Portia and Scarlett PS26223 Strapless Lace Corset Gown with High Slit

Portia and Scarlett PS26223 runs consistent with standard Portia and Scarlett sizing, which tends to fit true to size for customers whose measurements are evenly proportioned. Measure your bust at the fullest point, your natural waist at the narrowest point, and your hips at the widest point. Compare all three measurements against the Portia and Scarlett size chart — do not rely on your usual dress size, because fitted lace corset gowns are sized differently from ready-to-wear. If any one measurement falls into a larger size, size up to that size overall. The boned bodice can be taken in by a tailor; it cannot be let out once you are wearing it. If you are between sizes at the bust and true to size at the hip, a structured bra insert or alteration at the bust is straightforward for a tailor. Order as early as possible so you have time for alterations before your event. Contact us directly by texting us at +1 416-536-2956 or messaging us on WhatsApp at +1 213-868-3131 - our luxury dress concierge is ready to help.

Portia and Scarlett PS26223 has a fully open back — the back is bare from the top of the bodice all the way past the waistline, which is one of the most striking design elements of this gown. The bodice is held in place by the boning structure itself, not by a zipper or lace-up at the back. The fit and adjustment happen entirely through the corset bodice at the front and sides, where the boning channels are built in to shape and compress the torso. Because there is no traditional closure at the back, getting the size right before you order matters more than it might with a gown that has a lace-up back you can loosen or tighten after the fact. Here is what that means practically: the boned bodice will hold you in and up without a separate bra, but it needs to fit your actual measurements to do that job correctly. Measure your bust, natural waist, and hips and compare those numbers directly to the Portia and Scarlett size chart. If your measurements fall between sizes, it is almost always better to size up and have the bodice taken in by a tailor than to size down and find you cannot get the gown fully on or cannot breathe comfortably. A seamstress can take in a boned bodice without compromising the boning — it is a standard alteration for fitted corset gowns. One thing to be aware of with the open back: because the back is fully exposed, there is no fabric to hide any alteration work at the rear of the bodice. All structural adjustments will be done from the inside or at the side seams, which a skilled bridal or formal-wear tailor will know how to handle cleanly. Ask your tailor specifically about fitted lace corset gowns before booking the appointment — not every tailor works regularly with structured lace. If you are between sizes and unsure whether to go up or stay at your size, or if you have a measurement that is very different between bust and hip, our team is happy to look at your numbers and give you a straight recommendation. Text or WhatsApp us before you order — we would rather you get the right size the first time than deal with an exchange or a difficult alteration later. This is a gown where getting the fit right from the start makes the whole experience easier.

Portia and Scarlett PS26223 is designed for events where a dramatic, fully embellished, show-stopping gown fits the environment. Prom is the clearest fit — this gown reads as a prom gown in the best way possible. The boned lace corset, high slit, and fully open back are exactly the kind of bold construction that works on a prom dance floor. If your school has a formal prom environment with stage walks, this is also a strong choice for that context. Pageant competitions are the other main use case. The level of embellishment on PS26223 — full-length lace with beading throughout and a train — meets the 'over-the-top' styling standard that pageant judges expect. Whether you are competing at a local, regional, or national level, this gown has the presence to read well from the stage and in photographs. There are some events this gown is not suited for, and it is worth being direct about that. The fully open back, high front slit, and sleek-and-sexy construction mean it is not appropriate for conservative dress codes. Wedding-guest events, military balls, formal galas with strict black-tie codes, and any event where covered or modest styling is expected are not the right setting for PS26223. This is not a criticism of the gown — it is a design choice that makes it exceptional in the right setting. But wearing it to a conservative event would likely feel uncomfortable and draw the wrong kind of attention. For the silver colorway specifically: it photographs very brightly and reads as highly formal under stage lighting. If you are considering silver for a pageant, it will photograph beautifully. For prom, both black and silver work — black is bolder on a dance floor, silver is more striking under bright event lighting. If you are trying to decide whether this gown works for your specific event, tell us the event type and the dress code and we can give you an honest answer. We have seen this gown on many customers and can usually give practical guidance quickly.

