Fashion

11 Backless Dresses That'll Show Off Tattoos In The Coolest Way Possible This Summer

As things wrap up this weekend for the Chicago portion of the Body Art Expo (allegedly the world's largest tattoo convention — which is headed west, with July's dates taking place in Pomona, CA), many women in the Midwest are reveling in the beautiful weather that's finally gracing the central United States, and excited to show of their incredible inked skin. In fact, they're not alone: For what seems to be a brief moment of glory, most of the United States are looking to be sunny and summery — just in time for the summer solstice. Which, of course, means the perfect opportunity to celebrate your tattoos by baring them in stunning style.

For those of us who have back tattoos, warm weather is pretty essential to our ability to show them off — in public, at least. And what better way to do just that, then to don a fun, flirty, or sophisticated backless dress?

Here, a list of lovely backless and keyhole dress designs for ladies looking to bare their back ink this summer. And don't worry, I've got you covered (or uncovered, as the case may be), whether you're getting ready for an evening out, a leisurely stroll through the park, or fun day with friends. So, get out there, and enjoy that summer sun!

Images: hmoong/Flickr.com; Courtesy Brands

by Jen Marie

Sweetly Swift-like

Skater Dress in Texture With Cut Out Back, $54, Asos

Looking to channel a bit of Taylor Swift’s sweet and sleek style? This maddeningly adorable mint dress might be right up your alley.

Cute Keyhole

First Lace Prize Dress, $108, Modcloth

If you’re headed to a semi-formal event, but still want to show off your unique inked style, this lovely keyhole cutout dress offers sophistication and charm. Plus, the black and champagne color combination is eternally classy.

Classy Maxi

Embellished Black Maxi Dress, $118, Asos

For a slightly more formal take on the basic maxi, check out this sweet ice lilac number. Sparkle your way through the crowd with rhinestone embellished detailing, and stun onlookers with your ink adorned skin.

Fun And Floral

Midi Cut Out Back Dress in Border Floral, $51, Asos

A little bit country, and oh so endearing, this floral black dress scoops in all of the right places. Still offering enough coverage to be fairly modest, this dress allows you to show some tattooed skin without baring your whole back.

Fearlessly Flirtatious

Fearlessly Flirtatious Dress, $90, Modcloth

Talk about fierce! Clean, simple lines make this short dress absolutely stunning. Your back tattoos will be the clearly visible icing on this super fun, flirty cake.

Lovely And Lacy

Romancing the Rinestone Dress, $56, Modcloth

Sweet, and understated in the back, and boasting some bling in the front, ModCloth’s Romancing the Rhinestone Dress is enough to take your breath away. The soft subtle lace will lend the perfect contrast to your tattoo, framing it in utter elegance.

Alluringly Lacy

Anniversary Allure Dress, $55, Modcloth

Sophisticated and polished in the front, this alluringly lacy number opens up to be a bit sensual in the back. Perfect for a date night — perhaps even the first time you let your new fling know you’re sporting some sweet ink.

Pretty In Pink

Cute and Posy Dress, $30, Modcloth

I don’t have to say much about the Cute and Posy Dress from ModCloth. It’s adorable, and kind of speaks for itself. But can you just imagine yourself out in the summer sun, on a picnic, sipping lemonade in this dress, your fun little geometric tattoo peeking out behind you?

'Mad Men' Mini

Mad Men 50s Mini Backless Dress, $57, Etsy

Missing Mad Men? Well, this summer you can channel some of that retro style in this ’50s Mad Men Mini Backless Dress. It’s a little bit nice, and a little bit naughty, showing more than enough back real estate to highlight your daring spinal flourishes.

Sunny Maxi

Summer Maxi Dress, $75, Etsy

If you’re craving something lightweight and flowing, a maxi dress is often the way to go. This sunny yellow number has a lovely low swoop in the back, and a unique, curve hugging design. Gotta love a dress that moves visually with the contours of your body!

So Chic

Picture Prix Fixe Dress, $55, Modcloth

Of all the dresses on this list, this is by far my favorite. Pure class, and a dash of mystique make this stunning white dress my number one stunner when it comes to baring back ink — imagine the contrast! Absolute style gold.

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