Cut-out dresses are still a major trend as we move into summer 2024, and I'm here for it. Showing a little more skin than regular styles, they're playful and they keep you cool. But they're not just tiny, barely-there pieces - the cut-out dress comes in many forms, from statement to more subtle.
The best cut-out dresses at a glance
The Meghan Markle-inspired cut-out dress: River Island Linen Halter Neck Midi Dress, £45 / $84
The floral cut-out dress: Reformation Poppies Silk Cut-Out Dress, £348 / $348
The black cut-out dress: Mango Embroidered Dress, £89.99 / $139.99
The designer cut-out dress: Cult Gaia Lurenz Asymmetric Midi Dress, £550 / $518
The bright cut-out dress: Reiss Elodie Amur Pleated Dress, £648
The long sleeve cut-out dress: H&M Balloon-Sleeved Cut-Out Dress, £34.99 / $49.99
Meghan Markle was pictured earlier this month looking so elegant in a halterneck dress by Heidi Merrick, which featured a small cut-out detail. The Ginger Dress has a wrap-around halter top that's finished with a large bow at the back of the neck and creates a cut-out across the midsection. Meghan accessorised with gold hoops, oversized black sunglasses also by Heidi Merrick and her trusty nude Aquazzura heels.
I've also seen cut-out dresses look amazing on the likes of Maya Jama, who made a case for more daring styles last summer. This electric blue maxi by Balmain fell to an ankle-length and featured striking knotted detailing and a one-shoulder silhouette. She completed the look with super glowy skin and a slick of black eyeliner.
Dua Lipa and Kendall Jenner have both been seen in coveted cut-out pieces too, as well as multiple fashion week guests over the last few seasons.
How I chose the best cut-out dresses
- Style: From subtle cut-outs in daytime dresses to statement occasionwear, I've found cut-out pieces to suit every event and style.
- New-in: Most of the dresses below have just dropped for the new season (although you'll find a few classic pieces I couldn't resist from last summer).
- Budget: From £648 at Reiss to £34.99 at H&M, I've chosen pieces at a range of price points.
Reformation Poppies Silk Cut-Out Dress
Reformation Cut-Out Dress
Sizes available: UK 4-16
Colours available: Floral print
Shipping: £6 Standard Delivery or free over £100
Returns: £6 within 30 days
How stunning is Reformation's Poppies dress? Made from 100% silk with adjustable straps, a slim fit and side cut-out detail, it's my dream wedding guest dress.
£348 at Reformation
$348 at Reformation US
Mango Embroidered Dress
Mango Cut-Out Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-16
Colours available: Black
Shipping: £3.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £30
Returns: Free within 30 days
I could see Meghan wearing this chic black cut-out dress from Mango. Made from 100% cotton, it's breathable and comfortable for summer despite its dark colour. It features all over embroidery and an évasé design.
£89.99 at Mango
$139.99 at Mango US
River Island Linen Halter Neck Midi Dress
River Island Cut-Out Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-18
Colours available: Beige, Black, Blue, Polka Dot
Shipping: £4 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £50
Returns: Free within 28 days
I've found a high street lookalike for Meghan's Heidi Merrick dress at one of my high street favourites, River Island. Made from a breezy linen fabric, it features the same halterneck wrap front and cut out midsection. Wear it with leather slides or dress it up with heels like the Duchess.
£45 at River Island
$84 at River Island US
Cult Gaia Lurenz Asymmetric Midi Dress
Cult Gaia Cut-Out Dress
Sizes available: XXS-XL
Colours available: Chestnut Brown
Shipping: Free Standard Delivery
Returns: Free within 14 days
A favourite of both Maya Jama and Meghan Markle, Cult Gaia is known for coveted cut-out dresses. I'm obsessed with this asymmetric number which falls to a midi length and is held together by gold-toned, brushed brass rings.
£540 at Cult Gaia
$518 at Cult Gaia
Reiss Elodie Amur Pleated Dress
Reiss Cut-Out Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-14
Colours available: Pink/Red
Shipping: £5.95 Next Day Delivery
Returns: £1.95 within 28 days
Inject some colour into your summer occasionwear wardrobe with this stunning maxi dress from royal-favourite Reiss. Red and pink is my favourite colour clash and I'm picturing this for a wedding abroad.
£648 at Reiss
New Look Satin Pleated Cut Out Midi Dress
New Look Cut-Out Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-18
Colours available: Gold
Shipping: £2.99 for Standard Delivery or free on orders over £50
Returns: £1.99 within 28 days
Yes, pleating is big this summer. Whether it's for a wedding or another formal occasion, you'll want this gold New Look cut-out dress in your wardrobe. The glam midi has a subtle side cut-out.
£35.99 at New Look
Nobody's Child Cut-Out Lianne Midaxi Dress
Nobody's Child Cut-Out Dress
Nobody's Child's modest Lianne maxi dress is so chic for the new season. It has subtle cut-out side detail and flattering fluted sleeves. The olive green shade pairs perfectly with gold jewellery.
£118 at Nobody's Child
$188 at Nobody's Child US
ASOS DESIGN Linen Midi Sundress
ASOS Cut-Out Dress
Sizes available: UK 4-18
Colours available: Chocolate
Shipping: Free Standard Delivery
Returns: Free within 28 days
Like Meghan's, this ASOS dress just has a subtle midsection cut-out detail. Made from linen, it features adjustable spaghetti straps and flattering side ruching. Dress it down with leather flats or style it for the evening with strappy heeled sandals.
£42 at ASOS
Free People Taking Sides Maxi Dress
Free People Cut-Out Dress
Sizes available: XS-XL
Colours available: Multiple
Shipping: £6 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £100
Returns: Free within 30 days
This cut-out maxi dress from Free People is the ultimate summer holiday dress. Made from 100% cotton, it has fully adjustable spaghetti straps and comes in a huge selection of colours - there's a shade to suit every style.
£108 at Free People
£118 at Free People US
H&M Balloon-Sleeved Cut-Out Dress
H&M Cut-Out Bodycon Dress
Sizes available: XXS-XXL
Colours available: Black, Navy
Shipping: £3.99 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £30
Returns: Free within 28 days
H&M's affordable black cut-out midi would look amazing with wedge espadrilles, or even dressed down with a pair of trainers. If you're looking for a versatile, long sleeved piece this is perfection.
£34.99 at H&M
$49.99 at H&M US
Boohoo Printed Cut-Out Maxi Dress
Boohoo Cut-Out Dress
Sizes available: UK 8-16
Colours available: Red
Shipping: Free with Premier
Returns: Free within 28 days
From the bold red hue to the playful print, Boohoo's maxi dress with cut-out detail at the waist is a head turner. I'd style it with barely-there heels and a clutch.
£30 (save 30%) at Boohoo
$39 (save 30%) at Boohoo US
Ego Bandeau Cut-Out Maxi Dress
Ego Cut-Out Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-16
Colours available: Black
Shipping: £3.99 Standard Delivery
Returns: Free within 28 days
Channel Maya Jama in a sleeker style with this black cut-out dress from Ego. Falling to a maxi length, it features a bandeau neckline and sultry high front slit.
£24 at Ego
$33 at Ego US
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