Portia and Scarlett Portia & Scarlett XO338 Beaded

Portia and Scarlett XO338 Beaded Corset Mermaid Strapless Satin Gown

$554 USD

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Black

Size :

Color :

Black

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Portia and Scarlett XO338 run true to size and how do I figure out what to order?

The Portia and Scarlett XO338 fits close to true to size, but because the mermaid silhouette is designed to sit snugly through the bust, waist, and hips simultaneously, it pays to measure carefully before ordering rather than just going by the tag size you normally wear. Start with three measurements: bust, waist, and hips. Take them over the undergarments you plan to wear with the gown — not over clothing — and measure the fullest point of each. Portia and Scarlett size their gowns to standard US formal-wear sizing, so compare your numbers to the designer's size chart rather than relying on your usual dress size. Formal gowns are almost always cut differently than ready-to-wear. If your measurements fall between sizes, size up rather than down. The XO338 has a boned corset bodice that cannot be let out, so a gown that is one size too small cannot easily be fixed. A gown that is one size too large through the bodice can be taken in by a tailor relatively straightforwardly. The same logic applies if your hips and bust measurements put you in different sizes — order to the larger measurement and have the smaller area adjusted. The ruching at the waist is a practical feature here: it creates a gathered zone that has a small amount of natural give and helps the transition from bodice to skirt sit cleanly on different body proportions. For length: XO338 is floor-length and designed for someone roughly five feet six inches to five feet eight inches tall in heels. If you are shorter than that, plan for a hem alteration — the skirt will pool on the floor. If you are taller, the gown should still fall correctly but check the measurement from your natural waist to the floor when you have your heels on. If you are genuinely unsure between two sizes or your measurements are unusual for your frame, the safest move is to reach out before placing your order. Our team has handled hundreds of Portia and Scarlett fittings and can often tell you right away which direction to go. We would rather spend five minutes answering a sizing question than have you deal with a return.

What events is the Portia and Scarlett XO338 actually right for, and is it too much for some occasions?

The Portia and Scarlett XO338 is built for high-glamour formal occasions where a statement gown is the expectation, not the exception. The beaded corset bodice, open back, and mermaid silhouette all work together to create something that reads as deliberately dressed up — this is not a dress you reach for when you want to blend in. Prom is the primary occasion this gown is designed for. The combination of a fully beaded bodice, floor-length satin skirt, and dramatic open back is exactly what prom calls for, and it photographs exceptionally well both in natural light and under venue lighting. If you want a gown that will stand out in a crowd and look striking in every photo taken that night, the XO338 delivers. Pageant is another strong fit. The over-the-top embellishment, the structured silhouette, and the overall presence of this gown are all consistent with formal pageant styling. It has the kind of impact that works on a stage. Formal galas and black-tie evening events are also appropriate settings. The satin skirt and the refined beading keep the gown from reading as purely a party dress — there is an elegance to the construction that translates to high-end fundraisers, award dinners, and formal banquets. As a wedding guest, the open back and bodycon silhouette suit evening receptions and black-tie celebrations best, where a more dramatic look is expected. The open back and bodycon silhouette make it best suited to evening receptions and black-tie settings, where dramatic styling is fully at home — at a wedding, pair it with a wrap or tailored jacket to complement the formality of the day. Similarly, it is not the right fit for a semi-formal, cocktail party, or anything where the dress code is relaxed formal rather than true black tie. If you are deciding between this gown and something else for a specific event and are not sure which is more appropriate, our team can help you think it through before you commit.

Does the XO338 have built-in support, and do I need a special bra or shapewear underneath?

Yes — the Portia and Scarlett XO338 has meaningful built-in support. The boned corset bodice is structured to hold the bust in place without any additional bra, and for most people it provides enough lift and containment on its own. The boning channels run vertically through the bodice and keep the top from slipping or shifting during wear. For the majority of wearers, no bra is needed or practical with this gown. The strapless sweetheart neckline and open back make most bra styles visible, and the internal structure replaces what a bra would otherwise do. If you feel you need extra security, stick-on bra cups or fashion tape along the top edge of the bodice are the standard solutions — they add confidence without showing. For the bottom half, a seamless thong or nude underwear is the typical choice with a fitted mermaid skirt. Visible panty lines under satin are common, and seamless options solve that quickly. Light smoothing shapewear that stops at the mid-thigh is also fine if you want it — just make sure it does not create a visible ridge through the skirt fabric. Avoid bike-short-style shapewear that extends below the knee. The skirt fits closely through the hips and thighs, and anything that adds volume or bulk in that area will change how the gown sits on your body and may make it harder to walk naturally in the mermaid flare.

Can the XO338 be hemmed, and what should I tell my tailor?

Yes, the Portia and Scarlett XO338 can be hemmed, and it is a relatively common alteration for this style. The gown is designed for someone wearing heels in the range of three to four inches — if you are on the shorter side or prefer a lower heel, you will likely need a hem. Before going to your tailor, put on the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on the night of the event. Stand naturally and check how much fabric sits on the floor. That is the amount that needs to come off, minus a small margin for the new hem allowance. Take a photo and bring it to your fitting. The satin skirt hems cleanly. The mermaid flare does require a tailor who is comfortable with formal gowns — the curved hem at the flare point is slightly more involved than a straight-across floor-length cut. Any bridal or formal alterations specialist will handle this without issue. One thing to note: alterations to the beaded bodice are more complex and more expensive than skirt work. Length is the easy part. If you are considering any bodice adjustments beyond taking in a seam, get a quote from your tailor before committing.

