Lead ImageAngel is wearing a nylon strap playsuit with metal hardware by Agent Provocateur
Cut-out clothes are not for the fainthearted. Arming oneself with the correct undergarments, and knowledge of where to strategically place industrial strength wig tape – a surprising styling essential for adhering boob to cloth – is vital in order to minimise the risk of a wardrobe malfunction. But for those who dare to bare slivers of flesh, the rewards are well worth the threat of ‘nip-slip’, as an alluring backless dress, plunging neckline or laser-cut shirt prove to be both sexy and directional.
Despite the cut-out being a rather 1990s phenomenon, conjuring images of Jennifer Lopez in that green silk-chiffon Versace number on the red carpet at the turn of the millennium, there are indeed certain means of pulling off the trend in 2017 that feel contemporary. If you’re lost as to which parts of your body to flash in public this summer, look no further than our selection of nine options.
1. Bondage (above)
This Agent Provocateur playsuit errs on the side of fetishwear; layer it over a white shirt, or keep it in the bedroom, as intended.
Jess is wearing a cut-out drawstring waisted jumpsuit by Boss
2. Plunge
Here’s where that extra sticky wig tape really comes into its own: for the larger chested woman, you’ll need plenty to create a scaffolding-like effect.
Jess is wearing thigh-high buckled and frayed denim sandals by AGL
3. Gladiator
The cut-out shoe can go much further than a subtle peep toe, as seen here in these thigh-high denim gladiator sandals by AGL.
Angel is wearing an asymmetric leather dress and crystal heart brooch by Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello
4. Nipple
Cover whatever modesty you might have left with a diamanté brooch or nipple pasty. Lil’ Kim eat your heart out.
Jess is wearing a floral silk brocade jacket, sheer cotton embroidered apron, silk brocade knickers and cotton and elastic boots by Fendi
5. Apron
Take the apron out of the context of the kitchen and into your evening attire with Fendi’s floaty iteration that could also double up as a chic tablecloth.
Jess is wearing a glitter cascade embroidery and check jersey dress and leather boots by Louis Vuitton
6. Backless
A handkerchief dress that softly falls over the front of your body makes for a stark a contrast with exposed razor-sharp shoulder blades.
Jess is wearing a coated cotton jumpsuit and oversized pocket belt by Marni
7. Utility
Utility wear doesn’t have to be frumpy: simply add a cut-out – and perhaps the hint of a lacy bra fastening – and you’re good to go.
Jess is wearing a silk printed cut-out dress and floral knickers by Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood
8. Florals
Florals for summer enter groundbreaking territory when worn in the form of knickers peeping out of perforated silk.
Angel is wearing a mesh bodysuit and mesh shorts by Balmain
9. Abstract
Transform yourself into architecture-in motion with an abstract cut-out revealing angular sections of skin in all the right places.
Hair Naoki Komiya at Julien Watson Agency; Make-up Nami Yoshida at Bryant Artists using Chanel; Models Jess PW at Storm, April Alexander at W Model Management; Casting Noah Shelley at AM Casting; Set design Janina Pedan at The Magnet Agency.
