Picking out the perfect dress is half of the battle. Once you find "the one," though, you run into an age-old snafu: None of your bras jives with the open-back look you had planned. After cultivating your ideal look, you don't want the view of your go-to strapless to ruin any back-pose pictures.
While the option to go braless is certainly there, you may want some support when you're out and about. Yes, there are stick-on cups and tapes to keep your boobs in place. But if you'd rather not deal with those, there are also dainty bralettes and cool strappy bras out there that demand to be seen. With their intricate back patterns and bright colors, these intimates stand out from the pack, and will make you want to show some extra skin, just in time for Valentine's Day. We've rounded up backless bras — as well as edgier bras and bralettes — that'll have your back come party season.
This bra was made for being seen.
Eberjey Clarisse Racerback Bralet, $60 $45, available at Eberjey.
Make sure to find a bra that offers full support in the front when choosing a backless dress.
Mary Young Bra Top, $73.47, available at Mary Young.
Let the long strap act as a backwards necklace. How good is that?
Gempicket Celia Bra, $165, available at Ouihours.
If you're committed to the plunge-back look, keep your bra (and boobs) in place with this low-back strapless number.
Ultimo Miracle Low Back Strapless Bra, $60, available at Asos.
There's no such thing as too much lace. Against a cut-out top, the fabric will provide a nice contrast.
Mimi Holliday Archimedes Bow Lace Bralette, $322.69, available at Mimi Holliday.
Instead of focusing on your accessories, add some color to a monochromatic party ensemble with a vibrant bra.
Topshop Jersey Triangle Bra, $18 $6, available at Topshop.
This backless bra comes with a handy halter strap to avoid any mishaps.
Fashion Forms Backless Strapless U Plunge Bra 16536, $35.99, available at HerRoom.
Contrast a feminine open-back piece with an edgier sports-bra look.
Les Coquines Giselle Mesh Crop Top, $97, available at Les Coquines.
Instead of the regular stick-on backless bra, this strapless number is taped along the sides of your torso. The lace cups add a feminine touch, too.
Aerie The Bare Bra, $38.50, available at American Eagle Outfitters.
Let these thin cross-straps peek out through a high-neck backless dress.
Prae Helene Cross-Back Silk Bralette, $165, available at Prae.
These skinny straps are barely there, but they still add a cheeky touch.
Silence + Noise Strappy-back Micro Bra, $29, available at Urban Outfitters.
Perfect for a halter dress with a plunging back.
Wolford Sheer Touch Push-up Bra, $150, available at LUISAVIAROMA.
The back of this bralette has a caged strappy look for adding depth to your low-cut back.
Free People Whitney Bra, $20, available at Free People.
This bra brings together two popular intimate trends: sheer and sexy.
Cosabella Bisoux-triangle Bralet, $63.50, available at Cosabella.
Fearlessly sport a back and front plunge dress with this strapless bra.
Bare Necessities 6-way Plunge Convertible Strapless Bra, $46, available at Bare Necessities.
This bralette's multiple flower embellished criss-cross straps make for an alluring back design.
Fleur Du Mal Lace Bondage Triangle Bra, $125, available at Fleur Du Mal.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Why The "Final Sale" Retail Strategy Isn't Really Working