Portia and Scarlett PS26236 Beaded Corset Ballgown

Portia and Scarlett PS26236 Black prom dress front view with beaded corset bodice, strapless sweetheart neckline, layered ruffle tulle ballgown skirt, high slit, formal prom gown

Portia and Scarlett PS26236 Strapless Beaded Corset Tulle Ballgown

$ 22,863

Size :

Color :

Black

Size :

Color :

Black

Add To Cart

Read all 3,900+ Google reviews

Need help?

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the sizing work on the PS26236, and how do I get the corset fit right for my measurements?

Portia and Scarlett PS26236 uses a boned corset bodice with a lace-up back closure, which means fit works differently here than on a zip-up gown. Understanding both elements — the standard size chart and the corset adjustment — will help you order confidently. Start with your bust measurement. The sweetheart strapless neckline sits at the bust line, and the boning holds the top of the bodice in place, so the bust fit is the most critical dimension. Measure around the fullest part of your bust, then check the Portia and Scarlett size chart. If your bust and waist measurements point to different sizes, order to your bust and use the corset lace-up to adjust the waist. The corset back gives you roughly an inch or two of adjustment room in either direction. The waist and hip through the bodice are structured by the boning, so there is not much give in those panels — the corset lacing is the primary adjustment mechanism at the back seam, not through the body of the dress itself. This means if your waist and hips are significantly larger than the size chart for your bust, you may need to size up and have the bodice taken in at the front panels by a tailor. For the skirt: because it is a full ruffle tulle ballgown, hip fit in the skirt is almost never an issue. The volume is generous enough to accommodate a wide range of hip sizes without needing alteration. Hemming is the alteration most people need. The train and the high slit mean the hem length matters — if you are under about 5'7" you will likely want the gown hemmed, especially at the front where the slit falls. A local bridal or formal wear tailor can handle this in one appointment. Bring the shoes you plan to wear so the tailor can set the length correctly. If you are between sizes or your measurements are unusual, contact us before ordering. Our team can look at your specific numbers and tell you which size to order. Text or WhatsApp us at +1 416-536-2956 or +1 213-868-3131 — we will respond quickly.

What occasions and events is the Portia and Scarlett PS26236 best suited for?

Portia and Scarlett PS26236 is built for two specific events where stage presence and visual impact are the whole point: prom and pageant. If you are trying to decide whether this gown is right for your event, here is how to think through it. For prom, this gown delivers everything the night calls for. The beaded corset bodice catches the light under ballroom and event lighting, the layered ruffle tulle skirt moves dramatically as you walk, and the very high front slit keeps you comfortable on the dance floor without having to fight the fabric all night. The cathedral train photographs beautifully for arrival shots. The fully open corset back is a bold choice that reads incredibly well in photos and in person. If your prom venue is a hotel ballroom or event space with real lighting, this gown is in its element. For pageant, the gown checks every box under the Portia and Scarlett PS26236 profile: a fully beaded bodice, an oversized ruffle ballgown skirt, a dramatic train, and a high slit. The silhouette has the over-the-top quality that a Miss Universe-style stage demands. The open back and the slit read as intentional and confident rather than casual. Under stage lighting, the beading on the bodice will catch and amplify every spotlight. Where this gown is NOT the right fit: it is not suitable for weddings (as a guest or otherwise), galas, or formal dinners. The combination of the very high front slit and the fully open back places this firmly in prom and pageant territory rather than formal-occasion territory. It is also not an event gown you would wear to a cocktail party, a semi-formal, or a military ball — the styling is too specific and too dramatic for those settings. If your event is prom or a pageant, this is the dress. If you are deciding between this and another gown for a different type of formal event and you are not sure whether it crosses the line, reach out before you order — it is much easier to sort that out before the purchase than after.

What do I wear underneath a strapless open-back corset gown like this?

The fully open back and the strapless construction on Portia and Scarlett PS26236 rule out most traditional undergarment options, but the boned corset bodice largely solves the problem on its own. The boning inside the bodice is structural — it is designed to hold the bust in place without straps or a bra. Most people who wear strapless corset gowns with this level of boning do not wear a separate bra at all. The corset does the lifting and the shaping. If you have a larger bust and want additional support, a low-back adhesive bra or silicone cups can be placed inside the bodice before lacing up. Because the back is fully open, any bra with a back band or back closure will show. For the lower half: the high front slit means what you wear underneath matters more than usual. Seamless, skin-tone shorts or a slip that ends above the slit line are the most practical options. Avoid anything with a visible waistband or hem that would catch in the slit. Smooth, seamless underwear under the bodice is also worth thinking through — the boning sits close to the body and anything with seams or texture can create visible lines through the structured front panels.

Can I get the PS26236 hemmed or tailored if I am petite or very tall?

Yes, and for most people it is a straightforward alteration. The gown has a cathedral sweep train at the back and a very high front slit, so where the hem falls at the front is the most important measurement to get right. If you are petite — say under 5'4" — the front of the skirt will likely drag on the floor even in heels, and the slit may fall lower than intended. A tailor can shorten the front hem and redistribute the length so the slit hits at the right point on your leg. This is a single-appointment alteration at most bridal or formalwear tailors. If you are taller — above 5'9" — the gown may fit close to correctly off the rack, but check the train length against your venue. A very long train on a crowded dance floor requires awareness. Bring your shoes to the fitting. The slit height and the front hem length look completely different in flats versus a four-inch heel, and you want the tailor setting the length for exactly how you will wear it on the night. The structured corset bodice can also be taken in or let out slightly at the back seam by an experienced tailor if the lace-up adjustment alone is not enough. Most formal alterations shops that handle prom and bridal work will be comfortable with this gown.

