Known for her recent roles in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and Netflix's teen drama Outer Banks, Madelyn Cline has been having fun with fashion for the past several months, not quite settling on a signature look or silhouette. But her outfit at the Vanity Fair party turned heads for all the right reasons. While at first glance it appears to be quite demure compared to the see-through mesh, body-con, and corsetted trends we have seen lately, the Givenchy gown packs a major wow moment with an exaggerated keyhole cut out in the back.
Clearly, Cline knows how to work her angles, as both she and the floor-length gown looked incredible in nearly every shot. Inspired by this elegant way of showing off a little skin—a nice surprise factor for sure—we've selected 12 dresses with barely there backs that are sure to make a statement at your next big event.
Keep scrolling to shop and take a few notes on posing from Cline. We have a feeling we'll be seeing this look even more come wedding season on brides and guests alike.
Madelyn Cline at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in a Backless Givenchy Gown
Shop Backless Dresses
Your future bridesmaids will thank you for choosing this dress that comes in several special colors and can easily be worn again.
If bridal isn't on your radar this year, then don't worry—Staud makes this open-back maxi in navy blue, too (we love both!).
If barely there is the goal, then this LBD aced the assignment.
My ideal summer picnic dress.
This pretty pink color caught our eye and the back held our stare.
An open cowl back adds an unexpected dose of drama to this otherwise demure dress.
You'll want to be photographed in this lemony yellow dress from the back and the front.
Not your basic LBD, right?
We dare you not to add this dress to your shopping cart immediately.
Ideal for a garden party or a gala.
The hardest part about deciding to purchase this backless silk dress? Choosing between bright pink and sky blue.
It's giving Kate in the front and Pippa in the back.
Another totally rewearable bridesmaids dress idea.
Next: All the Dazzling Oscars Beauty Looks That Knocked Our Damn Socks Off
-
Emma Chamberlain's World: Her Warby Parker Collab, Two-Phone Rule, and Spiciest Fashion Takes"I just want to bring the most joy to people."
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in EuropeClassic looks that are always in style.
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This WinterYou're welcome.
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the DistanceI'm going to use it this weekend.
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big ImpactHow to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
-
4 Dated Sweater Trends I'm Purging From My Small NYC Closet by the Year's EndAnd the chic knitwear I'm making room for.
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-UpSophisticated styling 101.
