How to Wear a Backless Dress

Look stunning in a backless dress.

A backless dress is an elegant choice for a special occasion or night out. It's sexy, but not overtly so, because it shows such an unexpected part of your skin. Backless dresses are also a great way to show off a toned back and shoulders -- all those rows at the gym have paid off. Backless dresses can be tricky to pull off, however, because they require the right kind of undergarments.

Things You'll Need

• Backless dress
• Halter bra
• Sandals
• High heels
• Jewelry
• Thong underwear
• Tape
• Exfoliating bath scrub
• Body lotion
• Self tanner

Instructions

1. Make sure you're covered and supported at the bust. For unlined or very thin dresses, try silicone petals or a backless bra that you can stick to your skin with adhesive. If you need more support and your dress doesn't plunge too low, wear a bra that wraps around your stomach and crosses at your lower back.

2. Choose the right dress for the occasion. A cute sundress with a cut-out at the back is a fun choice for a semicasual occasion like a brunch or bridal shower. Pick a dress that is made of sturdy enough fabric and you can even go braless if you're small-busted. For formal occasions, go with a floor-length backless dress, maybe in a silk or satin fabric.

3. Go easy on the accessories. Dangling earrings draw attention toward your back, so those are a good choice. Avoid heavy necklaces, which will break the elegant line from neck to back.

4. Wear your hair up to accentuate your backless dress. Gather hair into a slightly undone bun for casual situations, or try a chignon for more formal occasions.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a backless dress work in cooler weather by layering it over a thin t-shirt or tank top.

• Select a pretty shawl or wrap that will work with a backless dress to give you a bit more coverage without marring the look of your dress.

• Be sure to check how low the dress dips in the back so you don't show more than you intended to by mistake.

References

• The Frisky; "What Do You Wear Under a Backless Dress?"; Catherine Strawn; June 2010