7 Ideas for Wearing a Backless Dress

Eva Taylor - July 23 2021

There’s something about backless dresses that we can’t get enough of. Cut-outs are one of the biggest trends for fall/winter 2021, with backless dresses being the OG of the trend. They’re the perfect way to add a touch of the Y2K aesthetic to your closet without looking dated.

A backless dress is modern sophistication meets seduction. You’ve got business in the front, party in the back. While a backless dress is a closet staple, it’s far from the easiest dress to wear. You can want to take extra time to consider how you’re going to wear a backless dress. Everything from your jewelry to underwear takes on a new level of importance when you’re wearing a backless dress.

At Bella Barnett, backless dresses are one of our favorite styles. Whether it’s a mesh mini dress or a halter-neck bandage dress, a backless silhouette lets you flaunt your curves and show off some skin. We’re sharing our top tips on how to wear a backless dress to create an effortlessly chic look that is both comfortable and stylish for dancing the night away.

1. Look For Sew-in Cups

Your boobs are one of the biggest challenges when wearing a backless dress, especially if you’re more voluminous. Bra straps are an absolute no-go, but not everyone is comfortable going completely braless. You can pick up an inexpensive pair of sew-in cups and use them as a makeshift bra for added support while wearing your backless dress.

2. Try Gel Pasties If You Need Less Support

If you’re able to go commando with a smaller bust, congrats! You’ll find wearing a backless dress easier than your curvy friends. You won’t need to worry about giving your boobs added support. Instead, you want to focus on not exposing yourself if your backless dress has a thin or pale fabric. Invest in gel pasties that you can use to cover up and avoid any slip-ups while wearing a backless dress.

3. Invest In A Professional Spray Tan

A backless dress is one of our go-to styles for special occasions. With the festive season right around the corner, it’s a style that we’ll be rocking everywhere, from weddings to cocktail parties. If you’re a fan of fake tanning, you’ll know how notoriously difficult it is to tan your back. Usually, it’s not a massive issue. If you’re wearing a backless dress, the tan on your back will take center stage.

You want to create as natural and even a finish to your fake tan as possible. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, it’s worth investing in a professional spray tan for ultimate peace of mind. You can also ask a friend to help tan your back to make sure you get as even an application as possible at home.

4. Keep Your Accessories Minimalistic

When you have a stunning dress, it’s only right that you let it do the talking. A backless dress is a statement on its own. If you want to wear accessories – including jewelry – it’s best to keep them as minimalistic as possible. You don’t want to draw attention away from your backless dress.

Choose a feature piece that you want to be your main accessory, whether it’s a cocktail ring, pendant necklace, or diamond tennis bracelet. Add a touch of sparkle without going over the top for an elegant look. 

5. Stay Away From Accessories That Cover Your Neck

When the temperatures start to drop, we’re all looking for ways to layer our favorite evening dresses. You want to avoid wearing anything with your backless dress that will cover your back or neck area. Skip a shawl or scarf if you’re layering up against the cold and instead choose a jacket that you can quickly slip on or off.

If you want an accessory for your back, a long dangling necklace is a perfect option. You want to choose a delicate style with an adjustable strap that you can drape over your back to draw the eye to your backless dress. It’s a tip straight from the Liz Taylor style guide and will instantly take your backless dress to the next level. 

6. Keep Your Hair Up 

It’s time to experiment with your hair and try something new while wearing a backless dress. You want to keep your back as clean as possible, getting rid of anything that is distracting to the eye or gives the illusion of shortening your back. If you have long hair that covers your back, you want to switch out your hairstyle for an up-do.

Sweeping your hair back and wearing it in an updo will complement your backless dress, whether you choose a simple bun or a more elaborate style.

7. Give Your Back Some TLC

When you’re wearing a mini dress and showing off your legs, you’ll always stop to give them some extra TLC. Your back deserves the same affection. Along with your fake tan, you want to make sure that the skin on your back looks as clean and soft as possible.

It’s worth using an antibacterial body wash to help cleanse your skin to prevent breakouts while avoiding conditioners and products with panthenol that can cause an acne breakout on your back. In the days and weeks before you’re wearing your backless dress, take the time to regularly moisturize to prevent dryness and keep your skin healthy and clear. 

A backless dress is a staple that every woman needs to have in her closet. With these seven tips, we hope we’ve made the idea of wearing a backless dress a little less daunting. It’s all about planning and working to create as flawless an appearance for your back as possible. Make sure you have the essentials – including undergarments – and style your hair to work with your backless dress. With the festive season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to add a backless dress to your closet.

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