Cutout Prom Dresses Trend: How To Wear The Boldest Look Of 2026

If you have been scrolling TikTok or Instagram lately, you have probably noticed one thing. Cuts are everywhere. From waist cutout details to daring open backs, cutout prom dresses are becoming one of the strongest 2026 prom dress trends.

Teens want dresses that feel fresh, a little daring, and very “main character.” At the same time, most girls still need something that feels secure, flatters their body, and passes school dress codes. That balance is exactly where Jovani shines. Our designer cutout prom dresses are created to look bold in photos, but also to support you through real movement, dancing, and a long prom night.

In this guide, we will break down the cut-out prom dresses trend, how it started, which body types it flatters, and how to style it in a way that feels confident, not uncomfortable.

What Exactly Are Cutout Prom Dresses?

A cutout dress has intentional openings in the fabric that show small areas of skin. The placement can be subtle or dramatic. You’ll see:

A waist cutout prom dress that exposes a slice of skin at the sides or front of your waist.

A side cutout prom dress with curved openings that shape the waist and highlight your curves.

An open back prom dress with dramatic cutouts at the back and sometimes at the lower waist.

An illusion cutout prom dress, where sheer mesh fills the openings, giving a “naked dress” effect without actually being fully open.

Jovani cutout gowns range from sleek column silhouettes to full skirts that move beautifully. Some are simple and smooth. Others are covered in crystals, shimmer, or intricate patterns that draw attention to the cutout design.

If you want something that looks straight off a red carpet, Jovani also offers options that pair cutouts with sparkle, very similar in feel to our sequin prom gowns category.

Why Cutout Prom Dresses Are Trending Now

The cutout moment did not appear out of nowhere. It has been building for a few seasons through celebrity red carpet looks, runway collections and, of course, TikTok prom dress trends.

Several fashion moments helped push the cut-out prom dresses trend forward:

The “naked dress” movement, where sheer fabrics and cutouts are used to show shape while still keeping some coverage.

The return of Y2K prom dress style, with low waists, bold colors and unexpected cutout placement.

Gen Z’s love for fashion that celebrates body confidence and personal expression.

Instead of traditional, fully covered ball gowns, many teens now search for cutout prom dresses that feel grown up but still playful. They want something that looks amazing in a prom photo backdrop, stands out on video, and still feels like their true personality.

Jovani takes that idea and turns it into wearable, supportive design. The cutouts are carefully placed so you can sit, walk and dance without worrying about the dress shifting.

Popular Types Of Cutout Prom Designs

Not all cutouts feel the same. The shape and placement change the entire mood of your dress.

1. Waist and Side Cutouts

Waist and side cutouts are some of the most requested looks. A waist cutout prom dress can visually “snatch” your waist and create curves, even if your body is naturally straighter through the middle.

Side cutouts are great if you like the idea of showing skin but do not want a very deep neckline. You can pair those with a full skirt or even with dramatic mermaid prom dresses for a head-turning red carpet effect.

2. Underbust and Corset Cutouts

Some cutout gowns use a corset-style bodice with small openings under the bust or along the ribs. This style often appears in fitted or bodycon prom dress with cutouts designs.

These dresses usually work best for someone who wants a very fashion-forward look and is comfortable wearing structured undergarments or built-in cups for support.

3. Open Back Cutouts

An open back prom dress can be one of the most elegant ways to try the trend. You stay covered at the front, while the back of the gown becomes the main detail.

Jovani back cutout designs often include secure straps or clever shaping so the dress stays in place when you move. This is important for prom, where you will dance, bend and hug friends all night.

4. Illusion Cutouts With Mesh

If you like the look of skin but want more coverage, an illusion cutout prom dress is a perfect middle ground. Sheer mesh in a tone close to your skin makes it look like openings are bare, while actually keeping everything smooth and supported.

For teens who prefer more coverage or attend schools with stricter dress codes, Jovani also designs modest prom dresses with cutouts that use mesh, higher necklines and carefully placed openings. You get a fashion-forward look, but you still feel comfortable around parents, teachers and photos that will live forever.

 

Which Body Types Look Best In Cutout Dresses?

The real answer is simple. If you love the look and the dress fits properly, you can wear it. Still, there are helpful tips to choose the right style for your body.

Curvy or hourglass: Side cutouts that curve inward can highlight your natural waist and hip shape. A fitted skirt or gentle flare works beautifully, similar to our plus size prom dresses that are cut to follow your shape instead of hiding it.

