12 Open-Back Pieces That Redefine the Term 'V-Neck'

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• Emerson Thorpe draped open back top, $245 singer22.com
• l Lulu’s Glam Beyond beaded ivory dress, $55 lulus.com
• Staring at the Stars open back romper, $59 urbanoutfitters
• Cut 25 by Yigal Azourel lace dress with open back, $187.50 shopbop.com
• Pixie Market Pink and Proper dress, $148 pixiemarket.com
• Nasty Gal braided chiffon tank, $38 nastygal.com
• Issa cutout ribbed knit dress, $650 netaporter.com
• Cassette Society open back dress, $119 pixiemarket.com
• Minkpink backless dress, $88 boutiquetoyou.com
• French Connection Ziggy silk halter dress, $113.99 frenchconnection.com
• Club Monaco Ellen knit dress, $129.50 clubmonaco.com
• Carven open back blouse, $258 ssense.com

Plunging necklines are getting some competition from the back. Open-back frocks and tops are everywhere, and with good reason: These garments appear demure and even sweet in the front, but tell a whole different story once you turn on your heel to flaunt an unexpected sliver of spine. From subtle little cut outs like Club Monaco's jersey dress to a barely-there braided racer back from Nasty Gal, we've rounded up our 12 favorite open back tops and dresses in the gallery below. Because in the wise words of Gossip Girl, "Forget a grand entrance. Everybody knows its the exit they'll remember."—Julie Chen

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