The cutout clothing trend has taken over our feeds with its daring fashion choices. From dresses with strategically placed cutouts to tops with cleverly designed slits, this style is a favorite among celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike. With its recent resurgence on the red carpet, it’s no wonder that many are calling it ‘the new black.’ But before you jump on the bandwagon, let’s take a step back and consider the practicality of wearing such outfits in everyday life.
Rocking a sweater with multiple holes or a dress with gaping cutouts might not be the most feasible option for your daily errands or a family gathering. That’s why we’ve curated a list of 20 stylish and wearable cutout outfits that feature small, well-placed details on dresses, tops, and sets. These looks showcase peek-a-boo shoulders, pretty back details, and more, allowing you to stay on top of the trend without sacrificing your comfort or confidence.
How to Wear Cutout Dresses
When it comes to rocking the cutout fashion trend, there’s a fine line between edgy and sloppy. To avoid looking like you’re wearing a collection of random holes, opt for structured cutouts that add visual interest to your outfit without sacrificing style. A well-placed cutout can elevate a simple dress or top, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your fashion choices.
The key to mastering the cutout trend is to know when to hold back.
You don’t have to go overboard with bold cuts and revealing tops. Instead, focus on incorporating one or two statement pieces into your wardrobe and balance them out with more understated outfits. This will help you maintain a sense of sophistication while still showing off your fashion sense.
When it comes to choosing the right undergarments to pair with your cutout clothing, fit is key.
Make sure you’re wearing a bra that provides adequate coverage without adding bulk or distracting from the cutouts themselves. Consider investing in a few versatile options, such as stick-on bras or low-back bras, that can be worn with multiple outfits and provide added support.
↓ 21 – Celebrity Style
Brianne Howey’s Casino Night look from Netflix series Ginny and Georgia is definitely a favorite of mine. She rocked a black shirt and skirt combination with cutout detailing on the shoulders and a plunging neckline, accessorized to perfection with gold jewelry, heels, and a cute clip in her bun. While I couldn’t find the exact dress she wore, Zara’s belted cutout dress with similar details is a great alternative, paired with the same Swarovski pendant.
In other stylish news, Katie Holmes was spotted on her morning coffee run looking effortlessly chic in a gorgeous spring-inspired midi dress featuring keyhole cutouts and billowing sleeves. You can replicate her look with Ulla Johnson’s Suki Dress for USD 826 or opt for a more budget-friendly option like this floral printed keyhole cutout dress for USD 26.99 or this statement sleeve cutout dress for USD 49.99, both paired with Original Achilles sneakers.
Lastly, Queen Letizia of Spain is a masterclass in understated elegance, and her confetti print, keyhole cutout dress with billowing sleeves has been a go-to choice for her at public events. A testament to the power of simple yet effective styling.
↓ 20. Casual Cutout Long-Sleeved Shirt
As the weather warms up, ease into spring style with a cutout sleeved top that’s perfect for the transition from winter to warmer days. When you’re not ready to bare all in short shorts and camis, this versatile piece is an excellent choice. Pair it with high-waist leather leggings, a practical yet stylish bamboo handbag, and a pair of contrasting colored heels for a chic look that’s suitable for work events, lunch dates, or casual gatherings with friends.
You can even rock this outfit while working from home, making it a great addition to your everyday wardrobe.
↓ 19. Eyelet Peplum Top
Discover the versatility of eyelet tops! What’s often overlooked is that they also classify as cutout tops. This opens up a world of styling possibilities. For instance, pair your peplum top with a bralette underneath for a chic, playful look or opt for a strapless tank for added coverage. When it comes to bottoms, wide-legged trousers and strappy heels create a stunning combination that’s sure to turn heads.
↓ 18. How to Wear a Cutout Clothing in Winter
While cutout sweaters and turtlenecks are often associated with summer weather, they can also be incorporated into your fall wardrobe with the right layering techniques. Try pairing neutral-toned pieces to create a chic and stylish look that’s perfect for the season. For example, you could team a cutout sweater with high-waisted jeans and ankle boots for a cozy and autumnal-inspired outfit.
And if you’re looking for a more wintery take on the trend, simply swap out your fall footwear for a pair of knee-high booties and add a touch of faux fur to really make the look pop.