Athletic or straight: Cutouts at the waist and small openings at the ribs can create the illusion of more curves. Look for designs that add volume at the hip or have shaped seams.

Petite: Smaller, higher cutouts help keep your proportions balanced. Vertical cutout lines and high slits help your legs look longer.

Apple shape: Try gowns where the cutout sits just under the bust, drawing the eye up, while the fabric flows gently over the midsection.

When you shop Jovani, you can ask your local boutique to help you compare different unique prom gowns with cutouts in the fitting room. A small change in cutout size or position can make a big difference in how the dress feels on your body.

Colors And Fabrics That Work With Cutouts

Cutouts already make a statement, so fabric and color choices can push your look in different directions.

Classic and bold: If you want a dress that feels sleek and timeless with a twist, look at black prom dresses with cutouts. The dark color frames the openings and creates strong lines that photograph beautifully.

Sparkly and viral: For a look that belongs on a TikTok “get ready with me,” consider Jovani styles similar to those in our sequin prom gowns category. Cutouts plus sparkle catch every bit of light on the dance floor.

Smooth and elegant: Satin is perfect for a softer, glossy finish. Many teens love satin prom styles with tiny waist cutouts because the fabric drapes smoothly and feels expensive without being too loud.

Jovani also offers cutout designs in bright jewel tones, soft pastels and metallics, all within wider collections like red, purple, or green prom styles, so you can match the dress to your skin tone and personal taste.

How To Style Cutout Prom Dresses Comfortably

One of the biggest worries girls have about cutout prom dresses is comfort. It is normal to ask, “Will I be pulling on this all night?” With the right styling, the answer can be no.

Supportive undergarments

Many Jovani gowns are built with cups, boning and lining, so you may not need extra shapewear. If you do, choose low-front or backless pieces made for cutout dresses.

Fashion tape and silicone covers

Fashion tape helps hold necklines and edges in place. Silicone covers are helpful if the fabric is thin or if openings are close to the bust.

Skin prep

Cutouts bring attention to your skin, so a little body lotion, soft shimmer or gentle self-tanner can make you feel more polished.

Movement test

Before buying, sit, bend, walk up stairs and dance in the dress. Because Jovani designs are made for real events, you should feel secure even when you move a lot.

Dress Code And Modesty: Can Cutouts Still Work?

School dress codes are a real concern. The good news is that you do not have to skip the trend entirely. You can choose a softer version that fits the rules.

Illusion mesh, smaller openings and higher necklines make it easier to stay within dress code limits. Many of our modest prom gowns with cutouts are carefully engineered so they feel fashion-forward while still providing the coverage schools expect.

If your school has strict rules, screenshot the dress and show it to a teacher or coordinator ahead of time. This gives you time to adjust, add a matching wrap, or choose another style if needed.

Budget Tips For The Cutout Trend

It is easy to assume that cutout gowns are always the most expensive. That is not always true. You can still join the trend without going over your budget.

If you want designer quality without spending more than you planned, ask your boutique to show you affordable prom dresses from the Jovani line that still include cutout details, sparkle or special fabrics. Many of these options sit below the higher price ranges while keeping the same strong construction, lining and fit that Jovani is known for.

Remember, you will also have costs for shoes, hair, makeup and maybe alterations. Picking a mid-range dress and spending a little more on tailoring often looks better than choosing the most expensive gown and skipping proper fit.

Why Choose Jovani For Your Cutout Prom Dress

Fast fashion can copy the cutout look, but the difference shows when you try the dress on. Jovani focuses on:

Fit that supports your body, so openings stay where they are supposed to.

High-quality fabrics that feel comfortable on your skin and move beautifully in photos and video.

Design variety, from bold runway-inspired looks to softer pieces that are easier to wear.

Whether you want a dramatic bodycon prom dress with cutouts or a soft skirt with just a hint of skin, Jovani boutiques can help you compare styles, sizes and colors until you find the one that feels right.

Final Thoughts

If you are drawn to cutout prom dresses, trust that feeling. The trend is not going away. It is becoming part of the bigger story of prom fashion, where teens want dresses that look stunning online but still feel special and timeless in real life.

Take your time, try different cuts and fabrics, and listen to how you feel in each gown. When you are ready to explore all the options, browse our full Prom Gowns Collection to find the Jovani dress that will make your prom night unforgettable.