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Sherri Hill 57986 Strapless Sweetheart Mermaid Gown
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Standard: arrives in 7 to 12 days
Express: arrives in 4 to 6 days
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Description
About the Dress: Sherri Hill 57986
Sherri Hill 57986 is a floor-length mermaid gown with a strapless sweetheart neckline, a fully boned corset bodice, and a dramatically open back. The skirt hugs the body through the hips and flares below the knee into a sweep train. Lace trims the scalloped bust edge, adding a delicate finish to a silhouette that is otherwise sleek and body-conscious. It comes in a wide range of colors, from deep Navy and Emerald to lighter shades like Periwinkle, Light Blue, and Lilac, plus classic Red and Black.
Fit & Silhouette
Sherri Hill 57986 follows a true mermaid cut: it fits close through the bust, waist, and hips, then flares out below the knee into a train. The corset bodice has visible vertical boning channels that give the bodice structure and define the waist. The strapless construction stays in place because of that boning — there are no straps or ties at the shoulders. The back is fully open from the nape of the neck down past the waistline, so the fit through the torso is supported entirely by the boned corset shell. Most customers find the sizing runs true to standard dress sizing; if you are between sizes, the structured bodice typically accommodates a small difference, but sizing up is the safer choice for the hips.
Fabric & Detail
The body of Sherri Hill 57986 is made from a high-gloss stretch jersey with a fluid, slightly reflective finish. The fabric moves well and recovers its shape, which is important for a fitted silhouette. At the bust cup edge, a scalloped lace trim forms the sweetheart neckline and adds a soft contrast to the smooth skirt. The lace detail is precise and sits right at the neckline — it does not cover the bodice or skirt. Boning channels run through the full height of the corset bodice and are visible from both the front and the back. The skirt extends into a short sweep train at the back hem.
Key Features
- Strapless sweetheart neckline with scalloped lace trim
- Fully boned corset bodice with visible boning channels
- Mermaid silhouette: body-con through hips, flaring below the knee
- Sweep train
- Fully open back from nape to below the waist
- Stretch jersey base fabric with high-gloss finish
- Available in 13 colors including Red, Bright Pink, Black, Navy, Emerald, and Ivory
Style & Occasion
Sherri Hill 57986 is built for prom. The open back, sleek silhouette, and floor-length sweep train make it a strong choice for a formal prom entrance. The mermaid shape photographs beautifully from every angle, and the wide color range means you can coordinate with your group or stand out on your own. For styling, a simple updo keeps the open back as the focal point. Because the back is fully open, built-in support from the corset makes a traditional bra impractical — stick to adhesive cups or go without. Minimal jewelry works best: small earrings or a delicate necklace, nothing that competes with the neckline. The stretch jersey fabric has enough give that dancing is comfortable, but the fitted mermaid cut does limit stride length — keep that in mind for the dance floor.
Size & fit
- Fitted (corset, mermaid). Bust, waist and hips all matter. Go by your largest measurement.
- Length: Long
- Neckline: Strapless, Sweetheart
- Details: Open Back, Train
- Between sizes? Text a stylist and we'll help you choose.
Shipping
- Arrives in 7–12 business days, or 4–6 with Express (+$35).
- Free shipping over $250 to Canada and the USA.
- Text updates as your order ships.
Full shipping details
Your Dress — Delivered in Days, Not Weeks.
We know timing matters — especially for prom, weddings, quinceañeras, and special events.
- Receive your dress within 7–12 business days, depending on designer availability.
- You’ll receive text updates as your order moves from processing to shipping.
- Once shipped, delivery typically takes 2–5 business days within North America.
Need it sooner?
We offer rush options where you can receive your dress within 4–6 business days. Text us at +1 416-536-2956 before ordering and we’ll confirm the fastest possible delivery date.
We are an authorized retailer of top designers, which means your dress ships brand new and directly from the designer or our showroom — never used, never rented.
Have an event date? Add it in your order notes so we can prioritize accordingly.
We proudly ship across Canada, the United States, and Internationally, with in-store pickup available at our Toronto showroom.
Returns
- Tell us within 5 days of delivery.
- 100% store credit, a one-time exchange, or a refund (30% restocking fee).
- Online purchases only; in-store purchases are final.
Full return policy
WE ACCEPT RETURNS!
For Online Purchases Only. All in-store purchases are FINAL.
We hope you LOVE your dress — but if you're not completely satisfied with your online purchase, you may request:
- 100% Store Credit (no expiration).
- A one-time exchange, OR
- A return with a 30% restocking fee, OR
You must notify us of a return within 5 days of delivery (including weekends and holidays — we are open 7 days a week).
We have no control and accept no responsibility for the sizing selected. Please carefully review the size chart before ordering. If you need assistance with sizing, we’re happy to help — text us at +1 416-536-2956.
ORDER CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS
Once your order is placed, you have 5 hours to request a change to the color, size, or style.
