Trending cut out dress choices that you’ll love all summer.

cut out dress

It’s no secret that the world is currently experiencing a massive heat wave. And, while what you would really like to do is sit on your couch clutching a glass of iced tea with a fan pointed directly at your face, the reality is…you’re going to have to go outside eventually.

And, there are a few small outfit details that will make you so much more comfortable in this ghastly heat. 

One such look? A cut out dress! Not only will they allow you to show a little skin, even if you’re quite covered in other areas, like midi silhouettes or even sleeves, but they’ll let the breeze flow through you like few other garments will.

Bonus points for the cut out dress in the dead of summer, let us tell you.

From knit cover ups to linen party dresses, here are all the best cut out dress options that you should be shopping right now.

OUR TOP PICKS

1.

Cult Gaia Cameron Knit Cut Out Dress

Shop Now at Cult Gaia

One of Cult Gaia’s most popular items of the season is their knit cut out dress with totally exposed sides and back with a knot at the front.

It’s serving up major ‘70s vibes, but we’ve particularly fallen in love with this ocean blue hue.

RELATED: Best 14 Cut Out One Piece Swimsuits To Try

2.

& Other Stories Fitted O-Ring Mini Cut Out Dress

Shop Now at & Other Stories

Go for a mod look with a bright red linen mini dress that has a totally cut out waistline, held together with O-rings. It’s a stylish alternative to your more covered party dresses for summer.

3.

Solid & Striped The Bailey Mini Cut Out Dress

Shop Now at Revolve

If you love the front-knot silhouette but looking for a sportier beach-bound vibe, look no further than Solid & Striped. They’ve crafted a mini out of bright pink terry cloth for all your water-bound activities this summer and beyond.

RELATED: Best Swimsuit Cover Up Options for Summer 2022

4.

Aje Vandes Cut Out Linen-Blend Midi Dress

Shop Now at Moda Operandi

Whether you’re headed to a garden party, bridal shower, or your own wedding dinner, shop this ultra-feminine, puff-sleeve, asymmetric cut out dress at the waist, binding top and bottom together with an oversized O-ring.

5.

Patbo Embellished Cut Out Maxi Dress

Shop Now at Net-a-Porter

For a fun sheer moment, shop this Patbo cut out maxi dress. It boasts not only a down-to-there neckline, cut out sides, but also a perforated skirt that reveals built-in briefs underneath.

RELATED: Best White Maxi Dress Options for Every Occasion

6.

Zimmermann Cut Out Linen Maxi Dress

Shop Now at MyTheresa

If you’re worried about wearing black in the summer, this is the dress for you. Zimmermann is a master at the linen look, offering easy breezy silhouettes that wick away moisture and keep you cool.

This cut out dress takes it one step further, however, with scalloped edges and a side cutout that travels around to the back to reveal a lace-up top.

RELATED: 16 Summer Ready Linen Dresses to Keep You Cool

7.

Magda Butrym One Shoulder Cut Out Maxi Dress

Shop Now at Net-a-Porter

For a sleek and sultry look, this black sheath cut out dress has your name written all over it.

There are dramatic side cut outs with a bandeau-style top, accented by a single strap that crosses your chest and rests on one shoulder.

8.

Zara Cut Out Draped Dress

Shop Now at Zara

Cut outs go early-aughts with this slip cut out dress. Dripping down your frame like liquid, it’s in classic black to be worn with everything from flat sandals to sky-high heels alike.

RELATED: Easy Slide Sandals that Look So Chic

9.

Sir Cinta Cut Out Linen Mini Dress

Shop Now at Moda Operandi

Go bright and bold with this floral-printed mini cut out dress. With a knot at the shoulder and another at the waist, it’s crafted almost like two scarves that you’ve tied together.

10.

Jonathan Simkhai Alex Cut Out Striped Maxi Shirt Dress

Shop Now at Net-a-Porter

Even shirtdresses are getting in on the cut out trend. Get this otherwise classic blue striped long-sleeve cotton look — revealing a top and bottom held together by crisscrossing strings and a cut out waistline. What a perfect cut out shirt dress!

11.

Significant Other Yara Cut Out Maxi Dress

Shop Now at Moda Operandi

For that beach-ready terry cloth cut out dress look with an after-hours glam factor, try this long cornflower blue dress with both a waist cut out as well as a keyhole at the top.

12.

J.Crew Tie-Back Cut Out Mini Dress

Shop Now at J.Crew

If subtlety is your thing, go for a cut out dress that only reveals your back. This white puff sleeve look from J.Crew is quite sweet from the front with a little bit of something extra when you turn around.

13.

Reformation Poppies Silk Cut Out Dress

Shop Now at Reformation

This silky floral printed cut out dress is ideal for a cocktail party by the beach, with slim cutouts beneath the bustline as well as a totally open back. Slip into a pair of heeled sandals and you’re good to go.

14.

Mango Flowy Dress with Openings

Shop Now at Mango

This cut out dress proves that you can be modest while still show some skin. With a sweet pale pink floral dress, this dress has side cutouts while remaining stitched up in the front and back.

What’s more, the long sleeves and midi silhouette make it family-event approved! 

Pro Tip

😎

When you are shopping for a cut out dress, you can go for as much or as little of a cut out as you want—don’t write off the trend before you try it! 

No matter what your dress silhouette, try to show some skin this summer with a cut out dress for morning, noon, and night.

RELATED: 16 Summer Ready Linen Dresses To Keep You Cool

All products featured on Viva Cabana are independently selected by our editorial team, and the company may earn commission through affiliate links.