Because PS26223 has a fully open back that runs past the waistline, a traditional bra is not possible with this gown. The boned corset bodice is built to provide the support a bra would normally give — it holds the bust in place through the boning channels and the structure of the lace bodice itself. For most customers, the bodice alone is sufficient. If you want additional security, fashion tape applied along the top edge of the bodice and at the side panels is the most common solution with this style. Stick-on silicone cups are another option for added lift inside the bodice without any visible straps. For underwear at the hip and below, seamless or low-cut options work best with the high slit. Avoid shapewear that extends above the hip, as it may be visible at the back opening. Every Portia and Scarlett PS26223 that leaves our warehouse is inspected by hand before shipping, so the beadwork, seams, and closures arrive exactly as the designer intended.

Yes, PS26223 can be hemmed. This is a full-length fitted gown with a train, so the hem length matters both for how the skirt falls and for how the train reads behind you. For petite customers, expect to hem the skirt and likely shorten the train as well — both adjustments are standard for a formal-wear tailor. For taller customers, the gown typically works at full length with a higher heel. When you go for your fitting, bring the shoes you plan to wear — the heel height changes where the hem sits by several centimetres. The lace at the hem requires a tailor who has worked with structured lace before, so ask specifically about that experience when you book. A standard hem on a lace gown at a formal-wear or bridal boutique runs roughly one to three hours of work. If you are between sizes on the Portia and Scarlett PS26223, our team can talk you through the size chart against your own measurements before you order.

The boned corset bodice holds its shape well throughout the night, but boning is structured and firm by design — it supports you and defines the silhouette, and you will feel it. Most customers find the fit comfortable once they are in the correct size; the most common discomfort comes from ordering a size too small and having the boning press uncomfortably into the torso. The high slit is the biggest advantage for movement — it allows you to walk and dance freely without the skirt restricting your stride. The open back means you will feel air on your back all evening, which most customers find comfortable at an indoor event. If you run warm, the open construction works in your favour. Wear your gown for at least 30 minutes before your event to let the bodice settle and feel out any fit issues. Steaming on low from the inside is the safest way to release travel creases from the Portia and Scarlett PS26223 without touching the embellishment.

The black colorway photographs as a deep, true black with visible lace texture. In person it reads the same way — rich, dark, and structured. It is a strong choice if you want a bold, classic prom look that does not rely on shimmer. The silver colorway is more affected by lighting: in photographs under bright event or studio light it reads as very bright and almost metallic, while in softer or dimmer lighting it has a cooler, more muted shimmer. In person the silver has a beautiful luminous quality that shows the lace pattern clearly. If you are deciding between the two, consider your venue lighting. Silver reads more dramatically under stage and venue lighting — it is a pageant-ready choice. Black is more versatile across different lighting conditions. Both colorways are stocked and shown in product images so you can compare directly before ordering. Order the Portia and Scarlett PS26223 early in your event season - popular colorways sell through fastest, and early orders leave time for alterations.

Spot clean the lace bodice with a damp cloth for minor marks. For a full clean after wearing, take the gown to a dry cleaner who works with formal lace and beaded gowns — mention the boning and the beading so they handle the garment appropriately. Do not machine wash or hand wash a boned lace gown; the boning will warp and the lace can distort. To store the gown after your event, hang it on a padded hanger inside a breathable garment bag — never a plastic dry-cleaning bag, which traps moisture. Keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent the lace from yellowing. For travel, fold the skirt along the natural seam lines and lay it flat in a hard-sided garment case if possible, or roll the skirt loosely inside out and place it in a garment bag. Steam the skirt when you arrive — do not iron directly on the lace. The train can be steamed flat to remove packing creases.