↓ 17. Cutout Sleeve Dress and Stretch Boots
Fall fashion doesn’t have to stop at the first leaf fall. This stylish ensemble showcases the versatility of pairing a cutout sleeve dress with stretch booties and a suede purse. The addition of a bow-detailed belt creates a flattering silhouette, highlighting the wearer’s curves. To replicate this look, you can opt for a monochromatic approach like the original or introduce a pop of color through a contrasting purse shade, adding depth and visual interest to the overall outfit.
↓ 16. Everyday Stylish Outfit
The ‘light and bright’ aesthetic is ideal for spring and summer, leveraging two vibrant colors – white and yellow. The subtle incorporation of black accents adds a touch of sophistication to the overall look. This versatile style lends itself well to casual outings, such as grabbing coffee with friends or exploring a new city. Meanwhile, the discreet geometric pattern on the top provides a clever ventilation system, keeping you cool and comfortable as you take in the sights.
↓ 15. Black Maxi Dress
The versatility of a great cutout dress knows no bounds. One such example is this stunning maxi dress, which transforms from plain to phenomenal when paired with an embroidered leather jacket and stretchy booties. The key to its success lies in the thoughtful placement of thigh-high slits and cutouts along the sides and back, breaking up the fabric into manageable sections that create a visually striking overall effect.
And as we take a look at the dress from behind, it’s clear that the strategic placement of these cutouts has resulted in a design that is at once dramatic and elegant.
↓ 14. Honeycomb
Elevate your city-girl street style game with a chic ensemble that seamlessly combines simplicity and sass! The key piece is a straightforward top paired with a high-waisted skirt layered over a bodycon one, creating a dynamic visual interest. Elevate the look further with strappy ankle-strap heels and add some effortless cool with a pair of trendy sunglasses.
The pièce de résistance is the honeycomb cutout pattern on the skirt, subtly introducing the cutout trend without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.
↓ 13. Cutout Shoulder Top
For a stylish and balanced look, combine a flowy long skirt with a cutout shoulder top. The contrast between the two pieces creates a visually appealing outfit that’s perfect for church or family gatherings. To add some structure to the overall design, consider tucking your top in before leaving the house. This simple yet versatile ensemble can be dressed up or down depending on your needs and preferences.
↓ 12. Cutout Skirt
This chic ensemble showcases just one of the numerous ways to style a cutout skirt. The tiny cutout pattern on this particular skirt adds visual interest when layered over a bodycon dress, making it an excellent choice for fashion-conscious women looking to incorporate the trend into their more sophisticated outfits.
↓ 11. Bohemian Maxi
For free-spirited women who adore bohemian fashion, this dress is a dream come true. Its airy, flowy design makes it perfect for hot summer days, while its beautiful pattern, delicate sleeves, and flattering neckline add up to a truly stunning look. The side cutouts provide a touch of whimsy, making the overall effect both playful and sophisticated.
To take your outfit to the next level, simply add a statement piece of jewelry and choose your favorite footwear – whether that’s sandals, flip-flops, heels, or something more adventurous like combat boots.
↓ 10. Two-Toned Semi-Formal Gown
The ‘little black dress’ gets a stylish reboot in this sleek, monochromatic design. Perfect for semi-formal occasions, its floor-length silhouette is elevated by a high, straight-across collar and defined waistline. The cutouts along the sides add a touch of whimsy, begging to be paired with statement accessories like a silver cuff and oversized hoop earrings.
↓ 9. Cutout Cocktail Dress
Ditch the mini cocktail dresses and make a statement with this stunning floor-length number. The moss green hue is effortlessly trendy without compromising on style. Pair it with a choker necklace, silver earrings, and a high bun to draw attention to your face and shoulders. For a glamorous look, team it up with heels, or opt for white sneakers if you’re going for a more casual vibe.
↓ 8. Chic Orange Party Dress
The dress in question is a masterclass in understated chic, featuring a dramatic slitted cutout that runs from just below the collarbone to the top of the dress. The metallic circles adding texture to this design element elevate it to new heights, making it perfect for those who appreciate high-fashion. When paired with bronze pumps and simple silver earrings, the overall look is one of effortless sophistication – a true showstopper for any fashion-conscious individual.
↓ 7. Darling Beach Mini Dress
The essence of beachwear is perfectly captured by a front-tie cutout beach dress. Its versatility allows it to be worn solo or layered over a bathing suit, making it an excellent choice for beach parties and poolside gatherings. To elevate the look, pair it with a stylish wide-brimmed straw hat, bold statement earrings, and a chic handbag, resulting in a chic and effortless summer ensemble.
