All the time you've been putting in at the gym is about to pay off — because in these dresses, your abs have nowhere to hide. With bold, midriff-baring cutouts, they might just be the easiest way to stay cool in the sweltering heat, but that's not the only plus. Since a slit at the sternum or right at your middle is a more unexpected way to show skin, this trend is all about bringing sexy back with one big twist. Don't just take our word for it — flip through the celebrity inspiration, then pick up one (or two!) of your own for your next hot Summer night out.
Source: Getty [1]
Jaime King's sexy slits weren't the only way the style setter showed some skin. The cutout at her midriff added a subtle, sultry factor, too.
Chrissy Teigen's cutout mini was on point for an appearance in Vegas.
Katy Perry [2]'s midriff-slit Suno dress looked almost like a crop top and pencil skirt.
Kate Hudson [3] brought the drama in a bold, cutout strapless gown at the NYC premiere of Wish I Was Here.
Jamie Chung revealed her toned tummy in a crisscross halter dress that came complete with a cutout.
Julianne Hough covered her stems and let her abs take center stage in this cutout number.
Allison Williams showcased a hint of skin in an otherwise sophisticated sheath at the NYC screening of Wish I Was Here.
Alice + Olivia Black Cutout Sheath
Alice + Olivia Yve Formfitting Sleeveless Cutout Dress [4] ($275)
Black Swan Cutout Dress
Black Swan 'Lost Sea' Cutout Ponte Knit Fit & Flare Dress [5] ($78)
Topshop Cutout Floral Dress
Topshop Mono Floral A-Line Dress [6] ($110)
Rebecca Minkoff Cutout Sheath
Rebecca Minkoff 'Malone' Cutout Stretch Sheath Dress [7] ($348)
Bailey 44 Cutout Dress
Bailey 44 Sleeveless Mesh Cutout & Drop Back Dress [8] ($202)
BCBGMAXAZRIA White Cutout Dress
BCBGMAXAZRIA 'Kimora' Cutout Crepe Dress [9] ($368)
Torn by Ronny Kobo Cutout Dress
Torn by Ronny Kobo Yonal Dress [10] ($298)
Nookie Maestro Cutout Mini
Nookie Maestro Cutout Shift Dress [11] ($219)
River Island Black Cutout Dress
River Island Black Cutout Pencil Dress [12] ($120)
ASOS Cutout Midi Dress
Asos '50s Midi Dress With Cutout Detail [13] ($73)
Bec & Bridge Leopard-Print Cutout Dress
Bec & Bridge Leopard-Print Cutout Dress [14] ($261)
Helena Quinn Cutout Maxi Dress
Helena Quinn Triangle Cutout Maxi Dress [15] ($264)
Choies Printed Cutout Skater Dress
Choies Multicolor Abstract Pattern Cutout Skater Dress [16] ($30)
Free People Tribal Cutout Midi Dress
Free People 'Tribal Tale' Cutout Mixed Print Midi Dress [17] ($148)
UNIF Black Cutout Dress
UNIF Loft Dress in Black [18] ($145)
6 Shore Road White Cutout Dress
6 Shore Road White Flower Lace Cutout Mini Dress [19] ($215)