How to Wear a Backless Dress

Co-authored by Alison Deyette

Last Updated: April 30, 2020 References

Backless dresses are an elegant, striking look for anyone looking to make a statement by showing some skin. They can be a great choice for formal and semi-formal events, but many avoid them because they can be intimidating to wear. However, if you pick the right undergarments, take good care of your skin, and accessorize properly, you can feel comfortable and beautiful in a backless dress at your next big occasion.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing Undergarments

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Try a low-back bra if you need more support. These bras have a band that wraps around your stomach and lower back, providing your chest with an ample amount of support while remaining hidden beneath your dress. If you have a larger bust, this is the choice you should consider first.^{[1]
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- Some bras can be converted into low-back bras. This is a great option if you want to invest in an undergarment you can wear every day.
2
Cover up with stick-on silicone gel petals if you need less support. If your bust is smaller, you might be able to get away without wearing any support. However, if you choose to go braless, you can risk exposing yourself through thin or light-colored fabric. Avoid this by sticking specialized gel petals over your nipples.^{[2]
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- If you're looking for a simple, inexpensive coverage option, putting band-aids on your nipples can work just as well as wearing gel petals.^{[3]
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EXPERT TIP

Alison Deyette
Professional Stylist
Alison Deyette is a Style Expert and TV Host with over 20 years of experience in fashion, style, and television. She has styled and directed photoshoots around the world for a variety of magazines, including Good Housekeeping, People StyleWatch, and Mode. Alison was also named one of the top stylists in Los Angeles by Variety magazine.

Alison Deyette
Professional Stylist

Considering going braless? Alison Deyette, style expert, suggests this checklist: “First, you want to be sure the dress is not see through and the fabric is not thin. You most likely don’t want your nipples to be exposed or seen through the fabric. Second, determine if there’s any chance you’ll be cold. You want the design of the dress and the backless detail to be the allure of the dress, not your nipples on display. Having good coverage can make you feel more comfortable for the evening."

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3
Try an adhesive bra if you have a small- to moderately-sized bust. It provides a little more coverage and support than gel petals, but offers a similar guarantee that no straps or clasps will peek through the back of your gown. It offers less support than a low-back bra, and for this reason, it may offer inadequate support to larger-busted women.^{[4]
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4
Consider a bra with a transparent back for subtlety and support. These bras are similar to strapless bras, but instead of a visible band and clasp, the back of the bra is made up of clear plastic or sheer fabric.^{[5]
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Research source} If you enjoy wearing strapless bras, but the one you usually wear will show through your backless dress, this is an excellent alternative. It’s also a more supportive option for women with medium to large busts.
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Choose a halter bra for dresses with higher backs and halter necks. Some backless dresses go around the neck and only expose a small portion of your back. For these dresses, you may be able to hide a halter style bra beneath your dress. This is another supportive option for women with larger busts.^{[6]
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- Be sure to try this type of bra on with your dress to ensure that your dress covers up the clasp. It's a good rule of thumb to try any type of bra on with your dress in advance of the night you plan to wear it – if the bra fits poorly or is too visible beneath the dress, you'll want time to find an alternative.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Styling Your Backless Dress

