14 Open Back Dresses to Help You Feel the Breeze This Summer

Some days we just can’t bear the thought of wearing actual clothes to face the summer heat. And while tank tops and low-cut frocks offer some relief, this year we’re seeing a major uptick in another breezy style: open back dresses.

This revealing trend certainly poses some undergarment challenges for those who would prefer not to go totally braless, but we’re firm believers that bust size and body type shouldn’t stop you from at least test-driving a trend. The trick here is all in finding the best backless bra for your cup size or, alternatively, showing off a bralette that features gorgeous lace, pretty ties or other interesting detailing at the back. Whatever style you choose, here are 14 beautiful open back dresses to help you beat the heat in style this summer.

RELATED: The Best Backless Bras for Every Cup Size

1. Happy Sailed Long Sleeve Ruffle Layer Backless Swing Mini Dresses

This easy, breezy mini comes in four colors and features an elegant triangle cut-out at the back. There are also tons of reviewer-submitted photos so you can see how it looks on someone other than a professional model for a better sense of how it will fit you IRL.

$30 at Amazon

Available in sizes S to XL

2. SIR Alena Open-Back Linen Midi Dress

One of the most searched-for backless dresses on Lyst, this maxi by Australian brand SIR features a gorgeous high neck at the front and an adjustable tie at the back to ensure the top fits just right.

Buy it ($340)

Available in sizes 0 to 3

3. Topshop Gingham Lace-Up Back Dress

Combine not just two but three of summer 2020’s biggest trends into one look: gingham, puff-sleeves and an open-back.

Buy it ($85)

Available in sizes 2 to 14

4. Gauge81 Madrid Cutout Stretch-Knit Midi Dress

This minimalist body-con dress is giving us major ‘90s vibes and will look just as fabulous with casual slides at the weekend picnic as it does with strappy heels for date night.

Buy it ($290; $174)

Available in sizes XS to L

5. Hemant and Nandita Tiana Mini Dress

Another great option for dressing up or down, this flirty mini takes all the guesswork out of print mixing with three gorgeous mismatched florals.

Buy it ($427)

Available in sizes XS to L

6. LPA Talulah Dress

A semi-structured bodice with ruching down the middle and seaming under the bust can help provide a little extra support to those worried about going totally braless.

Buy it ($228)

Available in sizes XXS to XL

7. Shein Plus Allover Print Open Back Belted Dress

For those who really aren’t keen on letting their bosom run free should opt for a print that incorporates easy colors like black or white. That way the dress can be matched to a coordinating bralette, preferably with pretty lace and/or an interesting pattern at the back.

Buy it ($17)

Available in sizes S to 4XL

8. Lulus Back to Backless Red Print Lace-Up Backless Dress

A lace-up back can also offer a degree of additional support, allowing you to pull the strings tight or wear them loose, depending on your preferred fit.

Buy it ($69)

Available in sizes XS to XL

9. English Factory Cotton Eyelet Midi Dress

Breezy eyelet plus an open back makes this midi perfect for those unbearably hot days when you’d prefer to wear as little fabric as possible.

Buy it ($120)

Available in sizes XS to L

10. Moon River Drop Waist Mini Dress

A trio of tightly tied strings at the back, which can be adjusted at will, show off slivers of skin instead of baring your shoulder blades to the world. (Psst, that also makes this cutie a bit easier to wear with a regular bra, should you prefer.)

Buy it ($108)

Available in sizes XS to XL

11. Venus Open Back High-Low Dress

Perfect for beach days and bridal showers alike.

Buy it ($44; $18)

Available in sizes XS to XL

12. Rixo Lizzie Tie-Back Printed Crepe de Chine Mini Dress

The gold fan shell pattern is a gorgeous alternative to summer’s more popular florals, stripes and polka dots.

Buy it ($365; $219)

Available in sizes XS to XL

13. AFRM Pico Floral Open Back Dress

How do you balance out a super-sweet Liberty-esque print on a maxi? With an open back and flirty side slit, of course.

Buy it ($138)

Available in sizes XS to XL

14. Hope & Ivy Open Back Midaxi Dress

Ruffles and cut-outs and rose blooms? That’s a winning combo. There’s a lot going on with this mid-length dress, but somehow it all comes together to make one romantic frock we plan to wear to every summer bridal/baby shower in the foreseeable future.

Buy it ($111; $45)

Available in sizes 2 to 12

RELATED: 22 Cute Summer Dresses Under $150 to Buy Now and Wear on Repeat

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