If an item becomes unavailable, we will offer alternatives or provide the option of a full refund for that item.
Please see our Returns & Exchanges page for full details.
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Free standard shipping on orders over $250 to the US and Canada. Under $250, shipping is shown at checkout.
Shipping details -
US orders ship from our warehouses in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. Canadian orders ship from Toronto. No duties to pay at the door.
Shipping details -
Exchange, store credit or refund. Dresses tagged Final sale can't be returned.
Return policy -
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Toronto flagship10,000 sq ft showroom, 100,000+ clients styled
15,700+ online ordersShipped to 59 countries
Real stylistsText, WhatsApp or chat. Replies in about 10 min
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — Marlas Fashions ships Sherri Hill 57986 so you can try it on at home before any alterations, and the return and exchange process is straightforward as long as the dress comes back in its original condition with tags attached.
If the dress doesn't work for you, Marlas offers three resolution options. The first is a full store credit that never expires — you can use it toward anything in the store at any time, with no deadline. The second is a direct exchange for a different size or color of the same style, or for a different dress entirely. The third is a refund to your original payment method, which is issued minus a 30% restocking fee.
A few things to keep in mind before you try it on. Do not apply self-tanner, spray tan, or heavy body oils before trying the dress — these can transfer to the fabric and disqualify the return. The lace trim at the bust and the stretch jersey shell are both delicate, so handle the bodice carefully and try pulling the dress up from the hem rather than forcing it over your shoulders. The boned corset gives the bodice structure, so it will feel snug — that is intentional, not a sign that the size is wrong.
If you are unsure between two sizes, try both. Ordering two sizes to compare at home is completely fine, and you return the one that doesn't fit using the same process. Ship both back in their original packaging.
For exchanges, turnaround depends on current stock. If your preferred color or size is in stock, exchanges are processed quickly. If it needs to be ordered from the warehouse, allow additional time — your client advisor can give you a realistic timeline before you commit.
Returns and exchanges are initiated through the Marlas Fashions team directly. If you have questions about your specific order or timeline, reach out before you ship anything back — it avoids confusion and speeds up the process.
Shipping costs for returns are the customer's responsibility unless the return is the result of a Marlas error or a garment defect. Keep your tracking number until the return is confirmed received.
If you need help figuring out whether the fit is right before returning, the team is happy to walk you through the measurement check over text or WhatsApp before you make a decision.
Sherri Hill 57986 is positioned at the cleaner, more minimalist end of the prom gown market, which sets it apart from the heavily embellished styles that dominate the same category.
Most mermaid gowns at this price point compete on embellishment — full beading, sequin coverage, rhinestone bodices, or layered lace overlays. Sherri Hill 57986 takes the opposite approach. The silhouette itself does the work. The high-gloss stretch jersey creates a fluid, reflective surface that catches light without any added sparkle. The only decorative element is the scalloped lace trim at the bust, which frames the sweetheart neckline and adds a subtle contrast without breaking the clean line of the dress.
The fully open back is also a distinguishing feature. Many mermaid gowns at this price have a partially open back, a keyhole, or a V-cutout. Sherri Hill 57986 exposes the full back from the nape of the neck down past the waist — approximately 90% of the back is bare. That level of exposure is more commonly seen on higher price-point runway styles, and the boned corset construction makes it work structurally: the dress stays in place without straps or any back fastening.
The boning itself is worth noting. The vertical boning channels are visible through the bodice fabric in person — this is real structured boning, not light boning sewn into a lining. It shapes the torso, supports the strapless construction, and holds the neckline in place through an active evening.
The mermaid flare begins below the knee and opens into a sweep train, which gives the silhouette a dramatic finish that reads well from across a room and in photographs. The trumpet pairing means the flare is pronounced rather than subtle.
If you are comparing this to a gown with more surface decoration, the decision comes down to what you want the dress to say. Sherri Hill 57986 is about the body and the silhouette — decoration is secondary. If you want a gown that photographs clean and makes the silhouette the statement, this one is hard to beat in the category.
Sherri Hill 57986 has a fully open back, meaning there is no zipper running up the center back and no lace-up panel in the traditional sense. The back is bare from the nape of the neck down past the waistline.
The dress stays on because of the boned corset bodice. The boning channels run the full height of the torso and create enough structure that the dress supports itself through the bust and waist without any straps or back closure. Most customers are surprised by how secure the fit feels given how much back is exposed — the key is getting the right size through the hips, since the skirt is fitted through the lower body and that is where the dress anchors.
If you are between sizes, size to your hip measurement rather than your waist. The corset bodice has a small amount of flexibility, but the mermaid skirt does not — the hip fit determines whether you can pull the dress up comfortably and move in it.
Because the back is open to this degree, traditional bra straps are not an option. Most customers who wear this style use adhesive bra cups applied directly to the skin before putting the dress on. The boned bodice provides a significant amount of its own support, so many customers do not need additional support beyond the adhesive cups.