1
Practice proper posture to look confident and poised in your dress. Hold your head high, your shoulders back, and your chest out. Straight posture will draw attention to your back and enhance your look, so try your best to avoid slouching or hunching over.^{[7]
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- Tucking your stomach in and bearing weight primarily on the balls of your feet can help you stand taller. It's also helpful to keep your head on a level plane by making sure your earlobes are directly above your shoulders.^{[8]
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2
Choose minimal, elegant jewelry to counterbalance your daring dress. Accessories are an important part of any outfit, but the primary purpose of a backless dress is to show off your back. Jewelry that’s prominent or flashy can draw attention away from the true focus of your look.^{[9]
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- Instead of a bold piece of statement jewelry, choose a simple yet elegant pair of dangling earrings or a delicate bracelet to add just a touch of sparkle to your look.^{[10]
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3
Pick a pair of shoes that complements your dress without distracting from it. People usually wear backless dresses to more formal occasions or events. As such, it’s usually appropriate to choose a fancy pair of evening shoes – usually heels – to go with your dress. Just make sure that your footwear doesn’t steal the spotlight from your gown.^{[11]
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- If your dress is sequined, patterned, or otherwise embellished, it’s a safe bet to choose simpler,solid-colored shoes. If both your dress and your shoes are elaborate, they may clash with each other.
- Black shoes tend to go well with many different colors. Metallic and nude shoes can also be versatile. But if you want to experiment with an unexpected color choice, try picking shoes that are the same color as your dress, but a slightly different shade.^{[12]
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4
Avoid accessories, such as scarves, that cover your neck or back. Again, you want your back to be the focal point of your look. Necklaces can also create a disruption by drawing the eye to a clasp or an adjustable chain instead of your back.^{[13]
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- Necklaces that are designed to drape down over your back are an exception to this rule. These tend to be fairly delicate, and are designed to be worn with backless dresses and shirts.
5
Keep climate in mind while choosing accessories. If you are attending an outdoor event that might be a little chilly, wear a shrug, shawl, or jacket. You certainly want to show off your back at every chance you get, but you should prioritize your comfort – backless looks expose a lot of skin and can leave you vulnerable to the cold.^{[14]
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6
Pin up your hair to highlight the style of your dress. You may have long, luxurious locks, but if they cover your entire back, there is not much point in wearing a backless dress. Choose a hairdo that sweeps your hair up and away in order to show off your back.^{[15]
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- Updos often complement a backless gown. Try a sleek, simple bun, or attempt a more elaborate style involving twists or braids.^{[16]
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7
Try a half-up, half-down hairstyle for a demure, mysterious look. If updos aren’t your thing, try keeping your hair partially down. Allow part of it drape down your back, but make sure that enough of your skin still shows through. Covering up slightly can heighten the attractiveness of a backless dress.^{[17]
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- Try curling your hair in loose waves, then sweep it to the side and across your shoulder to reveal a section of your back.^{[18]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Skin

1
Use an antibacterial acne wash to clear and prevent breakouts. Even if you are not prone to back acne, regularly washing your back with an acne wash is a good way to ward off stray pimples and keep your skin looking smooth. Choose a formula that contains benzoyl peroxide for maximum effectiveness.^{[19]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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- If you’re having trouble washing the entirety of your back, try an antibacterial skin spray. These are easy to apply, and they pack the same cleansing punch as anti-acne soaps or scrubs.^{[20]
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2
Shed sweaty clothes to prevent back breakouts. Being active can increase the risk of developing acne on your back, shoulders, and chest. After getting sweaty, try to change out of your wet clothes and shower right away to clear away oil and bacteria from your skin. If you remember to do this each time you work out, you’ll be more likely to have clear skin on your back, which will help you feel confident in your backless dress.^{[21]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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3
Avoid conditioners that contain panthenol to keep your skin clear. For some, products that contain this chemical can increase the risk of breakouts around the hairline and across the back. Skip these products if you can, or carefully wash your back with body wash or antibacterial scrub after rinsing the conditioner out of your hair.^{[22]
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4
Moisturize the skin on your back to keep it healthy and blemish-free. After you wash, apply a light moisturizer or lotion over your back to keep the skin from drying out. This is an especially important step for those who have dry or sensitive skin.^{[23]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Using moisturizer soothes dry skin, but it can also prevent further acne breakouts. If your skin is dry, it produces more pore-clogging oil. Keeping your skin soft and hydrated with an oil-free moisturizer can curb excess oil and guard against resulting acne.
5
Regularly look at your back in a full-length mirror to ensure that you feel ready to show it off. After you begin your skincare regimen, check up on your skin to make sure you’ll be comfortable baring it in your backless dress. If you cannot see it by craning your head, use a hand mirror to assist you. Stand with your back to the full-length mirror and hold the hand mirror in front of you. Move the hand mirror around until you can clearly see the reflection of your back in the full-length mirror.^{[24]
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American Cancer Society
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Community Q&A

Question

Is it ok if I go braless?

Picklestheunicorn

Community Answer

Yes, but remember your nipples have a huge chance of showing. So, it depends how comfortable you are.
Question

How does the backless dress stay on?

Community Answer

Depends on the dress. Some have halters, some have straps that go around your shoulders.
Question

Do the same rules apply if the dress shows my butt or if the dress is see-through?

Oliviap3016

Community Answer

Generally, yes. You should try to cover up as much as you can, depending on your comfort level. That being said, if you're okay with showing off your body, go for it! Just make sure you're covered enough to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions.