How to Choose and When to Wear Open-Back Dresses
Flattering open-back dresses are rocking the fashion world this year. These dresses provide a sultry look with every turn. Want to make this look your own? Here are five tips for choosing the best open-back dresses that will complement your figure and match the event you are attending:
1. Consider the Event.
When choosing an open-back dress, be sure to consider the event. Your event may call for more coverage or more glam, so think about the occasion and how formal it may be (think: dress code). Weddings, for instance, usually call for a less attention-grabbing style, leaving the spotlight for the bride. A modest high neckline in front or a strappy-back, corset, or caged-back design, can provide a bit more coverage with a stylish edge for weddings. A cocktail party, on the other hand, might call for a little more bling, some sheer panels, or cut outs that make your open-back dress stand out. For black-tie events like a military ball or a fancy gala, you can indulge in a backless style with all the fancy details; whereas, casual events go best with open-back dresses done up in simple and comfortable designs.
2. Know Your Venue.
Choose an open-back dress that’s ideal for you and your surroundings. Let’s consider weddings again . . . What if the ceremony is at a church? A venue that calls for modesty means you’ll likely want an open-back dress with a few modest details or a matching jacket. Is the celebration at an informal banquet hall or on a beach? Relax in style with a flattering open-back dress in a casual cut. Nuptials at a fancy hotel or a country club might mean it’s time to break out a dramatic backless dress with a beaded bodice. Whatever the venue, pick an open-back dress that is both fashionable and appropriate.
3. Acknowledge the Season.
It might seem like dresses with open backs are made for warmer weather when you can look hot while keeping cool. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon, crepe, and jersey pair beautifully with airy backless designs that are perfect for the spring and summer seasons. But you can still be stunning wearing dresses with open backs in the fall and winter too! Layer your flattering open-back dress with a bolero, jacket, or shawl that can be removed when enter your warm and toasty venue, and go for dresses in heavyweight fabrics like taffeta, organza, velvet, and scuba.
4. Consider Your Body Type.
You’ll want to plan for proper support that creates a flattering effect for your body type. The simple addition of sew-in cups, fashion tape, or an adhesive bra might be all you need for a secure, confident look. Need more support? There are multi-way convertible bras, strapless clear-back bras, or do-it-yourself extension bra straps that leave the back open.
5. Know When Wearing a Backless Dress is Appropriate.
While beautiful, backless dresses shouldn’t be your go-to for church services, children’s parties, or modest family affairs. However, backless dresses are perfect for highlighting your style and figure at plenty of events. Slip into a short backless cocktail party dress for a date night to remember or don an elegant backless formal dress for a stunning look at an upcoming gala.
