You don’t have to flip through a fashion magazine to see that dresses and tops with cutouts that show sexy little glimpses of skin are one of this year’s hottest fashion trends. Just look around at the next special event you attend — there’s likely to be at least one person showing off the style.

The fashion trends appeared on NYC’s runways during the 2013 Spring/Summer fashion shows and have been seen all over since through literal translations in clothing and accessories alike.  The less-confident can start with cutouts around the shoulders and neckline, bags and jewelry.

Cutouts are an easy way to instantly take a simple outfit from regular to fun, fabulous and flirtatious.  So start off simple until you’re confident, then work your way up to something more daring.

*Images by DYAD Photography