How comfortable is the XO338 to wear all night, and is it practical to dance in?

The XO338 wears comfortably for a long evening when it fits correctly. The boned corset bodice supports the torso and takes the weight off your core — many people find a well-fitted boned gown less tiring to stand in for long periods than a strapless gown without boning, because the structure does the work. Dancing in a mermaid silhouette requires a slightly different movement style than a full ballgown or an A-line. The fitted skirt through the hips limits the length of your stride and restricts wide leg movements. Small steps and movement from the hips down work well — you will look graceful. Big sweeping movements or high kicks are not what this silhouette is built for. The satin skirt flare below the knee gives you enough room to walk comfortably and to move on the floor without feeling locked in. Most people find the XO338 practical for a full evening of dancing as long as they are moving in a way that suits the silhouette. If you are planning a very active night of dancing, make sure the bodice fits snugly enough that it does not require constant readjusting. A bodice that is slightly too large will shift over the course of the evening. Fashion tape along the top inner edge is a simple fix if you want extra security.

How do the colors look in person compared to product photos, and how do I choose the right colorway?

Product photography is a reasonable starting point but not the whole picture. Here is what to know about each colorway in the XO338 lineup. Black is the most consistent between photo and real life. The beading reads as bright and reflective against the dark satin, which makes it one of the most striking combinations for photography and for in-person viewing under venue lighting. Emerald is a deep, saturated green in person — richer and darker than it sometimes appears in digital images. Under warm venue lighting it can read as jewel-toned rather than bright green, which most people find flattering. Periwinkle photographs lighter and more lavender than it appears on the body. In person it is a soft blue-purple that tends to be muted rather than bold. If you want something that reads as a statement color in a large room, keep that in mind. Pink is soft and feminine in person. The beading gives it brightness and stops it from reading as flat. It photographs close to true. Nude/Silver is currently not photographed on the product page. Based on the colorway name, it should read as a warm champagne beige with silver beading — a popular choice for venues with warm or gold-toned lighting. If you are considering this color, reach out to our team and we can describe it in more detail or check for samples.

How do I care for and store the XO338 after the event?

After wearing the XO338, the most important first step is to hang it on a wide padded hanger rather than folding it. Folding a beaded satin gown for storage causes creases in the satin that are difficult to remove, and can put pressure on the beading that loosens embellishments over time. For cleaning, professional dry cleaning is the right route for this gown. The beaded bodice and the satin skirt both require handling that home washing cannot provide safely. Take it to a dry cleaner who has experience with beaded formal gowns and mention both the beading and the satin — the combination requires a lighter touch than standard dry cleaning. Do not steam the beaded bodice directly. Steam can be used carefully on the satin skirt to release travel wrinkles, but keep the steamer several inches from the fabric and never apply direct heat to the beadwork. For long-term storage, a breathable garment bag is better than a plastic bag. Plastic traps moisture and can cause satin to yellow over time. A cotton or non-woven garment bag with the gown hanging inside is the standard approach for preserving a formal gown between uses. If you are traveling to your event and need to pack the gown, fold it loosely with tissue paper between the layers rather than crushing it into a suitcase. Hanging it in the bathroom with a hot shower running for a few minutes will release most travel wrinkles from the skirt.

What shoes, jewelry, and accessories work best with the XO338?

The XO338 is a heavily embellished gown with a lot of visual information already built into it — the goal with accessories is to complement the gown rather than compete with it. For shoes, strappy heeled sandals or pointed-toe heels in metallic, nude, or black are the standard pairing. Because the skirt is floor-length and fitted, the shoes are mostly hidden while you stand still — heel height matters more for posture and proportion than for visibility. A heel between two and a half and four inches keeps the gown at the right length. For jewelry, the beaded bodice already handles most of the visual work from the front. A pair of chandelier earrings or simple stud earrings in a metal that matches the beading is usually enough. Because the back is fully open and is the focal point of the gown from behind, avoid necklaces entirely — a necklace at the nape of the neck competes with the open back and the clean line it creates. A small structured clutch in metallic or black keeps the look finished without adding bulk. Avoid large bags or totes — they read as practical rather than formal and break the silhouette. If you want help matching accessories to a specific colorway, text or WhatsApp our team at +1 416-536-2956 or +1 213-868-3131 and they can walk you through what works best for your specific color choice and venue.

Portia and Scarlett XO338 Beaded Corset Mermaid Strapless Satin Gown

About the Dress: Portia and Scarlett XO338

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Portia and Scarlett · XO338 Beaded Corset Mermaid Strapless Satin Gown

About the Dress: Portia and Scarlett XO338

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 XO338 Beaded Corset Mermaid Strapless Satin Gown

Easy
Returns

Worldwide
Shipping