The leg slit has been a red carpet trend [1] for years, but a dress cutout [2] that climbs all the way up to the bust line, exposing the wearer's entire side, is bold territory that not all have ventured to. In recent months, we've seen the trend surge to an all-time high as evening labels such as Mônot [3] and Retrofête [4] push boundaries with their designs.
Unexpected flashes of skin come by way of ab windows [5], hip cleavage [6], and splices across the chest [7], but no statement is as risqué as a completely sideless dress, which indicates that underwear is not an option. The true question becomes whether a silhouette is wearable or fodder for a wardrobe malfunction, and there are plenty of stars who like to test the limits.
While designers tend to adorn full body slits with bows, thin strips of fabric, or sheer panels that magically appear to hold the dress together, connecting the front and back, most looks are so revealing that the gown seems to defy gravity. Watching celebrities pull off full body slits on the red carpet may very well spark thoughts such as, "How are they keeping that in place?" and "How did they cover their tan lines?"
Most recently, Heidi Klum [8], 50, sent minds racing as she sported a Lever Couture number to the 2023 LACMA Art+Film Gala. Her white frock was made from bushels of tinsel, but even the volume of the material did not distract from her see-through panels, one of which took the form of a plunging neckline. The extremely bold statement stood out from the crowd at the event, as dresses like these so often do.
Of course, Klum isn't the only one going the extra mile for a leggy moment. Ahead, see how everyone from Poppy Delevingne to Charli D'Amelio [9] rock the full body slit dress.
Heidi Klum's Full Body Slit Dress
Klum attended the 2023 LACMA Art+Film Gala in a Lever Couture number that featured illusion sheer side panels, exposing each of her legs entirely as she walked. She styled the look with PVC heels and diamond earrings.
Charli D'Amelio's Full Body Slit Dress
D'Amelio rocked a black-and-white Mônot dress to the 2023 amfAR Cannes Gala, played up by towering black pumps and diamond cuff earrings.
Poppy Delevingne's Full Body Slit Dress
Delevingne sported a strapless Valentino gown to a party hosted by British Vogue and Chopard during the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, showing off her top-to-bottom side slit in all its glory, which was decorated and held together by white bows.
Abigail Cowen's Full Body Slit Dress
Cowen and D'Amelio both showed up to the 2023 amfAR Cannes Gala in the same Mônot box cutout dress, with Cowen's all-white version accessorised with silver metallic sandals and drop earrings.
Valentina Ferrer's Full Body Slit Dress
At the 2023 CFDA Awards on 6 Nov., Ferrer proved the staying power of Mônot's box cutout gown in the black version of the dress, finished with suede heels.
Mel B's Full Body Slit Dress
Mel B [11] was ahead of the curve at the 2016 Creative Arts Emmy Awards when she chose this white Celia Kritharioti Haute Couture gown in an asymmetrical one-shoulder silhouette. The design's mid-section cutout put her side tattoo on display, while you could make out her strappy sandals under her skirt through the hip-high slit.