L

Colors: White

Materials: Viscose, polyamide

Vacation Vibes

Free People Taking Sides Maxi

Taking Sides Maxi

You can’t go wrong with a breezy, billowy cotton maxi to wear beachside or poolside—and this one is available in a rainbow of shades.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: 17 options

Materials: 100% Cotton

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Rosy and Romantic

Lovers and Friends Mariam Mini Dress

Mariam Mini Dress

This rosette-adorned mini from Revolve is begging to be worn for a glamorous night out.

Sizes: XXS-XL

Colors: Light Pink, Red, Ivory, Light Yellow, Black

Materials: Viscose, polyester, elastane

Wedding Guest Dress

Reformation Fredo Dress

Fredo Dress

Leave it to Reformation to design the perfect backless wedding guest dress. The polka-dot print and flounced skirt lend a classic flair to the back-baring style.

Sizes: 0-12

Colors: Moon Dot, Chianti

Materials: Viscose

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Pastel Pink

Mango Asymmetrical Dress With Embroidered Fringes

Asymmetrical Dress With Embroidered Fringes

Make a statement in this unexpected pink-and-blue stunner by Mango. The cornflower-blue brocade embroidery and bubblegum-pink fringe hem combine modernity and old-world charm for an unforgettable look.

Sizes: XS-L

Colors: Pastel Pink

Materials: Polyester, acetate, viscose

Daytime Mini

Theophilio Rasta Printed Backless Mini Dress

Rasta Printed Backless Mini Dress

The Brooklyn-based label’s Jamaican-inspired design can be dressed up with heels or dressed down with sneakers.

Sizes: XS-XXL

Colors: Rasta Print

Materials: Polyester, rayon

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Elegant Halter

Silvia Tcherassi Celina Halter Midi-Dress

Celina Halter Midi-Dress

This Silvia Tcherassi midi has it all: a plunging halter neckline, draped detailing, and gold-tone hardware. Accessorize it with matching chunky jewelry.

Sizes: XS-L

Colors: Brown

Materials: Viscose, acetate

Little Black Dress

Aritzia Audience Satin Mini Dress

Audience Satin Mini Dress

This Aritzia cowl-neck satin LBD with an open back is poised to be a wardrobe staple for seasons to come.

Sizes: 00-12

Colors: Black, Dark Olive, Saville/Multi, Turner Taupe, Matte Pearl

Materials: Polyester

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Understated Midi

Jacquemus Favola Halter Backless Midi Dress

Favola Halter Backless Midi Dress

You can count on Jacquemus to create a sophisticated white dress, with a subtly sexy side and an A-line skirt.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: White

Materials: Viscose, nylon, polyamide, elastane

A Summer Standout

Zimmermann Cascadian Stripe Cutout Asymmetric Linen Dress

Cascadian Stripe Cutout Asymmetric Linen Dress

The ultimate summer dress, if there ever was one. This striped linen number by Australian brand Zimmermann highlights an asymmetric neckline, side cut-out, and a barely-there strappy back.

Sizes: 4-12

Colors: Yellow Stripe

Materials: 100% Linen

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’90s-Inspired

Lioness Stars Align Mini Dress

Stars Align Mini Dress

For those looking for a casual one-and-done dress, consider this plaid mini finished with a delicate lace trim.

Sizes: 4XS-4XL

Colors: Tan Plaid

Materials: Polyester

Go for Gingham

Solid & Striped Delta Midi Dress

Delta Midi Dress

Swimwear brand Solid & Striped makes dresses too! See why gingham is summer’s signature print in its bestselling dress, which has pockets, smocking, and a multi-strap back.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: 6 options

Materials: 100% cotton

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Beaded Stunner

Retrofete Finley Beaded Satin Slip Gown

Finley Beaded Satin Slip Gown

This slinky Retrofête column gown comes in a luxe chestnut brown. The beaded straps are the standout detail, extending all the way down to the waist.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Chestnut

Materials: Polyester

Sundress

Farm Rio Off White Maxi Dress

Off White Maxi Dress

Have a tropical getaway on the docket? Pack this gorgeous maxi, which features a triangular neckline, ornate crisscross straps, and a subtle floral print. Pair it with your favorite flat or kitten-heel sandals.

Sizes: XXS-XL

Colors: Off-White

Materials: Viscose

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Lightweight Linen

Nili Lotan Lelia Halterneck Linen Maxi Dress

Lelia Halterneck Linen Maxi Dress

A no-frills linen dress is a warm-weather essential. The Lelia by Nili Lotan is an elegant, lightweight maxi offered in an earthy khaki shade with a cinched back. Throw it on when you want to beat the heat and feel put together.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Khaki

Materials: 100% Linen

Animal Print

Banana Republic Backless Linen Maxi Dress

Backless Linen Maxi Dress

What looks like a regular shift dress has a surprise exposed back. We especially love the relaxed silhouette for comfort. If you’re not into the zebra print, opt for the classic black iteration.

Sizes: 0-20 (including tall and petite sizing)

Colors: Brown Zebra Print, Black

Materials: 100% Linen

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For Date Night

Éterne Vivian Halter Maxi Dress

Vivian Halter Maxi Dress

For your next night out, choose this jaw-dropping jersey maxi from Éterne, the label from celebrity stylist Chloé Bertoli. A refined high-neck front expertly counters the revealing low-waist back, giving you a true “business-in-front” situation.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Black

Materials: Modal, spandex

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