Ellie Wilde EW37005 Floral Print Mermaid Gown with Hot-Stone Bodice

The Ellie Wilde EW37005 is built for prom. That is the clearest answer, and it is worth understanding why so you can decide if it fits your event. The gown has three features that shape where it works: a fully open back with a deep cut-out at the lower waist, a sleek mermaid silhouette that fits tightly through the hips, and a dense rhinestone hot-stone bodice. Together, those three things push this dress firmly into formal prom territory. It is not a subtle or understated gown — it is designed to be a statement. For prom, it is an excellent choice. Whether you are attending a traditional prom at a hotel ballroom, a rooftop event, or an outdoor formal, this gown photographs beautifully under venue lighting. The hot-stone embellishment catches flash and event lighting exceptionally well, and the floral border print on the skirt adds detail that reads clearly in photos. The train sweep adds drama when you walk. For other formal dances — winter formals, spring formals, or a military ball — the open back is a factor to consider. Many military ball dress codes allow open backs, but confirm with your date or the event guidelines before ordering. For school dances with stricter dress codes, the open back may not meet requirements; check your school's policy. For prom after-parties, this gown works well if the venue is upscale enough to match it. It is not a casual dress, and it is not easy to move quickly in — the mermaid silhouette restricts stride length, which is worth knowing before you book an after-party that involves a lot of walking between venues. This gown is not suited for wedding-guest events. The open back and the overtly fitted silhouette make it inappropriate for a wedding ceremony or reception setting. It is also not a first choice for galas or charity events where the dress code skews conservative. Bottom line: if you are shopping for prom and you want a gown that makes a real entrance, the EW37005 delivers. If your event has a strict modesty policy or you need a dress that works in a seated dinner setting where an open back is uncomfortable, you may want to look at a different silhouette in the Ellie Wilde line.

The EW37005 is a true mermaid gown, which means the fit through the bust, waist, and hips is deliberate and close. This is not a dress with ease built into the skirt — it is designed to follow the body from the shoulders to below the knee before it flares into the train sweep. For sizing, the general guidance is: measure your bust, waist, and hips, and match to the Ellie Wilde size chart. If you fall between two sizes, size down. The satin fabric has some structure but is not as forgiving as a stretch jersey, so you want the gown to fit properly through the hips rather than pulling across them. If your hips measure larger than the chart suggests for your bust size, size to your hips and plan to have the bodice taken in — that alteration is straightforward for any bridal or formal-wear tailor. The mermaid silhouette also affects mobility. The fitted section through the hips restricts your stride noticeably compared to an A-line or ballgown. When you try the gown on or receive it, walk around in it and practice sitting. You should be able to sit comfortably and take a natural stride, even if the stride is shorter than usual. If the skirt pulls across the thighs when you walk, that is a sign the fit is too snug through the hips and the gown needs to be let out or exchanged for a size up. For height, the gown includes a train sweep that is intended to skim the floor. If you are under 5'4", you will almost certainly need the hem shortened. A formal-wear tailor can take up the length while preserving the train shape — plan for this alteration before your event. If you are 5'8" or taller, the length should work well with a standard 3" to 4" heel. The open back means there is no traditional bra option. The straps give the bodice structural support, and the fitted satin through the torso provides some natural hold, but you will want to use fashion tape along the back edges and consider a low-back adhesive bra solution if you feel you need additional support. The bodice construction is designed to be worn without a traditional bra. If you have specific fit questions or are unsure between sizes, our team can help you work through the measurements before you place your order — reach out and we will walk through it with you.

The open back on the EW37005 rules out any traditional bra. The back is fully bare to the waistline, so a standard bra strap would be visible. The fitted satin through the torso and the structured bodice provide a reasonable amount of natural support on their own, especially for smaller bust sizes. The straps keep the front of the gown in place. For additional support, the most common solution is a low-back adhesive bra or silicone cups, both of which are available at lingerie retailers and online. These stick directly to the skin and stay in place under the fitted bodice. Use fashion tape along the side and back edges of the gown to keep everything secure against the body. For the bottom half, a seamless thong or low-cut brief in a color that matches your colorway is the standard choice. The mermaid silhouette is fitted through the hips, so any underwear line that shows through satin will be visible. Seamless shapewear shorts that sit below the hips can also work if you want the smooth line through the thighs. For hosiery, most people wear none with this style. If you prefer coverage, a sheer body stocking that ends below the train sweep is an option, but bare legs are the conventional choice with a gown like this.

