The most stylish ways to wear the cool cut-out trend
The peekaboo look is perfect for summer, says Katie Wright.
![Cut-out detailing is a major summer trend (River Island/PA)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/07/29/09/27112921-80609dda-9a9d-4e73-8448-353517624abd.jpg)
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![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
The chicest way to flash a little flesh without feeling totally exposed, cut-out detailing is the subtle way to do sexy this season.
Inspired by the spring/summer 2022 catwalks – where designers such as David Koma, Supriya Lele and Stella McCartney presented Noughties-style dresses and jumpsuits with slashes and holes all over the place – the high street’s summer collections offer a more wearable take on the peekaboo look.
From party dresses to poolside attire, here are three fab ways to try the trend…
![Cut-outs on the catwalk at David Koma SS22 (David Koma/PA)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/07/29/09/27112935-0a1916cb-b757-46d2-b022-f2bc8d7a183b.jpg)
Occasionwear
Got lots of parties and events coming up? A floaty frock in a summery shade is always a winner.
A floral maxi or midi dress with just a hint of cut-out detailing on the waist is wedding-friendly, while a peekaboo back is subtly sexy (and great for showing off your holiday tan).
![(New Look/PA)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/07/29/09/27112918-61492251-c3c9-4c8c-800b-b1355573bb9a.jpg)
New Look Lilac Shirred Cut Out Side Tiered Midi Dress, £29.99
![(Lipsy/PA)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/07/29/09/27112940-65351e85-9083-45bc-bd5c-0d49668c63b5.jpg)
Lipsy Empire Midi Dress in Pink, £58, Next
River Island Green Floral Cut Out Shift Midi Dress, £46
Holiday wardrobe
Keep cool on a sunny holiday with a breezy cut-out maxi dress in a bold print, teamed with strappy sandals and a trendy wicker bag.
For the casual way to do cut-outs, tops with peekaboo or cold-shoulder details can be dressed down with shorts and trainers, or styled up with a sassy skirt and heels for evening.
![(Chi Chi/PA)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/07/29/09/27112932-9b218329-0824-40b7-8de3-4cb0a4d17fac.jpg)
Chi Chi London Cut-Out Floral Maxi Dress in Navy, £40 (was £58)
![(PrettyLittleThing/PA)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/07/29/09/27112919-823f6dc4-6c13-4344-b56f-92673d1b6a82.jpg)
PrettyLittleThing Stone Zebra Extreme Cut Out Rope Detail Beac Maxi Dress, £31 (was £35)
![(Roman/PA)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/07/29/09/27112926-681ab4b6-5ccc-402c-ba8f-6c2492d54184.jpg)
Roman Navy Tie Dye Print Cold Shoulder Top, £24
![(Very/PA)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/07/29/09/27112928-ffe8ea9e-ebee-4e17-94d1-a844cc627333.jpg)
V by Very Cut Out Rib Vest Bright Blue, £15
Swimwear
The perfect in-between option if you want the coverage and support of a one-piece in the style of a bikini, cut-out swimsuits come with a peekaboo hole on the midriff.
This season’s swimwear is all about prints – from girly gingham and Seventies swirls, to fierce leopard spots and zebra stripes.
![(George/PA)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/07/29/09/27112937-427c2e13-ab6c-44bc-b5b5-0e4e79ff0a52.jpg)
George Black Gingham Cut Out Swimsuit, £16, Asda
![(M&Co/PA)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/07/29/09/27112942-ed6d0273-e300-4c9f-83b9-8276975cb141.jpg)
M&Co Leopard Print Cut Out Swimsuit, £29.99
![(River Island/PA)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/07/29/09/27112923-cb077b9a-3850-4859-943b-7599be2d8597.jpg)
River Island Green Printed Cut Out Plunge Swimsuit, £12 (was £36)