There are so many fun trends to try out for summer 2011, but one trend I’ve recently gotten into is the cutout trend. This trend makes a small appearance every summer, but it’s become especially popular for summer 2011.
I love the idea of cutouts, whether they’re in tops or dresses, because it’s a way for anyone to be trendy and understated sexy at the same time. Although it might not seem like it at first, this trend is actually very versatile. Still don’t believe me? Read below for tips on wearing cutouts throughout the entire summer, regardless of the occasion.
The cutout shirt. A shirt with cutouts is perfect for any summer occasion, such as a barbeque, bonfire or even a family dinner. A tank top with discreet cut outs on the side is tasteful, while being fashionable at the same time. One place I think does cut outs really well is Topshop (but what doesn’t Topshop do well?). Topshop offers three examples of different ways you can wear cutouts for summer.
The first example is an understated way to do cutouts that’s perfect for someone trying out this trend for the first time. This shirt is totally appropriate for any summer occasion and the cutouts make the shirt cute and trendy, but not too daring.
The second example is another shirt from Topshop, which has more obvious cutouts. I really like this shirt and think its perfect for a time you want to commit a little more to the trend. There’s more exposed skin in this shirt than the previous one, so it’s probably not as appropriate for as many summertime functions as the first example. My friend, Anna, actually bought this exact shirt in London. Every time she wears it she looks so effortlessly fashionable, which is exactly the image any fashionista wants to portray.
The third example is a more conservative example of cutouts, perfect for when you want to be a little more reserved with your fashion choices. The button up silk shirt is beautiful in itself, and the cutouts add a little bit of what’s popular in fashion now to the mix.
An understated cutout dress.I absolutely love the idea of a simple dress with cutouts. To me, it highlights what’s great about this trend-it’s fashionable while still being demure but sexy. A great dress in a simple silhouette with cutouts is perfect for any time in the summer you want to get more dressed up than just a cute top and jeans. Below are two fantastic examples of this trend.
The first dress is from Urban Outfitters, and I think it’s a really great example of an modest silhouette with cutouts. (Actually, I just purchased this dress for myself, so I might be a little biased.) The shape of the dress is simple and sweet, but the cutouts make it stylish and the bright color makes it perfect for summer. Pair this dress with a statement necklace and heels, and you’re ready for any summertime occasion.
The second dress is from Asos.com, an online shopping site based in London that I discovered while studying abroad. It has the most amazing online catalogue and their take on a simple dress with cutouts doesn’t disappoint. This dress has a more unusual shape than the first dress, but the cutouts and bright color still make it perfect for summer. With a dress like this, skip the necklace and wear cool earrings with your hair up, in order to best highlight the cutouts and the interesting neckline.
Cutouts for Evening. Obviously, a tight dress with cutouts is the perfect recipe for a fantastic going out dress. This type of dress is great for more formal events. The three dresses below are perfect examples of how to wear a tighter, bodycon dress with cutouts.
These three dresses all have very different takes on cutouts, from a full back cutout to side cutouts to a small cutout right above the neckline. Regardless of the placement of the cutout, the choice of fabric and more body conscious style makes these three dresses perfect for an evening out on the town!