As we cast our eyes toward the key new luxury designer fashion trends of 2022, one stands out as just way cool. “Back to front” attire is the new “it” look that celebrities and influencers are already embracing for holiday events this month. What is “back to front” dressing, and how do we mere mortals style this cool new trend? Our correspondent Meredith Lepore shows us how back to front dressing is done, with a curated look book of 7 cut out open back sweaters, tops and dresses to show exactly how to style the new “it” fashion best.
“Back to Front” is the Cool New Luxury Designer Fashion Trend 2022
There was always that kid that came into class (hopefully in the early years of elementary school) with their shirt on backwards. And they were usually labeled hopeless by their classmates who had paid attention during the Sesame Street episode of how to dress oneself.
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But now that kid would be considered fashion forward. ‘Cause back to front dressing is the epitome of high fashion this season.
Back to front is the cool new luxury designer fashion trend 2022, and here are 7 cut out open sweaters dresses to show how to style it best.
another trend to thank the Olsen sisters for
In fact, the chicest of the chic, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, made back to front dressing the focal point of The Row’s pre-fall 2022 collection. Vogue’s Nicole Phelps even went so far as to declare “It’s a back-to-front world.”
And after the last year and a half, dressing backwards doesn’t seem out of the ordinary. Hey, it takes more effort than just throwing on sweatpants.
Mary-Kate and Ashley get credit for many fashion trends — like making a Venti Starbucks cup as fashionable as a Chanel bag. And convincing the world that you should pay $300 for a white T-shirt. In this case, though, we have a few more hats to tip with this backward dressing trend. For example, Celine Dion sported the backwards look in a stunning white white back-to-front tuxedo by John Galliano to the 1999 Oscars. It was business in the front and party in the back (even though the back was technically the front).
Kate and Kendall are in on this, too
And even Kate Middleton wore a Gucci blouse backwards once (and we know the Duchess of Cambridge isn’t afraid of repeating an ensemble, so we may see it again).
Of course the ever-trendy Kendall Jenner experimented with this look, nearly breaking the internet in a pair of Olivia Oblanc jeans with the fly in the back. It was like watching a dog walk on its hind legs. It just didn’t make sense. But we couldn’t look away.
And ever the marketing genius, Taylor Swift turned a backward shirt blunder into new merchandise.
why backwards? and why now?
But sometimes the best fashion doesn’t make sense (like a sweater with cutouts on the shoulder? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of a sweater? And yet, it looks great.) “People use fashion and clothing as a way of communication,” Jekaterina Rogaten, the course leader in applied psychology in fashion at the London College of Fashion, told The Guardian. “Intentionally wearing clothes the wrong way around can be seen as a form of separating oneself from the group of people who follow rules and conventions.”
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It is a great way to get people talking and can be a great way to show off a sexy back or a very daring way to show off your front.
The Olsen twins made back-to-front dressing the thesis of their pre-fall 2021 collection (and they finally brought in some bright colors!). They even shot the collection back to front to make sure the viewer knew what was important with these designs.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVAvaosAeNc/
Angel for Russh.com wrote, “As most of us find ourselves in phases of deep reflection that the later half of a year usually brings, it seems that things are looking a little back to front for designers Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, as depicted throughout its new seasons presentation.
Jackets worn backwards, garments worn inside out – billowing soft volumes in color followed by dramatic images of bodies draped in sheets of black. It seems the Olsen sisters and The Row have also entered a topsy-turvy backwards world.”
Take a look at these seven beautiful items that fall in line with the back to front dressing trend.
The Look Book: 7 ways to style “Back to Front” Luxury Designer Fashion in 2022
1. Alice & Olivia Reversible Drawcord Pullover.
Who says your back should get to have all the fun? This warm reversible open back sweater is sporty yet elegant, and would look great with a skirt and boots.
BUY NOW: $330.
2. Open Back Sweatshirt by Spiritual Gangster.
Why not be a little sporty with this sporty sweatshirt that will set you apart from the hooded crowd. Wear it with leggings for post work-out or jeans and heels for a fun night.
BUY NOW: $98.
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3. STAUD Amaretti Dress.
A simple yet elegant dress that looks like the front should be the back but looks great nonetheless. Plus the long length is perfect for wearing comfortable flats or boots and will keep you nice and warm in winter months.
The newest chic fashion trend of the season. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW: $206.
4. Satin Mock Neck Tie Open Back Top by EXPRESS.
This is a great top for a night out on the town. With its satin feel and buttoned up front and peekaboo back you will be the hit of the party. Pair it with some jeans and a heel.
BUY NOW: $34.
5. The Row Split-Neck Wool Dress.
You could see Mary-Kate Olsen walking down the street in this dress. It is comfy yet beautiful, and would look great with a pair of knee high boots.
BUY NOW: $975.
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6. Back to front merino wool sweater by Kit & Ace.
This sweater, which can be worn either way, is so versatile and comes in a variety of colors. Perfect for the office and then straight to dinner.
BUY NOW: $158.
7. Alice & Olivia Merino Reversible Knit Top.
Another of the brand’s beautiful open back sweaters, this one plays a bit of peek-a-boo with your navel. It will look great with high-waisted jeans or a pleated skirt.
BUY NOW: $330.
7 ways to style the back to front luxury fashion 2022 trend
Now you know, dear reader. Back to front is the cool new luxury designer fashion trend for 2022. We hope these 7 cut out open back sweaters, tops and dresses to illustrate how to make this style your own will inspire you!
join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links.
Meredith Lepore is a freelance writer, editor, and content strategist. Her work has appeared in Marie Claire Magazine, Women’s Health, InStyle, Architectural Digest, The Observer, and Travel & Leisure. She earned her Masters in journalism from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. Meredith resides in New York full time, and enjoys reading, jogging, spinning, and playing with her small dog, Otis.
