Stunning Backless Wedding Guest Dresses

There's something so elegant about a dress that shows off your back. Any wedding guest dress is given a sexy upgrade with a backless silhouette. This head-turning style is perfect if you want to make a subtly sexy statement at your next event.

You may typically associate a plunging back with a fancy evening event. However, today's selection of backless wedding guest dresses feature an array of silhouettes, whether on an elegant evening gown or a sweet daytime cocktail dress—and they don't have to be reserved for summer weddings, either. Rich fabrications like velvet and jacquard make for perfect winter wedding guest dresses.

While everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to showing skin, the good thing is that there's a backless dress out there for everyone! Whether you want to rock a more modest keyhole back or a daring plunging V-back style, the options are endless.

In this article:

• Things to Consider When Choosing a Backless Wedding Guest Dress
• Backless Wedding Guest Dresses We Love

Things to Consider When Choosing a Backless Wedding Guest Dress

So you've set your heart on a backless look for the next wedding you attend. Here are some things to keep in mind as you shop for the perfect dress.

The Dress Code: Keep in mind the formality of the event when choosing your dress. Opt for a gown in an elevated fabric for a more formal evening wedding or go for a mini length for something less formal. While a backless style is appropriate for all levels of formality, the fabric and length of the gown will dictate which styles fit the event.

The Venue: If you're going to be outdoors, keep in mind that your backless dress may be covered up by a jacket if the weather doesn't cooperate. If you know you will be outdoors the whole time, also consider the length of your dress so that it does not drag in the grass the whole time — midi lengths are a great way to ensure you don't worry about your dress dragging all night.

The Season: While backless dresses are typically best for the spring and summer months, there are plenty of great options for fall and winter. Rich fabrics like velvet and long sleeves will ensure you are dressed appropriately for the season while also getting to show off your backless dress. The same can be said for choosing an appropriate color palette for the season. Save your brighter hues dresses for the warmer months and opt for richer tones in the cold months.

Backless Wedding Guest Dresses We Love

Need a little help with your search? Here are some of our top backless wedding guest dress picks.

Katie May Surreal Gown

Photo: REVOLVE

Sage green is the perfect color for an understated pop of color. The eyelash lace detailing along the back of this stunning gown lends a lingerie-inspired feel to the otherwise simple design.

Reformation Niamh Silk Dress in Copper

Photo: Reformation

You'll look effortlessly elegant in this stunning maxi dress. The open back contrasts with the demure boat neckline, while the silk fabric and copper hue give this look a luxurious feel.

Significant Other Darcy Backless Halter Dress in Lavender

Photo: Anthropologie

This pretty backless dress from Significant Other has us in a lavender haze. Maxi-length, with a slip silhouette and halter neckline, it's perfect for a spring or summer wedding.

Petal + Pup Lucah Frill Shoulder Maxi Dress in Blue Floral

Photo: Petal + Pup

This pretty floral maxi from Petal + Pup is an excellent choice for a spring or summer wedding. The ruffle-edged straps, open back and side cutouts create a look that's both chic and fun.

Lulus All this Allure Black Strappy Backless Mermaid Maxi Dress

Photo: Lulus

Sexy crisscross straps on this backless v-neck gown are sure to turn heads. Plus, the mermaid shape adds a dramatic flair.

ASOS DESIGN Satin High Neck Open Back Maxi Dress in Red

Photo: ASOS

This backless wedding guest dress just screams summer. We love the vibrant hue, satin-style fabric, and flowy skirt.

Petal + Pup Marea Dress in Green

Photo: Petal + Pup

This pretty green floral midi dress from Petal + Pup is perfect for summer weddings. We love the stylish cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps and cute tie close above the back cutout.

Norma Kamali Halter Wrap Straight Gown

Photo: Shopbop

This super chic black maxi from Norma Kamali is perfect for formal weddings. With a halter neck, open back and front slit, it's both elegant and sexy.

Showpo Marlette Midi Pleated Open Back Halter Dress in Aubergine

Photo: Showpo

Stand out from the crowd in this gorgeous open-back midi dress from Showpo. The rich purple hue and chic halter neckline are sure to turn heads.

Significant Other Demi Backless Long-Sleeve Column Gown in Orchid

Photo: Anthropologie

Looking for a long-sleeved option? Look no further. This fashion-forward pick from Significant Other offers stylish balloon sleeves, a keyhole neckline, and a candy-pink hue that will have you looking scrumptious.

Free People Santa Luz Maxi in Red Pear

Photo: Free People

This boho Free People maxi would be perfect for a more casual beach wedding. The tie-back neckline, ruffle detailing and relaxed silhouette give it that effortless, breezy vibe.

Amanda Uprichard X REVOLVE Samba Gown in Dark Green

Photo: REVOLVE

This stunning green maxi dress is sure to impress at a black-tie wedding. The high neckline is chic and elegant, while the side slit adds a sexy edge.

Reformation Casette Silk Dress in Artichoke

Photo: Reformation

This silky midi is sure to be your new wardrobe staple—no matter the dress code. Its classic shape is given a chic twist with the criss cross detailing on the back. Rock yours with a sleek chignon and nude heels for a sophisticated look.

L'IDEE Renaissance Halter Side-Slit Pleated Maxi Dress in Purple

Photo: Anthropologie

We love the rich purple shade of this L'IDEE backless wedding guest dress. The pleated fabric, side slit and tie-back halter neckline only add to its appeal.

LPA Adila Dress

Photo: REVOLVE

Trending one-shoulder dresses always make a statement, and this one is no exception. We love its rich burgundy hue and sexy asymmetric back.

Jenny Yoo Ellis Velvet Open Back Dress in English Rose

Photo: Anthropologie

A romantic flutter sleeve is always a good idea. This luxe velvet gown is perfect for a winter black-tie wedding.

Lovers and Friends Bridgette Gown

Photo: REVOLVE

How stunning is this soft pink satin gown from Lovers and Friends? Ideal for formal wedding events, it's sure to turn heads with its front and back cutouts, halter neckline and elegant waist tie.

Mac Duggal Open Back Ruffle Cap Sleeve Gown

Photo: Nordstrom

Here's a showstopping option for formal weddings. With its open back, ruffle sleeves, and vibrant green shade, this Mac Duggal gown is sure to make a statement.

For Love & Lemons Tiana Midi Dress

Photo: For Love and Lemons

A vintage-inspired floral print and flowy asymmetrical high low skirt give this dreamy gown an instant wow factor. For accessories, a strappy pink heel is all you'll need. This one is at the top of our wishlist.

Showpo Raiza Mini Dress in Fuchsia

Photo: Showpo

If you're looking for a backless mini dress, consider this bright fuchsia option from Showpo. Its statement ruffle sleeves and tie-back detail make it stand out from the crowd. What's more, it also comes in six other colors, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

Meshki Nadia Maxi Satin Dress with Back Cowl in Emerald

Photo: Meshki

Channel timeless elegance with this backless wedding guest dress from Meshki. It combines a classic silhouette with a plunging back cowl for a sophisticated look that's bound to impress. It's also available in shades Lemon, Black, Silver, and Dark Chocolate.

Bec + Bridge Moon Dance Strapless Dress in Sage

Photo: Bec + Bridge

This satin dress is a celeb favorite—it's been worn by Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner— and for good reason! The low cowl back makes a statement on this elegant strapless dress.