27 Cut-Out Dresses That Show Off The Perfect Amount Of Skin

As soon as our dress sleeves started puffing up, other parts of our frocks started disappearing. Cut-out fashion has become one of the other major trends of 2021, with peak-a-boo slashes strategically removed from the front, sides, or backs to reveal considerably more skin. We wouldn’t say cut-out dresses rank too high on the modesty spectrum, but hey, that’s exactly the point: With the right cut, even a full-coverage gown can suddenly feel a bit more sultry. But, not all cut-out dresses are the same; depending on the size and placement of the cut, a dress can be demure enough for a daytime event or bold enough for a night of dancing.

You’ll surely recognize a similar theme in most of the silhouettes, such as the triangular slices on the waist, the clavicle-area slashes, or the scooped open back, but there are subtly sweet cut-outs to experiment with too. Take, for instance, a series of cut-outs that shimmy down the spine or an upper torso keyhole. Cut-outs come in all forms and sizes — all you have to do is find one that works with your comfort level. Ahead, we categorized an assortment of cut-out dresses by length, occasion, fit, and peek-a-boo location.

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Mini Cut-Out Dresses

These cut-out dresses are for those who dare to bear.



Free People Cross Of Sunlight Mini, $, available at Free People

Farm Rio pink cocoa forest mini dress, $, available at Farm Rio

H&M Chiffon Cut-out Dress, $, available at H&M

Midi Cut-Out Dresses

The skirts are a little longer, but the cut-outs are still bold as ever.

Zara CUT OUT MIDI DRESS, $, available at Zara

Mango Vent cotton dress, $, available at Mango

Abercrombie and Fitch Knot-Front Cutout Midi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch

Maxi Cut-Out Dresses

Want a cut-out dress that will best transition for fall? A maxi will do.

Homelex V-Neck Maxi Knit Cutout Dress, $, available at Amazon

PatBo Blossom Cut-Out Beach Dress, $, available at Free People

Raey Elasticated cut-out abstract-print cotton dress, $, available at MatchesFashion

Bodycon Cut-Out Dresses

For skin-hugging cut-outs (and possibly some unique tan lines), shop for a fitted bodycon style.



Bec and Bridge PHOENIX MIDI DRESS, $, available at Bec and Bridge

ASOS DESIGN textured mesh cut out ruched maxi body-conscious dress, $, available at ASOS

Forever21 Cutout Self-Tie Bodycon Dress, $, available at Forever21

Fancy Cut-Out Dresses

Yes, you CAN wear cut-outs to galas, balls, and black-tie weddings. Pair it with a clutch and statement earrings for a simple but jaw-dropping look.



Staud Katharine Cut-Out Sequin Dress, $, available at Intermix

Bronx and Banco Hanna Gown, $, available at Revolve

Nanushka Nala Cut-Out Midi Dress, $, available at Intermix

Casual Cut-Out Dresses

If you’re a first-timer with cut-outs, the casual dress route is a fab place to start your journey. All you need is your favorite pair of canvas sneakers or summer sandals and you're out the door.



Abercrombie and Fitch Puff Sleeve Cutout Linen Mini Dress, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch

Lulus Joyful Red Orange Multi Stripe Tie-Back Mini Dress, $, available at Lulus

SheIn Gingham Puff Sleeve Ruched Knot Cut-out Dress, $, available at SheIn

Turtleneck Cut-Out Dresses

Get a head start on fall shopping with knitted cut-out dresses with cozy high necks and long sleeves. The turtleneck also provides a little extra coverage to balance out the cutouts.

Velvet Torch Mock Neck Cut Out Rib Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

Missguided green rib cut out turtle neck mini dress, $, available at Missguided

A.W.A.K.E MODE Turtleneck Dress With Cut Out, $, available at Shopbop

Frontside Cut-Out Dresses

For a subtler skin-revealing moment, these keyhole cut-outs won't steer you wrong.  



H&M Linen-blend Dress, $, available at H&M

Nasty Gal Cut Out Detail Floral Mini Tea Dress, $, available at Nasty Gal

Eloquii Tie Front Full Skirted Maxi Dress, $, available at Eloquii

Open-Back Cut-Out Dresses

These cut-out dresses are for taking a spin in — the front may appear basic, but it’s the back that truly carries the look. 



offrandes Cut Out Back Mini Dress, $, available at Etsy

Maeve Knit Cut-Out Mini Dress, $, available at Anthropologie

Reformation Juno Dress, $, available at Reformation

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