I don’t know about you, but I am loving the trend towards open back dresses and tops. It’s so breezy and feminine! As we’re nearing the end of spring and entering summer, barring more skin with a youthful low back is not only stylish, but also comfortable and cool. Luckily, open back wedding dresses are becoming more and more popular every day, which means you can easily find the perfect gown so you can rock this gorgeous trend!

Open Back Wedding Dresses: Why You’ll Love Them

This style trend is pretty self-explanatory, but here are some reasons why you’ll love this type of dress if you’re on the fence about the chic fashion statement and certain styles to look out for, plus how you should accessorize and get yourself ready to wear such a daring design – hello, special undergarments – so you’ll look and feel radiant and comfortable on the big day.

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First things first: Style Basics

Open back styles fit with the festival/bohemian vibe while remaining classy. Fashionistas everywhere are all over the bohemian and “music festival” style trend. For me, bohemian fashion means looser fits, flowing fabrics, and draping that shows off your skin, which a backless dress definitely does. It’s a youthful and sexy trend that fits in with the easy and airy vibe. Don’t be turned off, though, because wedding designers purposely pair an open back gown with elegant fabrics, crystals, intricate necklines, and flattering silhouettes to create a gown that is just as classy and sophisticated as it is fun and trendy. They can be informal or ultra-glamorous. Like I previously mentioned, there are numerous options out there in terms of different low back styles. Not only are there different levels of back-barring designs – from totally backless to more modest options – the style of the rest of the gown also contributes to the specific vibe each gown has. An open wedding dress beautifully complements a laid-back and informal style – I’m thinking with a looser bodice and flowing sheath silhouette. If you’re going for a formal look, however, a backless style amps up the drama of a fit and flare skirt or a structured ball-gown silhouette. The options are really endless!

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This style can add an unexpected element to a traditional garment Even the most non-traditional bride is probably getting – or at least considered – a wedding gown. It’s just one of those traditions. But what if you’re someone who has a trendy sense of style and doesn’t want a gown that just anyone could pull off? Enter the backless wedding dress. Showing off your back is a seductive and sexy element that balances an otherwise traditional gown; or adds even more contemporary flair to a dramatic style. It’s a very versatile element. Along with the silhouette and embellishments, a backless wedding dress can be combined with long sleeves – like lace or illusion net – to add modesty, or with thin straps for a bold look. It’s totally up to you and your preferences! It shows off your skin – or tattoos! For some reason, people often think you have to find a gown that covers up your tattoos on your wedding. Your tattoos obviously mean something to you and they’re just as much a part of you as anything else, so you want to show them off on the big day, go for it! If you have tattoos on your shoulders or back, this style of dress is obviously the perfect way to highlight them. Since an open back is a minimal and clean look, your natural beauty and tattoos will be complemented instead of overwhelmed. Even if you don’t have tattoos, this point still holds true – your gorgeous skin will be beautifully on display.

Styles and designers to look for:

Before going into ways to accessorize, I want to highlight some specific styles and designers to really illustrate the points above. Plus, if you had any doubts about how many different open back options are out there, this will hopefully squash all of your worries. Traditional & Formal Let’s start with the more traditional and formal examples. The Casablanca 2185 wedding dress is great if you want a more traditional design and silhouette with a breathtaking back: The higher neckline, lace fabric, and fit and flare silhouette are classic elements that balance out the dramatic style.   For another balanced and traditional option, take a look at the Allure 8965 wedding dress, which features an illusion V-neckline, cap sleeves, and a universally flattering A-line skirt. The front of the gown is timeless and modest, while the open back adds a modern twist. If you’re looking for a low back gown but don’t want to get too extreme, look for styles like this one: it shows off your skin but only goes as far as the middle of your back. It’s the perfect compromise!   If you’re dreaming of a dramatic, glamorous, and formal gown, try styles like the Mori Lee 2871 wedding dress. Gorgeous lace accents the sleek fit and flare silhouette and the voluminous skirt, and the spaghetti straps create a low open back that complements the modern elegance of the rest of the design.   Modern & Bold While a backless design is a great complement to traditional styles, it’s just as gorgeous when it’s paired with a sleek and modern design. For example, the Maggie Sottero Taren wedding dress is relatively simple and understated, with a cowl neckline and sheath silhouette skimming over your curves. With this design, the wide open back adds the glamor and drama, and shows off your contemporary style. Look for styles like this one if you’re wondering how to incorporate beading as well!   For an example of a really daring and bold look, check out the Allure Couture C261 wedding dress. While the gown is sophisticated and chic with lace fabric, beading, and a mermaid silhouette, the back is wide and low for a sexy look. Again, however, the bold back is balanced by the lace fabric and front of the gown for a cohesive and stylish design.   The Willowby by Watters Inez wedding dress is the quintessential open back wedding dress. It’s sleek and figure hugging, with a V-neckline and a fit and flare silhouette – plus flowing lace for an airy skirt. Thin spaghetti straps extend over the shoulder and fasten at the side of the bodice under the arm, leaving the back of the gown completely open. This backless style not only shows off your spine, but the sides of your torso as well. Contemporary and sexy, this dress and others like it by Willowby by Watters are all fantastic options.  

How to style:

Jewelry and hair

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So you’ve found the perfect backless gown for you – or at least have some idea of what to look for – and now you’re ready to accessorize it to truly make it your own and show off your personal style. Depending on the neckline of the dress, you might choose to do a necklace and stud earrings, or forego the necklace and go for statement earrings. Any of these options would work great. If you’re really going for the bold and trendy look, however, try layering a long necklace with the strands hanging on your back a ‘20s inspired and distinctive look. In general, an up-do or side-swept hairstyle works the best with a dramatic back; after all, you specifically chose to show of your skin, so why cover it with your hair? If you choose a simpler gown like the Willowby by Watters Inez wedding dress, for example, a pair of statement earrings and a soft up-do would be the perfect complement. However, style you hair however you want, as long as you’re comfortable!

Undergarments

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Finally, the dreaded dilemma (at least for me, anyways): what kind of bra do you wear with a backless dress? Some brides might choose to forego a bra all together, for some that might not be an option. Don’t worry, though. Just because you have a bigger chest does not mean you can’t or shouldn’t opt for an open back! Nowadays, there are so many options when it comes to alternative bras. Try the strapless bra that sticks on – it doesn’t have a back strap so you won’t see it – for an easy and minimal appearance. Or, depending on how low the back is, you might be able to convert a regular strapless bra with an extra strap that wraps around your waist to lower the band – there are plenty of Pinterest tutorials on how to do this, trust me. Another option would be to check with your tailor and see if she can sew a bra into the bodice of the gown, so you can get built in support without worrying about straps or anything falling. Don’t let the fear of finding the right bra keep you away from this fun and trendy style! Whether you go bold and opt for a completely backless design or choose a more traditional style, I hope you’ll consider choosing one of these trendy open back wedding dresses – or one similar! It truly is the perfect dress, as it shows off your skin and modern tastes without becoming too revealing or risqué. No matter what type you choose, you are sure to look stylish, radiant, and gorgeous on the big day. Plus, everyone will be super impressed with your trendy choice! You may also like...