The EW37005 is a fitted mermaid gown, which means movement is more restricted than it would be in an A-line or fit-and-flare style. That is the trade-off with mermaid silhouettes. The fitted section through the hips limits how long a stride you can take. Walking normally is comfortable, but running or taking very long steps will feel restricted. On a dance floor, this translates to a style that works well for slow dances, social dancing, and posed photos but is less suited to high-energy jumping or fast footwork. Most people who wear mermaid gowns to prom adapt their dancing style naturally — swaying, turning, and moving with the skirt rather than against it. The train sweep is a consideration at busy events. On a crowded dance floor, the train can be stepped on. Some people hold it up during active dancing or tuck it to the side. The satin fabric is durable enough to handle a busy evening, but the train will pick up scuffs on a gym or ballroom floor, which is worth knowing before you commit to this silhouette for a high-energy event. The flare below the knee gives you more movement in the lower skirt than a pure column gown, so stepping up onto a stage or into a car is manageable. Overall, the EW37005 is a statement gown designed for presence — it rewards slow, deliberate movement and photographs beautifully when you are standing or walking rather than jumping.

All three colorways — Dark Purple/Multi, Magenta/Multi, and Royal/Multi — are photographed on the product page, though the Magenta and Royal images are back views. The front colorway shown is Dark Purple/Multi, which gives you the clearest look at the floral print and hot-stone embellishment from the front. In general, colors on screens can vary based on your monitor or phone settings. The 'Multi' in each colorway name refers to the multicolor floral border print on the skirt, which incorporates several tones alongside the primary color. Dark Purple/Multi reads as a rich, deep jewel tone. It photographs with strong contrast between the purple base and the multicolor print. Magenta/Multi is bold and vibrant — a true statement color that works well under venue lighting and in photos. Royal/Multi is a strong, saturated blue that reads clearly and photographs with high impact. When choosing between colorways, consider your skin tone and the color of your accessories. Deep jewel tones like Dark Purple complement both warm and cool complexions. Magenta reads warm and can add intensity to lighter complexions. Royal blue is flattering across a wide range of skin tones. If you are coordinating with a date's suit or tie, Royal and Dark Purple are the most commonly paired with formal menswear. Magenta is a strong solo statement that works best when you are not trying to match a specific suit color.

The EW37005 is a satin gown with hot-stone embellishment and a floral print — each of those requires some care to keep the dress looking its best. For cleaning, dry clean only. Do not machine wash or hand wash a satin gown — water can leave marks on the fabric, especially on a print. After your event, take it to a dry cleaner experienced with formal-wear and point out the hot-stone embellishment so they can handle that section carefully. Some rhinestones are heat-sensitive, so a professional cleaner who works with formal gowns regularly will know to avoid direct heat on that area. For storage, hang the gown on a wide, padded hanger in a breathable garment bag. Avoid plastic bags for long-term storage — they trap moisture. Keep it in a cool, dry space away from direct light, which can fade a satin print over time. For travel, the train sweep is the most vulnerable part of the gown to wrinkling. Pack it in a large, flat garment bag and lay it as flat as possible rather than folding it tightly. If you arrive and the skirt has some wrinkles, a steamer (not a direct iron) on the lowest setting, held well away from the embellishment, can relax the satin. Do not iron directly — satin scorch marks are permanent. For day-of touch-ups, keep a small bottle of fabric refresher spray and a lint roller nearby. The satin surface picks up lint and pet hair easily.

The EW37005 has a lot going on — hot-stone embellishment, a floral print, an open back, and a train. The styling principle is simple: let the gown be the statement and keep accessories clean. For shoes, a strappy stiletto heel is the most common pairing with a mermaid gown. A thin strap or barely-there sandal in silver, gold, or a metallic that picks up a tone in your colorway works well. A block heel is a practical alternative if you are dancing and want more stability — the gown covers your feet completely when you are standing still, so the heel height is mostly about your comfort. Avoid very chunky or platform shoes, which can fight with the sleek silhouette. For jewelry, the hot-stone bodice does most of the work. A pair of simple drop earrings — crystal, diamond, or a small statement earring — is usually enough. Avoid large statement necklaces; the v-neckline and straps already frame the neckline cleanly, and a heavy necklace competes with the embellishment. If your colorway is Royal or Dark Purple, silver-toned metal reads cleanly. Magenta pairs well with both gold and silver. For hair, an updo is strongly recommended. It shows off the open back and keeps the neckline from being obscured. A sleek low bun, a high ponytail, or a swept style all work. Soft curls worn up are also popular with this type of gown.

Marlas Fashions ships the Ellie Wilde EW37005 from warehouses in Los Angeles and New York. Standard shipping takes 7 to 12 business days to most US destinations. Rush options are available at checkout if your event date is closer. International shipping is available and fully tracked. Canadian customers receive their orders from the Toronto warehouse, and no duties are charged on US or Canadian orders. International orders outside the US and Canada also ship with worldwide tracked service. If you have a specific event date and are not sure whether standard shipping gives you enough time for alterations, order as early as possible. Alterations for a mermaid gown — particularly hemming a train sweep — take time, and most tailors need at least one to two weeks for formal-wear. Factor that into your timeline when you place the order. For questions about your specific shipping timeline, our concierge team can confirm current stock availability and shipping lead times for your colorway before you order. Text us at +1 416-536-2956 or reach us on WhatsApp at +1 213-868-3131 — we are here to help you get the gown on time.