Back it Up, Girl!

It’s practically a summer tradition to show at least a few of your goodies, especially if you have put some extra effort into it. I am a firm believer in boundaries and good taste, but I also believe if you got it, flaunt it! After all, you may not have it forever.

It can get a little tricky, and often what’s in style isn’t the best option or the best way to show off our best assets. This year, several trends like crop tops, minis, and skinny jeans are hot items, but not everyone looks great in them. One fashion trend that is figure-friendly for fashionistas of all walks of life is the backless or back detailed dress.

You may not think so, but this body part is one that lets us all be a little sexy. I like to say one size fits all in this sort of detailing. Unless you’re not partial to it, this style it should fit and flatter you.

Aside from personal reasons, the only real hiccup that comes to my mind for working this trend may be the bra issue. It would be an issue for most of us curvy gals, but thanks to all of the new-fangled undergarments and contraptions for keeping "the girls" in line, this trend can work for a lot more fashionistas than it used to. Once upon a time, if you could not go braless, this style of dress was better left off limits entirely…or you could try to be clever and rig up some kind of homemade contraption to serve as a bra or camouflage your lingerie on your own.

Along with all of the fabulous lingerie options, the description of backless doesn’t have to be truly bare. Backless used to be synonymous with halters and showing lots of skin, but now you can consider backless also include lots of detailing, like crisscross straps, cut-outs, and decorative draping. Backless dresses also used to be primarily a sexy look, worn for nighttime or evening wear, but it’s now acceptable to show off your back during the day. It’s still sexy, but in a more stylish way.

You might want to skip this look at church on your day of worship or another somber occasion, but it’s a perfect warm weather look for summer weddings, a special lunch, or for a date. My suggestion is to take a few cues from the red carpet favorites we have been seeing. Your best bet it to opt for something with interesting straps and cut-out detailing for day and save the “How low can you go?” styles for a night out on the town.