With only a month left of summer, we’re dreading the moment when we have to bid beach bummin’ goodbye — but that doesn’t mean we can’t take advantage of every chance we get to show off our sun-kissed glows! And no, this doesn’t mean wearing shorts so short they’re indistinguishable from your barely-there panties. From day to night, this season’s sexiest cut-outs let you flaunt that bod sans potential for a serious fashion emergency!
By Day
Hole-Punch Power: Crop top not cutting it? This drape-y top does double duty! The flowy, cropped tee keeps you cool with the added benefit of extra ventilation. Pair it with high-waisted bottoms to look even leggier!
Laser Cut Tee ($38) Need Supply Co.
Brush Off Your Shoulders: Turn a cold shoulder while keeping your cool in a shoulder-less button-up shirt! Make it a DIY project, but not with your guy’s best work shirt… even though the boyfriend look is so in right now.
Shoulder Cut Out Denim Shirt ($24.80) Forever 21
Bare That Back — Not That Backside: Do some daring skin-baring under the guise of a cute, classic sundress! Slide on your favorite pair of sandals and you’re ready for brunch with your BFFs.
byCORPUS Open Back Jersey Dress ($48) Urban Outfitters, $48
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Full-Frontal Fashion: Turns out we can learn something from Regina George after all — so go ahead, cut holes in your top…no, not there. This dress does it right with a front-and-center cut-out.
Cut Out Dress in Color Block ($34.48) ASOS
Side-to-Side: Missing pieces in front or in back too much? These side cut-outs are much more understated — and super slimming.
Cream Cutout Floral Print Suntop ($56) Topshop
Open-Ended Romp: Find one-pieces too limiting? This one’s for you! As if rompers weren’t exciting enough, this one takes rompin’ good times to a whole new level.
Scout Cutout Romper ($40.60) shopnastygal.com
Give It An Edge: There’s only so much you can take out of your favorite pair of shorts before it’s too little too late. Subtle cuts along a scalloped edge keep up with the trend while keeping it classy.
Laser Tap Shorts ($49.99) Need Supply Co.
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Show What You Know: Pick and choose what you bare with this cut-out swimsuit! Beware of outrageous tan lines — and if you’re bold enough, wear it with high-waisted jeans and prepare to turn heads.
Multi Cut Out Swimsuit with Twist Top ($13.79) ASOS
Hole-y Headwear: Surround yourself with rays of light with this wide-woven sun hat! Top off any casual summer look (try a floral ensemble — it’ll complement the hat better than solid colors will so you don’t look pattern-heavy up top for a day of fun in the sun.
Straw Ribbon Floppy Hat ($50) Topshop
Happy Feet: Give your toes a little extra wiggle room with these cut-out, lace-up sandals. Rock a festival fashion look by pairing these with destroyed denim and a crop top.
MIA Botticelli Sandal ($34.99) Piperlime
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By Night
Bust a Bustier: This form-fitting, brightly-colored bustier top gives onlookers a subtle, little peek. Wear it with a miniskirt for a streamlined look.
Sparkle and Fade Cut-out Bustier Top ($54) Urban Outfitters
Bring Sexy Back: One-shouldered dress, meet your missing piece. This little black dress gives sexy a new meaning — so next time you go out, leave those low-cut tops at home!
One Shoulder Dress with Cut Out Back ($60.34) ASOS
Zip It Up: Okay, you’re right. Wearing that one-shouldered, backless LBD means figuring out a brand new undergarment situation. Though few of us will ever say no to a lingerie shopping extravaganza, this dress will make our lives a lot easier. A zipper-back dress with strategically placed straps allows us to wear any ol’ bra while giving off the appearance of a totally bare back.
Eight Sixty Cut Out Back Dress ($57) Revolve Clothing
Blazing Through: An open-back blazer is perfect for the multi-tasking collegiette™. Throw it on over any outfit for immediate chic… and dare we say it’s work-appropriate? Wear it with a lighter-colored top underneath so the unique cut is easily distinguishable.
Chiffon Sleeve Cut Out Back Blazer, ($68.96) ASOS
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Lacy Legs: These leggings — yes, leggings — provide you ultimate comfort yet serve as an excellent alternative to real pants for those weekends when you want to spend all night dancing! Collegiettes™ everywhere, we have a reason to celebrate because finally, leggings aresocially acceptable!
David Lerner Lace-Side Leggings ($34) Bergdorf Goodman
Cuff It: This asymmetrical cut-out cuff is unique enough to be a statement piece, yet classic enough in color to complement any outfit rather than serve as the “it” piece, so it’s up to you to play it up or down!
Cut-Out Cuff ($19.90) Express
Connect-the-Dots: Let your accessories get in on the hole-some fun! This perforated wristlet is the perfect size for a night out.
Madison Laser Cut OP Art Large Wristlet ($198) Coach
Go Gaga: Channel your inner Lady Gaga with these sky-high wedges. Style tip: ditch the meat dress!
Pixie Cut Wedge ($175) Jeffrey Campbell
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Caged Shoes: Contain yourself — literally — in these caged heels. For those who aren’t gaga over Gaga, these shoes are an excellent crazy cut-out alternative. Due to their neutral color, they can be paired with absolutely anything.
Rossetto Heel ($70) Aldo Shoes
The Mother of All Cut-Outs: And the dress that made it all happen… seen in 2009 on Kristin Cavallari of “The Hills,” Heather Graham of “The Hangover” and Cheryl Burke of “Dancing with the Stars,” this dress has become a classic. Hey, it doesn’t hurt to look, right?
Monique Cutout Dress ($1,900) Hervé Leger
…Unfortunately, because we’re not Kristin, Heather or Cheryl, we don’t all have $2K to spend on Hervé Leger — so get the look with this more affordable alternative.
Cutout Scuba Bodycon Dress ($119) Bebe
Cut it out with the low-cut shirts and too-short skirts! Cutouts are flattering on all shapes and sizes and there’s a little something for every situation whether you’re putting together an outfit for your first day back on campus or simply seeking a something sexy for a night out. So go ahead, show it all off without taking it off!