How does the Black colorway actually look in person, and does it photograph well under event lighting?

The Black version of Portia and Scarlett PS26236 reads as a true, deep black — not navy, not charcoal. Under standard indoor lighting it is a rich, solid color. Under event lighting, ballroom lighting, or stage spotlights, the beading on the corset bodice activates and catches the light, so the bodice reads as multi-dimensional rather than flat. The beads pick up whatever color the venue lights are running, which means the bodice can shift from white sparkle to gold or even color tones depending on the room. The tulle skirt in Black is layered and full, and it photographs very cleanly against most backgrounds — indoor venue backdrops, outdoor garden settings, and studio environments all work well. The contrast between the beaded bodice and the matte ruffle skirt gives the gown strong visual structure in photos. For skin tone: a true black gown reads well against a wide range of complexions. The open back creates a lot of skin-to-fabric contrast at the back, which photographs particularly well in profile and rear shots. If you are worried about the gown reading as too dark in photos, the beaded bodice is your answer — it provides enough light-catching detail that the gown will not disappear into a dark background.

How should I care for, store, and travel with the PS26236?

The beaded corset bodice and the layered tulle skirt both need specific care to stay in good condition before and after the event. For cleaning: do not machine wash this gown. The beading and the structured boning are both damaged by machine washing. If the gown needs cleaning after the event, take it to a dry cleaner who handles formal and bridal garments — they will know how to treat the tulle and protect the boning. For storage before the event: hang the gown on a padded hanger in a garment bag. The tulle skirt is voluminous, so give it room — do not compress it into a tight space or let other garments press against it, as tulle can hold creases. For travel: the biggest challenge is the volume of the skirt. The gown does not pack flat. For a short car journey, lay it across the back seat in a garment bag rather than folding it into a suitcase. For air travel, a large garment bag that fits in an overhead bin is your best option. Tulle is fairly forgiving — light compression wrinkles usually shake out when you hang the gown on arrival, or you can use a handheld steamer on a low setting to refresh the skirt. Do not steam the beaded bodice directly. Store the gown away from direct sunlight after the event, as prolonged UV exposure can fade tulle over time.

What shoes and jewelry work best with this gown for the Portia and Scarlett PS26236?

The high front slit and the strapless sweetheart neckline give you clear direction on accessories. For shoes: the slit is very high, so your footwear will be visible throughout the evening. Strappy heeled sandals are the most natural match — they let the slit open cleanly and keep the silhouette sleek from the leg down. A pointed-toe heel also works well. Avoid anything with ankle straps that cut across the leg awkwardly, and avoid chunky or platform styles that fight the drama of the skirt. For jewelry: the beaded corset bodice does the decorative work at the top, so you do not need much. A pair of simple drop earrings or small hoops is usually enough. Skip a necklace entirely — the sweetheart neckline and the beading across the bodice fill that space. If you want a necklace, keep it very minimal. For hair: an updo is the strongest choice because it shows off the full open back. The open back is one of the most dramatic features of this gown, and it disappears under loose or down hair. A structured updo — a bun, a French twist, or a braided style — keeps the back visible all night. For a bag: a small clutch in black or a metallic tone keeps the look polished without competing with the gown.

How fast does Portia and Scarlett PS26236 ship, and where does it ship from?

Portia and Scarlett PS26236 ships in 7 to 12 business days as standard. Rush shipping is available if you need the gown faster — contact us before placing your order and we can confirm current rush timelines. Shipments to the United States and Canada ship from our Los Angeles and New York warehouses, with Canadian orders fulfilling from our Toronto location. There are no import duties on shipments to the US or Canada. International orders ship worldwide with full tracking. Every dress at Marlas Fashions is inspected before it ships. We are an authorized Portia and Scarlett retailer with over 40 years in the business, and we do not ship a dress we would not wear ourselves. If you are working against a specific event date, let us know when you order. We can tell you whether standard shipping gets it to you in time or whether rush is worth it for your timeline.

Portia and Scarlett PS26236 Strapless Beaded Corset Tulle Ballgown

About the Dress: Portia and Scarlett PS26236

Fit & Silhouette

Fabric & Detail

Key Features

Style & Occasion

Your Dress — Delivered in Days, Not Weeks.

WE ACCEPT RETURNS!

ORDER CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Price Match Guarantee

Easy
Returns

Worldwide
Shipping

Portia and Scarlett · PS26236 Strapless Beaded Corset Tulle Ballgown

About the Dress: Portia and Scarlett PS26236

Fit & Silhouette

Fabric & Detail

Key Features

Style & Occasion

Your Dress — Delivered in Days, Not Weeks.

WE ACCEPT RETURNS!

ORDER CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Get on the list

Price Match Guarantee

Easy Returns

Worldwide Shipping

Portia and Scarlett PS26236 Strapless Beaded Corset Tulle Ballgown

Easy
Returns

Worldwide
Shipping