↓ 6. Cutout Back Details
When it comes to this charming dress, you may be inclined to opt for a sewn-in bra or a sticky bra to provide the necessary support. The lightweight fabric and cap sleeves make it an ideal choice for warm weather wear. The polka dot print adds a playful touch, while the back cutouts are tastefully executed, making it a great option even for those who are still getting comfortable with cutout clothing.
↓ 5. Embroidered Mini Dress
For those just starting to explore the world of cutout dresses, consider beginning with a delicate frock that features subtle side cutouts. The elbow-length sleeves and mid-thigh hem provide a perfect balance to these tasteful design elements. As we’ve emphasized before, there’s no better way to beat the summer heat than donning a stylish cutout dress.
↓ 4. Perfect Vacation Look
Summer vacations are often synonymous with scorching temperatures, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay stylishly cool. A cutout dress is an excellent choice to beat the heat while still looking fabulous. Its lightweight design allows for maximum airflow and comfort, making it perfect for those sultry summer days. To complete your look, add some trendy accessories like matching sunglasses, a black wide-brimmed hat, and a handbag that complements your outfit.
↓ 3. Cutout Bathing Suit
A one-piece swimsuit with a cutout design offers a stylish alternative to a traditional bikini. While still showcasing your summer style, this option provides a bit more coverage without sacrificing flair. For example, we adore a polka-dot cutout one-piece paired with oversized sunglasses, statement earrings, and bold red lipstick. This chic ensemble is perfect for beach days or poolside gatherings.
↓ 2. Layering Over Button-Down Dress Shirt
Wearing a cutout top over another layer adds an edgy twist to your style. Try pairing it with a crisp white button-down shirt for a unique look that’s perfect for colder months when layering is key. The combination of textures and patterns creates a visually interesting outfit that can be easily elevated by adding a wide-brimmed felt hat, sunglasses, and a cute purse. For more inspiration, check out some fresh outfits featuring white shirts.
↓ 1. Multicolor Cutout Dress
For fashion-forward females who crave a pop of color, this vibrant dress is the ultimate showstopper. Its statement-making design makes it perfect for capturing memories at photoshoots, beachside bashes, and vacation soirees. The bold colors are so striking that they almost beg to be showcased on their own, requiring minimal accessorizing. A pair of neutral-colored heels and some elegant gold hoop earrings are all you need to elevate this stunning dress.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cutout clothing trend has sparked a lot of curiosity, leading to numerous inquiries from style enthusiasts and newcomers alike. For those seeking clarity on this fashion phenomenon, we’ve gathered some commonly asked questions below.
Q. How to wear the cutout trend?
When it comes to incorporating cutout clothing into your wardrobe, it’s essential to start small and build your confidence gradually. If you’re new to cutouts or have concerns about revealing certain areas of the body, there’s no need to rush into something that makes you feel uncomfortable. Begin with a subtle design feature, such as a dress with a small cutout below the collarbone or a shirt with an upper back cutout.
This will allow you to get accustomed to wearing cutouts without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, don’t forget to consider your undergarments when dressing in cutout clothing, ensuring that you’re prepared for any occasion.
Q. How to wear a cutout dress?
A cutout dress can easily be transformed from casual to elegant with the right accessories. While they’re perfect for warm weather, it’s essential to consider the dress’s design when selecting undergarments. For instance, if the cutout is located on the back or lower portion of the dress, a sticky bra may provide added security. Similarly, opt for skin-colored undergarments to minimize any visible lines should you need to adjust your attire.
This simple attention to detail can make all the difference in how put-together and confident you feel in your cutout dress.
Q. Are shoulder cutouts still in style?
While cold shoulder tops may not be the current fashion craze, it’s still possible to rock a top with shoulder cutouts without feeling dated. The key lies in choosing trendy accessories that complement the design, ultimately giving your outfit a fresh and fashionable vibe. By doing so, you can effortlessly update your look to stay on-trend.
Q. Where to Shop for Cutout dresses and clothes?
If you’re looking to incorporate cutout dresses into your wardrobe, there are several top-notch retailers worth considering. Some of our favorites include Nordstrom, Zara, Cult Gaia, Revolve, and Free People. Whether you’re seeking statement pieces or everyday essentials, these destinations offer a diverse range of styles and prices. We’d love to hear about how you plan on incorporating cutout clothing into your wardrobe this year – share your thoughts in the comments below!
