Fashion month has the dizzying effect of making one feel they need everything — from exaggerated plisse ball gowns to rose-bedecked bowler hats. So narrowing down which trends not only resonate with your personal style, but also have some staying power, is a key skill to hone as a savvy shopper. It’s even better when said trend also happens to be immediately available. Enter; the new minimalist cutout trend from the Spring/Summer 2020 runways. This is not the show-me-everything flashy cutout seen on the bodycon minidresses of The Simple Life era. Nor is it the 2017 convergence of prints, ruffles and slashed fabric that demanded quite a sartorial commitment.
Rather, designers from New York to Paris called upon the technique to add something unexpected to everyday garments, without sending them into outlandish, costume territory. In fact, these modern cutouts are clean enough to appeal to the most refined, demure dresser. Whether they’re placed squarely on the décolletage, as seen at Paco Rabanne, the waist à la Off-White, or the hip per Gucci, less is definitely more. And what better way to infuse personality into a garment than by showing an unexpected sliver of your own skin? Here, a few of the standout examples from the runway and what to buy to get ahead of the trend that’ll be everywhere come spring.
Paco Rabanne Spring/Summer 2020. Photo: Courtesy of Paco Rabanne
Take a cue from Paco Rabanne’s runway and try a slim-knit cutout style with long sleeves that can tucked into trousers or skirts. In fact, it makes for an ideal going-out top once the temperatures dip. Extra points for layering a chunky pendant necklace to peek through.
Mock-Neck Cutout Bodysuit
$39.90
Zara
This sleek bodysuit with shoulder cutout will look great with fall’s straight jeans, an oversize blazer and a pair square-toed boots, then switch it up with some longline shorts come spring.
Off-White Spring/Summer 2020. Photo: Courtesy of Off-White
For a more unexpected interpretation of the trend, opt for a trouser with cutout detailing. Off-White’s ‘Meteor Strike’ collection featured almost Swiss-cheese like circular cutouts on everything from boots to dresses, (a subtle nod to the moon material embraced by many children, perhaps), but these slouchy trousers are one of the easiest ways to embrace the trend. Team with a nubby sweater now and a white tank come spring.
Cutout Jacquard Straight-Leg Pants
$810
Unravel Project
These cutout trousers feature a matte black lining, making them perfect for wearing throughout winter.
JW Anderson Spring/Summer 2020. Photo: Courtesy of JW Anderson
There’s something quietly alluring about JW Anderson’s maxi shifts that featured gaping waist cutouts. Rather than skewing too revealing, they exude an effortless cool. The loose silhouette offers a glimpse of skin without feeling garish, which is perfect for pairing with chunky loafers or flat boots.
Pauline Metallic Eclat Midi Dress
$311.50
Rachel Zoe Collection
This loosely draped midi dress with a circular cutout above the hip is versatile for day and night. Style over wool pants for evening this winter, or wear alone with sandals in the spring.
Gucci Spring/Summer 2020. Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
Alessandro Michele showed a few iterations of this cutout on simple, long-sleeved gowns, but the unique placement on this style was a standout at Gucci. The added bonus to a style this unexpected, is that it virtually requires no additional accessorizing. Let the absence of fabric do all the talking.
Satin Cutout Gown
$1,800
Loewe
More surprising than a plunging back, but elegant enough to work for even the most buttoned-up evening events, this satin gown with a circular cutout at the curve of the spine is a highly elegant example of the cutout trend. Here’s to some much needed addition by subtraction.
