RIVIERA KNIT TWIST MIDI DRESS, BEC+BRIDGE, SHOP NOW. BRIDGET GOLD BANGLES, OROTON, SHOP NOW

Body Confidence is back. From body con dresses to bodysuits, fashion is having an affair with cut-outs that’s going a few degrees hotter and, shall I say, freer. Time to show off your shoulder blade, hips or midriff. With summer around the corner, do you dare to bare?

LEFT: RIVIERA KNIT TWIST MIDI DRESS, BEC+BRIDGE, SHOP NOW. CANVAS HAT, HELEN KAMINSKI, SHOP NOW. RIGHT: (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT):  SPLENDIDA MINI SHOULDER BAG, FURLA, SHOP NOW. POLO SANDALS, ALIAS MAE, SHOP NOW. AMAYA HEELED MULES, SOL-SANA, SHOP NOW. ROCKSTUD ALCOVE KIDSKIN & PATENT LEATHER PUMPS, VALENTINO, SHOP NOW. PEEKABOO ISEEU STRETCH BAG, FENDI, SHOP NOW

LOOK ONE

Shed the layers, but keep it neutral. I love this ribbed knit dress by Bec & Bridge which criss-crosses in the centre but shows off just enough torso. Neutrals like oat, chocolate and terracotta tend to work on all skin tones. I like to keep it tonal with accessories that work on the same variation of one colour, but feel free to accentuate it with bold hardware. Gold link chains or studs on your handbag, shoes or jewellery are the perfect accent to accompany a minimal look.

LEFT: DRESS, CHRISTOPHER ESBER, SHOP SIMILAR. BRIDGET GOLD BANGLE, SHOP NOW, LACEY GOLD NECKLACE, SHOP NOW, OROTON. RIGHT: DESTRUCTED JACKET, G CLIP NECKLACE, GIVENCHY, STOCKISTS: (02) 8197 0420

LOOK TWO

Look for a cut out dress that still leaves something to the imagination, like this strategically placed cut out black dress from Christopher Esber. Toughen it up with a leather or faux leather blazer, or a cropped wrap-around jacket circa 90s Basic Instinct era.

STRETCH WOOL PALAZZO TROUSERS, SPORTMAX, SHOP NOW. ROCKSTUD ALCOVE KIDSKIN & PATENT LEATHER PUMPS, VALENTINO, SHOP NOW. PEEKABOO ISEEU STRETCH BAG, FENDI, SHOP NOW

LOOK THREE

It’s exaggerated, but you get the point. Puddle length pants and flared leggings are ways to extend your length provided you are wearing high heeled stilettos. With wide-set shoulder blazers and cropped tops still going strong, a stretchy split hem pant will balance out your silhouette as well as help you walk.

KNIT BODYSUIT, AYA MUSE, SHOP SIMILAR. STRETCH WOOL PALAZZO TROUSERS, SPORTMAX, SHOP NOW

LOOK four

If you want to ease into exposure, try a bodysuit that offers a hint of cut-outs like this one from Aya Muse which attractively highlights the shoulders and arms. Wear it with just about anything from a high skirt or pant like this cream knit one from Sportmax. Otherwise, amp it up with a midriff-flossing Bella Hadid style. Freedom.

Photography: Sean Slattery
Fashion Director: Aileen Marr
Hair & Makeup: Yuka Matsui
Model: Sianie / Priscilla’s

SHOP OUR FAVOURITE CUT-OUT PIECES HERE:

BOOHOO, MEGAN FOX FAUX LEATHER WRAP CROPPED BLAZER, $110, SHOP NOW
MESHKI, JANET LONG SLEEVE CUT OUT TOP, $59, SHOP NOW

SHONA JOY, ELOISE LACE UP MIDI DRESS, $295, SHOP NOW
MESHKI, NICHA DIAMANTE CUT OUT MIDI DRESS, $169, SHOP NOW
BOOHOO, ONE SHOULDER CUT OUT MINI DRESS, $85, SHOP NOW