How to Choose the Best Cut Out Dress That Flatters Your Body

This week I went into West Hollywood a few times, which meant driving through Los Angeles traffic. Have you ever just felt like so much was happening at once and just needed a breather? This week, I’m hoping to squeeze a full day of relaxation in, draw a bath and unwind. Sometimes you just have to let down your hair and be a little playful. After all the events were done for the week, Tom went for a date night, so I changed into this beautiful maxi dress.

When I first laid eyes on it, I knew I needed to add it to my closet. I don’t usually gravitate towards cutouts at the waist because they don’t always fit quite right on me. I really enjoy taking risks with my outfits, but not every risk is worth taking!

Prior to this dress, I had purchased a cutout dress that I didn’t quite love, so I’m sharing recommendations on how to find the best cutout for your body, so that you don’t make the same mistake I did:

How to Choose Cut Outs That Flatter Your Body

1) Feature a flattering part of your body

Choose a piece that has a cutout in one or two areas that you’re most comfortable baring. I don’t have a big bust, and my natural waist is the most flattering on me, especially if I’ve been working out. Not everyone is prepared to bare their stomach and chest. Some pieces have great cutouts on the arms, on the bottom half of a long skirt, the upper or lower back and even on the neckline. Keyhole cutouts are one of my favorites because they’re just a small narrow cutout, so there isn’t much exposure but is usually eye catching.

2) Select a silhouette that you’re familiar with that flatters your body

I remember the first cutout dress I ordered 4 years ago. It was so unflattering that I wanted to return it immediately, but I didn’t make the time to do it, so I ended up being stuck with it.  The funny part is, that cutout is in the exact same spot as this dress I am wearing. As much as I usually like the other silhouette, it’s not my most flattering. The one pictured here is, so I knew it’d be a keeper.

When you choose a dress with a cutout, go with a shape that you know and love. Then find one with a cutout you’re comfortable with. Cut outs will not fix the fact that the shape of the dress is not best suited on you.

3) Try a few silhouettes with the same/different cutouts in-store before you decide to buy or order online

I highly recommend trying on a few of your favorite silhouettes and even a few different cutouts that sit on a specific part of the body. Sometimes a cutout in the same spot, but in a different style or size is much more flattering. It can just be the way it fits, or where exactly it sits on your body. Sometimes what looks good on a model just doesn’t come out the same way on the body.  The cutouts can be higher or lower on the body, which can be disappointing when you order something and find out that cutouts don’t sit where you want them to.

I hope you enjoyed this post.  Are you thinking of adding a cutout piece to your wardrobe? Do you own a cutout dress that you love? What did you end up wearing it to?  I’d love to hear!

You can also follow me on Bloglovin♥, find me on Twitter or Instagram or Snapchat at mikialamode.

Xo,

Miki

Outfit:  Dress by Boohoo available here. Purse by See by Chloè, similar at Luisa via Roma here.  Shoes by Public Desire available here. Earrings by Forever21, similar at Baublebar here.

Photo credit to my one and only, Rise Again BJJ