Sexy, slinky, and fun are some of the qualities of backless or low-backed dresses.Maybe it's chilly out, or you just don't feel like having your whole back on display.You can have the best of both worlds if you love the dress and want to cover your back.Accessorize with a glamorous shawl or jacket, or make some simple alterations to the dress for a little added modesty.There are lots of options for backless dresses if you are worried about your lingerie showing.
Step 1: The cover-up is appropriate for the weather.
Keeping in mind your comfort as well as your sense of modesty is important when covering up a backless dress.If it warms up, choose something light and airy, like a silk or sheer shawl.For a chilly evening out, wear a jacket with long sleeves, a capelet, or a thick stole.If you want something warm but not too heavy, look for a Cashmere Pashmina Wrap or shawl.
Step 2: Keep it simple with a shawl or stole.
For a quick and easy cover-up, drape a wrap, shawl or stole around your shoulders.Wrap the shawl around your forearms and let it drape behind you, if you want to cover your lower back.A scarf or shawl is an elegant complement to a dress.If you want to look good with anything from a cocktail dress or formal evening gown to a casual bohemian dress, use shawls and scarves.
Step 3: A capelet is an alternative to a shawl.
A capelet is a small cape.It can hug your shoulders or drape like a shawl.This option will give you a hint of old Hollywood glamour.On a cool evening, you could cover up with a faux fur capelet for a striking and luxurious look, or pick a cozy knitted capelets if you are going more casual.Keep in mind that a capelet won't keep you warm in the cold.If you don't want to completely hide your back and shoulders, but still want a little more coverage, opt for a sheer capelet.A capelet that flares slightly is a great complement to a dress.
Step 4: A draped evening jacket is needed to balance out the slinky dress.
If you want more structured coverage, you should pair your dress with a jacket or blazer.A flowing jacket is good over a dress that hugs your curves.You can give your outfit a stylish but casual edge by wearing a denim or suede jacket.Don't wear bulky, baggy, or shapeless clothing.Leave the jacket open so that you don't completely conceal the shape of your dress if it's not too cold.
Step 5: You should wear a bandeau to cover your back but not your dress.
If you want to hide your skin without covering your dress in layers, slip on a pretty bandeau or tube top.Pick a sheer or lacy bandeau in a color that blends in with your dress for added elegance.Slip on a body stocking if you want more coverage.While still offering a bit of modesty, choose a sheer or nude-colored stocking.
Step 6: You can use a coverup to complement your dress.
Bright colors and bold patterns work well with neutral colors.A colorful or patterned coverup is a great way to complement a simple, solid-colored dress.If you are wearing a cream colored dress, match it with a red shawl or blue jacket.You could wear a navy dress with a yellow and white wrap.If your dress is patterned or brightly colored, stick to a coverup in a neutral color such as black, white, dark blue, taupe, or even metallic silver or gold.
Step 7: Get creative with different fabrics.
You can mix and match colors and texture to make your outfit unique.Make your outfit more exciting by grabbing a cover-up that is a different texture or fabric from your dress.If you want to create a dramatic look, you can match a faux fur stole with a sleek dress.A sheer cover-up with embroidered designs is a great way to liven up the look of a simple dress without completely hiding it.Pair a cotton dress with a blazer or poncho for extra warmth on a cool spring or fall day.
Step 8: Attach a lace insert to the back.
Adding a lace modesty panel to your backless dress is a great way to give it a little more coverage.Pick a fabric that matches the color of your dress.Cut it into a V-shaped wedge, which is slightly wider than the opening at the back of the dress, and sew it in at a desired height to get the coverage you want.If you are wearing a black dress, sew in a piece of delicate black lace to add modesty without sacrificing the dress's attractive look.Cream lace with a dark blue dress are examples of contrasting colors you can use.You do not need to cover the entire back of the dress.If the back of the dress dips below your rear, you can put in a panel that ends above your waist.
Step 9: The illusion fabric can be used to maintain the nude look.
The illusion fabric is similar to nylons or pantyhose.If you want something subtler than lace, but don't want your back to be completely bare, cut out a wedge of sheer fabric that matches the shape of your dress and sew it in place.It can be a challenge to sew the illusion fabric correctly.If you are using a sewing machine, make sure you check the instructions for the right settings and needle to use.If you want a smokey look, go with black or nude fabric.
Step 10: If you want to cover the waist area, attach a wide sash or belt.
Adding a wide, waist cinching sash is a good way to cover the lowest part of your back.You can use a big fabric bow to accent your dress.If you want to attach a sash to your dress with a vertical seam, you need to sew some fabric loops onto the dress.Choose a contrasting color to add drama or choose a matching color for a seamless look.Since they help create a more defined waist, wide belts are an especially flattering addition to empire-waist dresses.
Step 11: If you need help with the dress, take it to a tailor.
Don't sweat the sewing machine if you do not know your way around it.Any tailor can modify these types of things.Tell them about the alterations you want them to make.You can either bring your own or ask your tailor to recommend something.Depending on the shop, the materials involved, and how complicated the alterations are, tailoring alterations can cost anywhere from $15 to $50 in the U.S.You can find tailoring shops in your area.
Step 12: Pick a bra that fits under your dress.
It's difficult to hide your bra when you're wearing a backless dress.If you don't want to show off your lingerie, look for a low-back bra that's designed for backless or deep-backed dresses and tops.There are shoulder straps that are longer in the back and a very low back band in low-back bras.An extra strap or crossed pair of straps goes around your waist to help keep the bra in place.If you want to tuck your bra straps out of sight, you can buy extenders for them or get a convertible bra with straps that can be worn in different configurations.
Step 13: To go completely backless, wear a bra.
The bras stick to your skin.These are a great option for dresses that don't have a lot of options for straps.Remove the protective backing from the cups and you are good to go.There are many levels of support and coverage for the bras.Basic pasties or nipple petals are ideal for minimal coverage.You can get bras that lace up in front of you.
Step 14: If you want to control your bust, try body tape.
If you can't find a bra that works with your dress, body tape is a good alternative.You can get medical tape, or skin-safe fashion tape.Lift your breasts and push them together, then tape your bosom in place with a few horizontal strips of tape.The length of each strip of tape needs to be at least 30 cm.Wrap the tape all the way around your breasts and extend it on each side.It's important to have extra comfort when pulling the tape off.Put a cotton pad over the nipples.
Step 15: If you don't like adhesives, sew some cups into your dress.
It isn't for everyone.You can add a little support to the dress.Attach the cups from an old bra to the lining of your dress.If you don't like using a needle and thread, use fabric glue to keep them in place.The cups need to be pinned in place with safety pins.To make sure the cops are positioned correctly, try the dress on.You don't want to pucker the material of the cup or dress by using loose stitches.If your dress is lined, sew through the lining and cup, not the outer material.Pick a thread that matches the color of your dress if there is no lining.
Step 16: If your dress is low in the back, wear low-rise underwear.
The last thing you want to show off is a pair of high-rise briefs.Pick a dress that won't show when you bend, sit, or dance.If you don't know if your undies are visible, ask a friend to look for you.If you are wearing a thin or form-fitting dress, choose panties that don't show.
Step 17: If you need more support, use backless shapewear.
It can be hard to wear a backless dress with shapewear.There are a variety of low-backed options on the market.A plunging backline is what matches the cut of your dress.Pick a shapewear that can double as a modesty panel under your dress.