Cut-out dresses are still a major trend as we move into summer 2025, and I'm here for it. Showing a little more skin than regular styles, they're playful and they keep you cool. But they're not just tiny, barely-there pieces - the cut-out dress comes in many forms, from statement to more subtle.
- The floral editor's pick: Reformation Poppies Silk Cut-Out Dress, £348 / $348
- The black editor's pick: River Island Sleeveless Cut-Out Midi Dress, £42 / $95
- The white editor's pick: Pretty Lavish Verde Bandeau Cut Out Maxi Dress, £88 / $137
- The butter yellow editor's pick: Zimmermann Cascadian Cut-Out Dress, £725 / $750
Olivia Culpo (above) demonstrates how to wear a statement cut-out dress and still look chic, styling her white maxi dress with a bold red lip and slicked back hair.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle was pictured last year looking so elegant in a halterneck dress by Heidi Merrick, which featured cut-out detail. The Ginger Dress has a wrap-around halter top that's finished with a large bow at the back of the neck and creates a cut-out across the midsection. Meghan accessorised with gold hoops, oversized black sunglasses also by Heidi Merrick and her trusty nude Aquazzura heels.
© AlamyIn summer 2023, Angelina Jolie stepped out in New York City wearing a black maxi by Chloé, with billowing capped sleeves and subtle side cut-outs. She finished the look with a leather Saint Laurent clutch, square-frame sunglasses and suede stilettos.
I've also seen cut-out dresses look amazing on the likes of Maya Jama, who's made a case for more daring styles. This gold maxi by independent designer Kimberly Larrianna featured a series of large eyelets threaded with golden stretch fabric and fixed in a wrap design. She completed the look with super glowy skin and diamond earrings.
© @mayajamaDua Lipa and Kendall Jenner have both been seen in stylish cut-out pieces too, as well as multiple fashion week guests over the last few seasons.
© Edward BerthelotHow I chose the best cut-out dresses
- Style: From subtle cut-outs in daytime dresses to statement occasionwear, I've found cut-out pieces to suit every event and style.
- New-in: Most of the dresses below have just dropped for the new season (although you'll find one or two bestsellers I couldn't resist including).
- Budget: From £725 at NET-A-PORTER to £28 at ASOS, I've chosen pieces at a range of price points.
Reformation Poppies Silk Cut-Out Dress
Reformation Cut-Out Dress
How beautiful is Reformation's Poppies dress? Made from 100% silk with adjustable straps, a slim fit and side cut-out detail, it's my dream wedding guest dress.
ASOS DESIGN Linen Midi Sundress
ASOS Cut-Out Dress
This ASOS dress is very Cult Gaia but it's just £28. The fitted maxi piece comes in a chic chocolate brown shade and has sultry midsection cut-out detail. Dress it down with leather flats or elevate it for the evening with strappy heeled sandals.
Pretty Lavish Verde Bandeau Cut Out Maxi Dress
Pretty Lavish Cut-Out Dress
Channel Olivia in this sleek cut-out white dress from Pretty Lavish. Made from a premium, body-skimming stretch crepe fabric, it has a bandeau neckline and can be worn with a strapless bra.
Mango Cut-Out Dress
Mango Cut-Out Dress
Made from 100% cotton, this midi dress from Mango is so lightweight and comfortable for summer despite its darker colour. It features subtle side cut-outs, playful ruffles, and an asymmetric design.
Reiss Atelier Brooke Cut Out Maxi Dress
Reiss Cut-Out Dress
This new maxi dress by Reiss Atelier is made from stretchy, body-sculpting fabric with cut-out detailing at one side, interlaced with chunky rope cord. Style it with kitten heel sandals or elevate the look for the evening with a clutch bag and a pair of stilettos.
Karen Millen Double Strap Cut-Out Maxi Dress
Karen Millen Cut-Out Dress
A super subtle cut-out but a bold red hue, this gorgeous Karen Millen midi pairs perfectly with a rattan bag for your next summer holiday.
River Island Sleeveless Cut-Out Midi Dress
River Island Cut-Out Dress
Simple and chic, River Island's black midi dress is trending right now, likely thanks to its flattering twist detail and low price point. It features small side cut-outs and also comes in a soft pink shade.
ZIMMERMANN Cascadian Cut-Out Dress
NET-A-PORTER Cut-Out Dress
I love this striped butter yellow midi dress by Zimmermann. It's made from lightweight linen and has an asymmetric neckline with delicate spaghetti straps and cut-out sides.
LSpace Naomi Dress
Revolve Cut-Out Dress
A classic piece for a beach holiday, this sleek black cut-out maxi by Cali label LSpace could be worn as a cover up or out to a bar. Made from a ribbed fabric, it's partially lined and features adjustable shoulder straps.
