Cut Out Maxi Dresses: How to Wear the Cut Out, Elegantly

By Coveti Editorial. Read our editorial and AI policy.

The short answer: a cut out maxi dress looks elegant when the opening is small and placed with intent, at the waist, side and back, and the rest of the dress is covered. The Regent long sleeve cut out maxi dress puts its openings at the side and back under a high neckline, and the Brighton cut out maxi dress places one at the front below a frill. Both appear in our blue wedding guest dresses edit. Rebecca Vallance is a Sydney occasionwear label founded in 2011, known for structured, lined dresses cut to AU sizing, which matches UK sizing.

Cut out maxi dresses draw about 2,900 searches a month in the United States, peaking in spring. The style split opinion when it first returned because many versions put the opening everywhere. The designer versions work because they balance it: long sleeves with an open back, a covered skirt with a small front window.

The pieces at a glance

How we measured: cloth names, composition, lining and care are transcribed from each Rebecca Vallance product page on 15 November 2026. Sizes cut are the sizes Coveti carries for each piece. Where the house does not publish a value, the cell says so.

Where the cut out sits

Side and back. The Regent Long Sleeve Maxi Dress keeps a high neckline and raglan long sleeves, then opens at the side and back. It reads covered from the front.

Front, under the bust. The Brighton Maxi Dress and the Brighton Long Sleeve Mini Dress place a cut out below a frilled V neckline. It draws the eye to the waist.

Front and back. The Sable Midi Dress pairs a front and back cut out with a halter neckline and an open back with a tie. The most open of the four, at a midi length.

How to wear a cut out dress

Check the underwear first. Side and back openings rule out a standard bra, so try the dress on with the strapless and adhesive options you plan to wear.

Keep the jewellery away from the opening. A gold metal flower trim already sits on the Regent; let it be the focal point.

Layer for the ceremony. A tailored jacket over the Regent covers the back for a church service, then comes off for the reception.

Cut out dresses around the world

United States. Searches rise from February and peak in March, for spring weddings and resort travel. A US 4 is a UK 8.

United Kingdom. Cut outs suit summer weddings and evening parties. Take your usual UK size.

Europe. A UK 10 is an EU 38 and an IT 42.

Gulf. For more coverage, the Regent Long Sleeve Maxi Dress reads covered from the front; add a jacket to close the back.

Frequently asked questions

Is a cut out dress appropriate for a wedding?

Usually yes, if the opening is small and the dress is otherwise covered. For a religious ceremony, bring a jacket.

What bra do you wear with a cut out maxi dress?

It depends on the placement. Side and back openings need an adhesive bra. A front cut out under the bust usually works with a low back strapless bra.

Are the Rebecca Vallance cut out dresses lined?

The Brighton and Sable dresses are lined in 100% cotton. The Regent jersey lists a lining of 95% polyester and 5% elastane in its composition.

Do they run true to size?

Yes. The brand says they fit true to size, and AU sizing matches UK sizing. See our size guide.

See also blue maxi dresses, the Rebecca Vallance Regent dresses and designer little black dresses.

Curated by the Coveti Studio.