Yes — Sherri Hill 57986 works well as a group centerpiece or as one dress within a coordinated group, and the 13-color range gives you a lot of flexibility.
The most common approach is for the person wearing style 57986 to choose their color first, then have the group select complementary colors from the same or coordinating palette. Because the silhouette is clean and minimalist, it reads as distinctly different from most other styles in a group even when colors match — the open back and mermaid flare make it visually identifiable as the focal gown.
For damas or court coordination, Sherri Hill carries other long gowns in the same color families, so matching or tonal coordination across different silhouettes is practical. The Marlas team can pull a list of current styles available in a specific color if you want to build a full group look.
Order timing matters for group orders. Color availability shifts across the season, and if you need multiple dresses in the same colorway, ordering at the same time from the same warehouse run is the best way to ensure dye-lot consistency. Ordering the same color weeks apart from different production runs can result in slight shade differences.
For logistics, each dress is ordered and shipped individually — there is no group order discount, but the process is the same per dress. The team can help coordinate sizing consultations for multiple members of a group if that is helpful.
Sherri Hill 57986 runs true to standard US dress sizing for most customers, but the mermaid silhouette means fit at the hip is the most important measurement.
Measure your bust, waist, and hips using a soft tape measure. Compare those numbers to the Sherri Hill size chart — the chart is listed by style on the product page. If your measurements fall between two sizes, size up. The corset bodice can be taken in by a seamstress, but the fitted mermaid skirt cannot be let out if the hip measurement is too small.
Pay particular attention to hip and upper thigh measurements for this style. The dress is body-con from the waist through the knee, and the flare begins below the knee. If your hips and thighs are fuller proportionally to your bust, size to the hip and have the bodice adjusted.
Height also affects fit. The sweep train is cut for a standard dress height. If you are shorter than 5'4", the train will likely drag more than intended and a hem is practical. If you are taller than 5'9", the flare point may sit slightly higher on the leg than on the model — this is typically fine for a mermaid but worth confirming at a fitting.
Sherri Hill 57986 is designed for prom. The open back, sleek-and-sexy silhouette, and sweep train position it clearly as a prom gown rather than a multi-occasion dress.
It also works for formal dances, school galas, and similar events where a floor-length gown with dramatic styling is appropriate. The minimalist approach — no heavy beading, no embellishment beyond the lace neckline trim — means it reads as refined rather than costume-heavy, which suits a range of formal school events.
Because of the fully open back and overtly sleek styling, this gown is not suited for events that require more modest coverage. For traditional venues or more conservative dress codes, a wrap or shawl can complement the open back beautifully for both wedding guest and black-tie occasions. It is also not appropriate for military balls due to the open back.
If you are looking for a dress that crosses over from prom to formal events beyond the school calendar, this one is best understood as prom-primary. The silhouette is striking and photographs beautifully, but the styling choices are specific to that context. Call or text our Toronto boutique at 416-536-2956 and our stylists will help you find your perfect dress.
The boned corset bodice in Sherri Hill 57986 provides a significant amount of built-in support. The vertical boning channels structure the entire torso from the sweetheart neckline down to the hip, and for most customers this is sufficient on its own.
Because the back is fully open, a traditional bra is not an option. The most common solution is adhesive bra cups or nipple covers applied directly to the skin before putting the dress on. Choose a strong adhesive style rated for dancing and extended wear if you plan to be active.
For undergarments on the lower body, a seamless thong or low-cut brief works best given how fitted the mermaid skirt is. Avoid shapewear that adds volume through the hips or thighs — the dress is cut to fit close, and additional layers under a fitted mermaid can affect whether you can pull it up smoothly.
If you have concerns about staying secure in the bodice through an active evening, a seamstress can sew a small piece of fashion tape anchor or an interior gripper ribbon into the bodice lining. This is a minor alteration that does not change the external look.
Yes — Sherri Hill 57986 can be hemmed, and hemming is a common alteration for this style given the sweep train construction.
If you are shorter than approximately 5'4", the train will sit lower than intended and likely drag on the floor beyond a decorative sweep. A tailor can shorten the hem from the bottom, but be aware that the mermaid flare is built into the skirt pattern — if too much is removed from the hem, the flare point shifts upward on the leg and the silhouette changes. Ask your tailor to measure the flare point before cutting and confirm you are happy with where the flare will sit after the hem is adjusted.
If you are taller than 5'9", the dress will likely fit the hem length well or run slightly short of a full sweep — which most customers at that height prefer for ease of movement.
For the bodice, taking in side seams at the waist is a standard alteration. Do not ask a tailor to alter the boning channels themselves — work around them. Most experienced formalwear tailors know how to adjust a boned corset bodice without disturbing the structure.
Bring your shoes to any fitting. The heel height directly affects the hem length you need, and hemming before you have your shoes is a common source of re-alteration.