Cut-away Craze

I'm sure you've all heard of the phrase less is more. But it's usually one used to describe minimal make-up or indeed flawless fake tan. 2010, however, brings you a range of cut-out/cut-away clothing: your normal average top or dress but with missing elements.

With such designs taking the catwalk by storm, it wasn't going to be long until this style was transcribed into the year's bikinis and swimsuits too- so it isn't surprising that this Summer brought you just that.

Infusing sensuality into everyday outfits, you'll find a selection of fashion essentials that will expose as little or as much skin as you'd like. You'll see that there are many cut-away designs out there, all mixing a variety of of sexy shapes and sweet silhouettes.

What's more, you'll find that they expose various parts of your body: from back and top chest, to shoulders and stomach. So there's pretty much a style to suit everyone :) Here, I've highlighted a selection of lovely cutaway clothing, some more daring than others, and arranged them by retailer.

ASOS

(from top left clockwise, then center) heart cut-out shell top £11 on sale; Cheap Monday by Ann Sofie back cut-out skinny jeans £17 on sale; cut-out sleeve one shoulder asymmetric top £18 on sale; cut-out front pencil dress £20 on sale; boudoir power mesh cut-out body £22; drapey 3-tier cut-out swimsuit £22 on sale; Fairground cut-out side button front denim dress £25 on sale; A.Y. Not Dead laser triangle cut-out top £30; TFNC heart cut-out 2-in-1 dress £38; boudoir lattice cut-out body £8 on sale; Firetrap distressed cut-out shoe boots £20 on sale; London Rebel cut-out shoe boots £16 on sale; (centre) padded cut-out middle maxi beach dress £24

MISSGUIDED

Desana jersey dress with cut-out neck in dusty pink £13.99 on sale; Shiwana floral dress £19.99

Trudie open toe cut-out shoe boots £32.99; Genesis cut-out studded wedges in beige £32.99

Sierra diamante trim maxi dress £38.99

BOOHOO

(from bottom left clockwise, then center) Rebecca cut-out front shift dress £15; Casey cut-out back bodycon bandage dress £25; Tess leopard print cut-out side dress £20; Samira bodycon cut-out dress £22; Dawn polka heart cut-out dress £8 on sale; Kasey bow side jersey leggings £10; Franky ivory cut-out gladiator £12; Marli open front cut-out heel £25; (center) Lauren lazer cut legging £6

Donna suedette cut-out lace cone heel £20; Neha blue zip front cut-out side shoe £20

REPUBLIC

Miso lace back dress £29.99, stunning lace panels on back and sleeves

DESIRE

(clockwise) creap strappy cut-out zip back shoes £10 on sale; black strappy cut-out zip back shoes £10 on sale; black cut-out silver edged platform £10 on sale; fuchsia cut-out silver edged platform £10 on sale

pink peacock feather print cut-out look dress £10 on sale

MISS SELFRIDGE

cream long sleeve slubby cut-out top £16; blue long sleeve slubby cut-out top £16; grey long sleeve cut-out shoulder top £18

(left top to bottom, then right) black cut-out lace up court £35; cream cut-out shoe boot £45; grey and cream cut-out T-shirt £18

RIVER ISLAND

(clockwise) black tie dye print cut-out bodycon dress £24.99; red beaded cut-out swimsuit £26.99 (now only available online in size 18); black denim bodycon dress £24.99; floral print cut-out swimsuit £24.99; purple cut-out shift dress £39.99; black one shoulder cut-out bodycon dress £49.99

TOPSHOP

diagonal cut-out dress by Quontum £50; cut-out side sweat tunic £25; cut-out dress by Quontum £45

(top then bottom) leather cut-out panel belt £35; Ikat cut-out one piece £28; GAGA lace cut-out shoes £60; leopard cut-out side tunic £22 (now only available online in sizes 14 and 16)

cut-out bodycon dress £45; cut-out dress by Rare £49; mesh cut-out side tunic £22

cut-out jersey maxi dress, just £8 on sale!

DEBENHAMS

(clockwise) purple diamante square cut bracelet £15; petite black cut-out detail shrug £15; grey 'Gina' cut-out court shoe £28; black 'Edinburgh' cut-out hobo bag £45

Jasper Conran tan cut-out detail pump £25; Mantaray brown cut-out pattern watch £25

NEW LOOK

(clockwise) leather stud platform £30; cut-out ribbon heel £22.99; suedette stud strap heel £30; floral cage back vest £18.99; fringed cut arm top £22

caged high platform £24.99; tie up satin court £15 on sale (now only available in sizes 5 and 6 online)

So mix the cut-away trend with sexy sheer or invest in some cut-out detail shoes or accessories. This provocative trend can be discreet, but strategically sexy so don't be afraid to be seen donning your best cut-away fashion items. It may be transparent but it sure aint trashy!
(Psst! Get £5 off orders of £30 or more at Republic online with code L1K3U5- offer ends midnight tonight so hurry!)

"Sexy is the thing I try to get them to see me as after I win them over with my personality."

Until next time :)
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