All the Hot Girl Summer Dress Trends That Will Define 2021

In the blink of an eye, this summer built up the expectation of being everyone's hottest Hot Girl Summer ever. The excitement and anticipation for our social lives to finally look a lot like they used to set the stage for fire 'fits and positive attitudes across the board. In case you aren't familiar with what Hot Girl Summer means in 2021, read this. This "hot girl" mentality and lifestyle doesn't look exactly as it used to back when the term had a more negative connotation. These days, the phrase "Hot Girl Summer" actually couldn't be more empowering. Jasmine Fox-Suliaman said it best in her article explaining that Hot Girl Summer is all about "embodying self-love, a positive body image, healthy boundaries and relationships, self-actualization, and, of course, sultry style choices."

Looking to channel that energy this season? Then, I highly suggest you try out one of the six dress trends below. Lately, many risqué trends have bubbled to the surface, but if we know anything about our readers, it's that you all love a good dress. With that, I present to you the dress trends that will define Hot Girl Summer. From cutouts to semi-sheer moments, the assortment of stunning frocks below will have your jaws dropped and your wallets out—just watch. 

Slightly See-Through

I am very interested in anything Lizzo wears. However, this semi-sheer dress really hit different, as it's one of the dress trends we're seeing pop up all over the place this summer. Whether you choose to style yours with a more modest slip underneath or plan to bare it all with a G-string and no bra, these sheer little numbers are It. 

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When Two Become One

This just might be one of my favorite dress trends of all. It's all about the optical illusion of either two pieces looking like one or vice versa. So yes, technically you can achieve the look of this trend via two-pieces, but let's not get into the logistics. No matter how you slice and dice it, this revealing and intriguing trend is already celebrity and influencer approved, which only means you're up next.

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Hot Halters

Halters are a summertime must-have, especially this year. While halter tops are also trending at the moment, little halter dresses are truly taking the cake. 

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Cascading Keyholes

We've been talking about this trend for a while now, and thanks to the rise of Hot Girl Summer, it's finally becoming a tad more mainstream (in a good way). These cascading keyholes are the more niche version of the overall cutout trend and make for jaw-dropping Instagram photos every time. 

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Wide Open Backs

Backless dresses are officially everywhere, and if you ask me, this isn't a dress trend that will be going away anytime soon. No matter what event you have this summer, a backless number will do just the trick. 

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Creative Cutouts

Last but not least, we have cutouts. What started as little slivers here and there has quickly developed into skin-baring moments that simply must be talked about. Whether you're into a gaping side or delicate shapes cut out along your midriff, this dress trend is one we've known and loved for a while now. 

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