Portia and Scarlett PS27038 Strapless Mermaid Gown

Portia and Scarlett PS25453C shown with Portia and Scarlett PS27038 and PS27058C, V-neckline, fitted silhouette, high front slit and beading prom gowns photographed together for comparison

Portia and Scarlett PS27038 Sweetheart Glitter Fitted Gown with Sweep Train & Boned Bodice

$ 18,251

Size :

Color :

Black

Size :

Color :

Black

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the return policy if I order Portia and Scarlett PS27038 and it doesn't work out — can I try it on at home and send it back?

Yes, you can try it on at home and return it if it doesn't work for you. Marlas Fashions accepts returns on unworn, unaltered dresses in their original condition with all tags attached. When you receive PS27038, put it on carefully — keep the protective undergarments in place, avoid makeup transfer on the neckline, and do not remove the tags until you are certain. If the fit isn't right or the color doesn't match what you expected, you have three options: a store credit that never expires, an exchange for a different size or style, or a refund minus a 30% restocking fee. The store credit option is the most flexible because it never runs out — you can apply it to any future purchase at Marlas Fashions at any time, with no deadline. The exchange route is a good choice if you simply need a different size of PS27038 or want to switch to another colorway — Black, Light Green, Pink, or Yellow are all available. If you go the refund route, the 30% restocking fee applies to the item price, not the shipping cost. To start a return or exchange, reach out to the team before sending anything back — they'll walk you through the process and make sure nothing gets lost. Every PS27038 order is hand-inspected before shipping so the fit and finish arrive flawless. If you are between sizes on the PS27038, send our team your measurements before ordering and we will advise. Popular colorways of the PS27038 sell out quickly each season, so early orders get first pick. Our stylists fit the PS27038 in the boutique every week and know exactly how it runs. Every PS27038 order is hand-inspected before shipping so the fit and finish arrive flawless. If you are between sizes on the PS27038, send our team your measurements before ordering and we will advise.

What makes Portia and Scarlett PS27038 different from other strapless mermaid gowns at a similar price point?

The short answer is the combination of a fully boned corset bodice, an all-over glitter metallic surface, and a clean mermaid flare — all in one dress at the same price as styles that typically offer only one or two of those features. A lot of strapless mermaid gowns at this price point use a lightly boned or underwire bodice that provides some structure but doesn't give you the same hold as a full corset with visible boning channels running through the entire bodice. PS27038 uses heavy boning throughout, which means the bodice holds its shape and stays in place even during extended wear — dancing, sitting, standing for photos — without the need for fashion tape or straps. The glitter surface is the other differentiator. It's not a glitter accent on the skirt or a subtle shimmer — it's a metallic grid overlay covering the entire dress from neckline to train, which means it catches light from every angle. A lot of dresses at this level use sequins for that effect, but the glitter jersey construction on PS27038 reads more fluid and less heavy than a sequin gown, which matters for comfort on a long night. The mermaid shape itself is also cut without a slit, which is less common in this category. Most mermaid-style gowns at prom price points include a thigh or knee slit to allow movement, but PS27038 achieves the same walkability by cutting the flare from the knee down — the hem opens up enough to walk and dance without any exposed leg. The sweep train adds a formal length that photographs well. For a pageant or a high-production prom entrance, the visual effect of PS27038 from the front is more complete than most comparable styles. Add the fully open back for contrast and you have a dress that does a lot of visual work from every angle.

How does the back closure on PS27038 work, and how much can it be adjusted?

PS27038 has a fully open back — the entire back of the dress is bare from the neckline down to approximately the lower back. There is no closure, zipper, or lacing running down the back. The structure and hold come entirely from the boned corset bodice at the front and sides, which keeps the strapless sweetheart neckline in place without any back closure anchoring it. Because the back is fully open, there's no adjustment mechanism to tighten or loosen the fit from the back. The bodice fit is determined by the boning fit around your ribcage and bust — which is why ordering the right size is important. If the bodice is slightly large, a tailor can take it in from the side seams, which is a standard alteration for boned strapless gowns. If it's fitting correctly through the waist but is slightly loose at the bust, a tailor can add internal cups or adjust the top edge of the bodice to improve hold. One thing to keep in mind: because the back is fully open, there's nothing to see or grab onto if the bodice shifts during the night. Body tape along the inside top edge of the bodice is a common solution and works well with the jersey fabric on PS27038.

Can I coordinate PS27038 with a prom court, damas, or a group wearing different colors?

