After a year of seeing friends, colleagues, and family through FaceTime screens and Zoom meetings, it’s time to remind the world what the rest of you looks like—beyond what’s on screen. Say hello again to legs! Backs! Arms! And for those who dare, the midriff.
We’re not talking about your basic crop tops or pre-pandemic club attire; this season’s selection of deconstructed clothing consists of elevated yet unconventional cut-outs on the waists of breezy midi-dresses, linen blazers, and tops.
It’s a look that is all strikingly feminine, artfully modern, and alluring at the same time. You can also find dainty crisscross strap-tie detailing similar to the skirts of last season on sleeveless blouses and knit dresses, and there’s no shortage of keyholes, halter tops, and beautiful back-revealing maxis either. Like what you hear? Here’s how you can sample the season’s best offering with Nykaa Fashion!
Say it With A Sundress
Starting off with something subtle, these dresses scream summer! We love them because they work across occasions, whether it’s game night indoors or bbq by the pool outdoors.
What’s more, the dramatic dome carvings at the sides and front panels are bold, but not over-the-top. You can easily cover up a bit with an open oversized blazer or duster coat, then shed the top layer once you’re ready to show more skin.
Jumpsuits For Summer Brunches
Right up there with breezy summer slip dresses, this easy-to-style silhouette is an unsung hero of warm-weather dressing. Whether you’ve been a longtime fan of denim jumpsuits, or you’ve never stepped foot into a single pant leg of the trend, these one-and-done cutout pieces are your new best friends.
From classic full-body boiler suits to wear with your favourite sneakers to utility jumpsuits that were practically made with the hottest spring and summer days in mind, these are perfect for throwing on when everything else feels like too much.
Suns Out, Buns Out!
From frilly bikinis to one-piece suits, swimwear options are endless. But if you really want to make a grand statement during your next swim, a cut-out one-piece swimsuit is the way to go. Whether it’s a minimal slit along the small of your waist or a keyhole detail at the midriff, these reveal-and-conceal elements can turn any visit to the shore into a highly glamorous moment.
The beauty of the intricately designed pieces is in their versatility. After you’ve taken a dip and dried off, anchor them with a flowy pair of linen pants or a wrap skirt, and—voilà—that cut-out, one-piece swimsuit instantly turns into a top that can easily be worn to a post-beach dinner or whatever surprise the night may bring.
Summer Staple Casual Combos
Warm and sunny days are here at last, and while the prospect of ditching the sweat and winter bulk is undoubtedly exciting, our collective seasonal dilemma also begins: What to wear?
A solid rotation of go-to dresses, stylish loungewear, and comfortable shorts—though not too casual—is a must. Yes, we love our occasion wear but these combos are the ones that will really see us through the summer.
Euphoria might not have invented the cut-out trend, but it’s certainly responsible for putting it back on the map outside of the world of haute couture.
Perhaps playing into the prospect of letting in both the spring warmth and the gaze of others, designers are finding countless ways to cut, poke, and slash their garments to expose the skin underneath for sensuality. But it is still true that a little goes a long way, and as revealing as a cut-out may be, it’s how it doesn’t reveal that counts.
For the love of all that is hole-y, the cut-out is here to stay.
Read more: