In searching through the spring trends that were recently revealed on the runway, we’ve come across the revival of the backless trend.
There’s something incredibly sexy about a bare back. It’s not as revealing as your cleavage, and it’s less suggestive than wearing something short so your legs are totally bare. The look can be classy, beautiful and bring just enough sex appeal if it’s done right. Now that ladies, is the key.
Beautiful Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria has been wearing backless dresses for years, everywhere from the Red Carpet to casual charity events. Other stars, including Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, and Hilary Swank have also sported the look.
And when Eva exposes her shoulder blades, we can’t help but gawk. The star chooses classy dresses that don’t dip too low on her back and makes sure that the rest of her body is well covered. So how does that translate to the every day girl, who can’t afford the expensive tailored dresses that Eva wears?
Although not quite as revealing, one of my favorite dresses is half-backless. It’s from American Apparel, but I actually scored it for free at an awesome Swap match in Boston last year. I’ve got the dress in black, and it hits me about mid-thigh – the back dips just above where my bra sits on my middle back.
The back of a similar, short-sleeved version of my American Apparel Dress, and a picture of me (I’m on the left!) wearing the dress, belted.
For those of you looking to wear a backless item, I put together a basic guide with some go-to rules and great examples of how to successfully rock the look. Here are my list of important things to think about before wearing a backless dress or top.
- Make sure the occasion is appropriate. Heading to a family event with your parents? Leave the backless dress at home and opt for something simpler and less revealing. Going to a nightclub or out on the town with your girls? Perfect.
- Is your back ready to be exposed? It’s nothing to be ashamed of – we all have to deal with embarrassing things like back acne, dry skin and love handles. Be honest with yourself and look in the mirror. If you’re suffering from dry skin or acne, use an exfoliator for a few weeks beforehand. Neutrogena’s Body Clear Body Wash is a great way to keep body acne under control. Need to get rid of those lovehandles? Hit the gym for a few weeks and burn off some of those extra pounds so you’re ready to pull on that sexy backless piece.
- Keep the rest of your outfit simple. Your bare back makes enough of a statement. Leave excessive jewelry at home and wear a simple pair of earrings instead. I love my dress because it’s got long sleeves, and it’s not too revealing in the front. Stay simple, and you’ll look even classier.
- Don’t let your bra show. Nothing is tackier than trying to pull off a look like this with your bra hooks showing, so please – find an alternative to a regular bra. Victoria Secret has great stick on bras that are backless. You can also try their low back bra, which wraps around your entire torso. For me, the problem with wearing backless items is that I’m a bit… well, bustier. If you’re like me and can’t get away with those great stick on bras, opt for a half-back dress where you can still wear a low-sitting bra. American Apparel has some great options.
- Avoid side-boob. We all know what it looks like, and we cringe and hide our face in embarrassment when we do come across it. Backless dresses have much less material to them, so make sure that when you’re purchasing yours, the material on the sides covers you well so that nothing is falling out or exposed where it shouldn’t be. If you do have troubles, try double sided tape. It can work wonders by keeping stubborn material in place!
- Make sure the dress doesn’t sit too low. This rule is pretty self explanatory. We see your entire back, we do not need to see your butt crack too.
- Sit or walk with good posture! Walk tall with your shoulders back and sit up straight. It seems silly, but this can make a huge difference while wearing a backless number.
So there you have it. If you’re looking for some entertainment, check out this slideshow by NBC New York, which shows a plethora of celebrities attempting to pull off the backless look.
So what do you think? Are backless dresses and tops sexy or skanky? Any other tips to add to my list? Comment & let me know!