You’ve seen them on the red carpet. Maybe you saw that one photo of Kendall Jenner or Bella Hadid and thought, "How is that even staying on?" I'm talking about the dress with no sides. It’s a garment that defies logic, physics, and sometimes common decency, yet it remains a permanent fixture in high-fashion circles. It's bold. It’s terrifying for anyone who moves a lot. Honestly, it’s the ultimate "look but don't touch—and definitely don't sneeze" outfit.
Most people think these dresses are just for celebrities with a death wish for a wardrobe malfunction. But there's actually a lot of engineering under those silk panels. This isn't just about showing skin; it’s about a specific silhouette that designers like Anthony Vaccarello at Saint Laurent have been obsessed with for years. It pushes the boundaries of how we perceive the human form.
The Engineering of a Dress With No Sides
Let’s be real: you can’t just cut the sides out of a regular H&M dress and expect it to work. If you do that, the front and back will just flop around like a sandwich board. High-end versions of the dress with no sides usually rely on hidden structural elements.
Think about internal boning or "invisible" mesh. Sometimes, there's a whisper-thin strap of clear polyurethane running across the ribs, but the best ones—the ones that truly look like they are floating—use high-tension fabric and strategic weight distribution. The weight of the hem actually pulls the front panel down just enough to keep it taut against the body. It’s physics. Or magic. Mostly physics.
The Adhesive Secret
If you’re wearing this, you are best friends with medical-grade adhesive. We aren't talking about double-sided tape from the craft store. Stylists often use products like Topstick or specialized fashion tapes that are designed to hold through sweat, movement, and camera flashes. Some celebrities have even admitted to using "butt glue" (yes, that’s a real thing in the pageant and dance world) to keep the fabric precisely where it needs to be. It’s not comfortable. It’s kinda itchy. But it works.
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Why This Trend Is Polarizing
The dress with no sides isn't for everyone, and that’s basically the point. It’s exclusionary fashion. It demands a very specific type of confidence, and historically, a very specific body type, though that is slowly changing as "naked dressing" becomes more about body positivity and less about "heroin chic."
Critics argue it’s impractical. They’re right. You can’t wear a bra. You can’t wear traditional underwear. You can’t really sit down in a way that feels relaxed. But fashion isn't always about being cozy. Sometimes it’s about the architecture of the moment. When J.Mendel or Versace sends a side-less gown down the runway, they aren't thinking about how you'll look at a buffet. They are thinking about the line of the hip and the curve of the ribcage.
Cultural Impact and Red Carpet Moments
Remember the 2013 amfAR Gala? Maggie Q wore a black gown that was essentially held together by hope and a few thin strings. It was a cultural reset for the "side-less" look. Then you have the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, where Bella Hadid wore that red Alexandre Vauthier silk wrap. While that had a slit up to the hip, it popularized the "open side" aesthetic that has dominated the 2020s.
The Logistics of Undergarments
"What do they wear under there?" It’s the first question everyone asks. The answer is usually: nothing. Or, if they’re playing it safe, a C-string. If you haven't heard of a C-string, imagine a headband for your nether regions. It’s a C-shaped piece of plastic covered in fabric that stays in place via tension.
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There are also adhesive thongs. They look like a giant band-aid. They don't have side straps, so the "no sides" look remains uninterrupted. Is it fun to wear? No. Does it prevent a viral "oops" moment? Absolutely.
How to Pull Off the Look Without a Stylist
If you’re brave enough to try a dress with no sides for a night out, you need a game plan. You can't wing this.
First, fabric choice matters. Avoid anything too lightweight or "slinky" like cheap polyester. You want a heavy crepe or a bonded satin. These fabrics have "memory" and will hold their shape better. If the fabric is too thin, it will ripple and expose your tape, which is a major vibe-killer.
- Skin Prep is Non-Negotiable. You have to exfoliate. No lotions or oils on the areas where you’re going to use tape. If the skin is oily, the adhesive will slide off in twenty minutes.
- The "Lean" Test. Put the dress on, tape it, and then lean forward. Lean side to side. If the fabric gaps, you need more tape or a different anchor point.
- Movement. You have to walk differently. It’s a glide, not a stride. Big steps can tug the fabric away from the skin.
The Evolution into "Side-Cutout" Trends
We are seeing a shift from the literal dress with no sides to more wearable "side-cutout" variations. Think of it as the "side-less lite." These dresses feature large circular or geometric chunks missing from the waist and rib area but keep the structural integrity of a back and shoulder.
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This is way more accessible. Brands like Cult Gaia and Christopher Esber have mastered this. It gives you the "naked" feel without the constant fear of a breeze. It’s a compromise. It’s for people who want to look edgy but also want to be able to eat dinner without the dress migrating to their armpits.
Misconceptions About Comfort
There’s this idea that these dresses are breezy and cool because there’s less fabric. Wrong. They are actually quite stressful. You are constantly aware of your posture. You can't slouch. In a weird way, a dress with no sides acts as a corset of the mind. You are forced to stand up straight to keep the geometry of the garment intact.
Also, the "no sides" look often involves a lot of pulling. To get that sleek, flat look across the front, the dress is often tailored incredibly tight. It can be hard to take a deep breath.
Actionable Steps for the Bold
If you are planning to wear a side-less or open-side garment, follow this checklist to ensure you don't end up on a "worst dressed" list for the wrong reasons:
- Purchase High-Quality Tape: Skip the cheap stuff. Get 3M medical tape or professional grade "Booby Tape." It’s worth the extra ten dollars.
- Carry a "Glam Kit": Your side-less dress will lose its stick at some point if you’re dancing. Keep extra tape and a small pair of scissors in your clutch.
- Hydrate Early: Because bathroom breaks are a military operation in these dresses, try to hydrate heavily a few hours before, then sip slowly throughout the night.
- Check the Lighting: Some fabrics become transparent under a camera flash. Do a "flash test" in your living room before heading out.
- Tailoring is Key: This isn't an off-the-rack look. A tailor needs to ensure the front and back panels are the exact width of your torso. Even a half-inch too wide will cause the fabric to buckle and look messy.
The dress with no sides is a statement of intent. It says you are in control of your body and your clothes. It’s not about being "naked"; it’s about the negative space. Just make sure you’ve got enough glue to keep that space exactly where you want it.