Yes — PS27038 is available in four colors (Black, Light Green, Pink, and Yellow), which makes it well suited for group coordination where each person wears a different color but the same silhouette. Because the mermaid shape, the boned strapless bodice, and the glitter surface are consistent across all four colorways, the group reads as coordinated in photos even when everyone is wearing a different color. Black is the most formal-reading option and photographs with high contrast. Light Green, Pink, and Yellow each have a saturated, vivid quality that shows well in both indoor and outdoor lighting. If you're coordinating with a court or group and want to confirm availability of specific colors in the sizes you need, contact the Marlas team early — formal season stock in specific colorways and sizes can move quickly, and getting the order in together ensures everyone gets their first choice. Every PS27038 order is hand-inspected before shipping so the fit and finish arrive flawless. If you are between sizes on the PS27038, send our team your measurements before ordering and we will advise.

Does PS27038 run true to size, and how do I figure out my size for this dress?

PS27038 runs close to standard formal sizing, but because it's a boned strapless mermaid gown, the bodice fit is the most critical measurement. The boning holds the bodice rigid, which means there's less room for error at the bust and ribcage than you'd have in a stretchy or lightly structured dress. Start by taking your bust, waist, and hip measurements and comparing them against the Portia and Scarlett size chart. If your measurements fall between two sizes, size up — a slightly large bodice can be taken in by a tailor; a too-small boned corset cannot be let out. The glitter jersey skirt has some stretch in it, which helps with comfort through the hips. If you're unsure about your measurements or want the exact garment measurements for PS27038 before ordering, reach out to us — we can pull the spec from the supplier and compare it directly against your numbers so you can order with confidence. Call or text our Toronto boutique at 416-536-2956 and our stylists will help you find your perfect dress.

What occasions can I wear Portia and Scarlett PS27038 to beyond prom?

PS27038 is primarily a prom and formal evening gown, but it's also a strong choice for pageants and any formal evening event where a fully embellished long gown is appropriate. The fully boned strapless corset, the all-over glitter surface, and the mermaid sweep train give it the kind of high-production look that reads well in pageant judging settings — it fits the Miss Universe styling standard. For formal evening events such as galas or awards dinners, the dress works well as long as the dress code allows a dramatic, overtly glamorous look. As a wedding guest, it works best at evening receptions and black-tie celebrations where a dramatic, open-back silhouette is welcome. For military ball or black-tie events, the gown works well, particularly for evening receptions and formal galas where a dramatic silhouette is welcome. For text confirmation on a specific event, feel free to reach out — we're happy to help you think through whether PS27038 is the right call for your occasion.

What undergarments work best with PS27038, and does the bodice have built-in support?

The bodice of PS27038 has built-in support through the full boning structure — the visible boning channels run through the entire corset bodice, which means the dress holds its shape and provides lift without requiring a separate bra. Most wearers find that no additional undergarments are needed at the bust when the bodice is fitting correctly. For coverage at the back, there is nothing to add — the back is fully open. For the hips and lower body, a seamless nude short is the most common choice to smooth the line under the fitted mermaid skirt. Body tape along the inside top edge of the strapless neckline is a practical addition, particularly if you plan to dance or move a lot during the event. Avoid structured shapewear that adds bulk through the hips — the jersey fabric is fitted and any additional volume underneath will show through the skirt. Every PS27038 order is hand-inspected before shipping so the fit and finish arrive flawless. If you are between sizes on the PS27038, send our team your measurements before ordering and we will advise.

Can PS27038 be altered or hemmed for my height, and what should I discuss with my tailor before the event?

Yes, PS27038 can be altered. The most common alterations for this style are hemming the train to the correct floor length for your height, taking in the side seams of the bodice if it's slightly large, and adjusting the top edge of the bust if needed. Hemming a mermaid gown with a sweep train requires a tailor with formal gown experience — the flare shape means the hem length needs to be checked while you're wearing the dress and the shoes you plan to wear on the night, not lying flat on a table. Bring the dress, your heels, and any undergarments to the fitting appointment. For the bodice, a tailor can take in the side seams without touching the boning if the adjustment is minor. If the bodice is more than one size too large, boning repositioning may be needed, which adds complexity and cost. Allow enough time before your event for at least two fittings — one to pin the alterations and one to confirm the final fit. For most standard height adjustments on PS27038, a single fitting with one round of alterations is typically sufficient.

Portia and Scarlett PS27038 Sweetheart Glitter Fitted Gown

About the Dress: Portia and Scarlett PS27038

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

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Shipping

Portia and Scarlett · PS27038 Sweetheart Glitter Fitted Gown

About the Dress: Portia and Scarlett PS27038

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 PS27038 Sweetheart Glitter Fitted Gown

Easy
Returns

Worldwide
Shipping