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Portia and Scarlett XO316 Strapless Ballgown
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Standard: arrives in 7 to 12 days
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Stick-on bra
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Keeps necklines in place all night
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Description
About the Dress: Portia and Scarlett XO316
The Portia and Scarlett XO316 is a long strapless ballgown built around a structured boned corset bodice and a full, sweeping tulle skirt. The neckline follows a scoop-neck curve finished with a delicate beaded trim that frames the décolletage cleanly and adds a subtle sparkle. This is a proper ballgown silhouette — the kind that fills a room when you walk in — offered in Ice Blue, Lt. Pink, and Mint.
Fit & Silhouette
The XO316 has a fitted corset bodice with vertical boning channels that hold their shape through an entire evening. Because the boning does the structural work, the dress stays secure without straps or additional support. From the waist down, the skirt opens into a full ballgown volume that moves with you as you walk or dance. The lace-up corset closure at the back lets you fine-tune the fit across your waist and ribs, which is especially useful if your measurements fall between sizes or if you plan to have the waist taken in slightly by a tailor.
Fabric & Detail
The skirt and outer layers are tulle throughout — lightweight, airy, and soft enough to hold volume without feeling stiff or heavy. The beading along the scoop neckline is a narrow, defined strip rather than all-over embellishment, so the dress reads as polished and refined rather than heavily decorated. The lace-up corset closure on the back is both functional and a visual detail in its own right, running the full length of the bodice for a clean, structured look from behind.
Key Features
Scoop-Neck neckline with beaded trim. Strapless, fully sleeveless. Structured boned corset bodice. Full-length tulle ballgown skirt. Lace-up corset-back closure for an adjustable fit. Available in Ice Blue, Lt. Pink, and Mint. Designed for all-evening wear — the boning keeps the bodice in place so you can focus on enjoying the night.
Style & Occasion
The Portia and Scarlett XO316 is a natural choice for prom, where its full skirt and structured corset bodice make an impact on the dance floor and in photos. It works equally well for formal dances, Sweet 16 parties, and debut presentations — occasions where a traditional ballgown silhouette is exactly right. The three colorways give you flexibility: Ice Blue reads cool and fresh, Mint is softer and more romantic, and Lt. Pink is a classic that photographs beautifully. For accessories, keep jewelry minimal — the beaded neckline handles the sparkle, so a simple pair of drop earrings and a metallic heel are all you need. Upswept hair shows off the scoop neckline best.
Size & fit
- Flowy. Bust and waist matter most; the skirt has room for hips.
- 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
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Portia and Scarlett XO316 Strapless Ballgown with Boned Corset Bodice
Sale price $979 CAD
Need help?
Frequently Asked Questions
The XO316 runs close to standard US sizing, but because it has a structured boned corset bodice, fit at the bust and waist is the part you need to get right first. The boning holds a precise shape, so there is less stretch or give in the upper body than you would find in a soft strapless dress. For most customers, ordering by your natural bust measurement is the safest starting point. If your bust and waist are in different size ranges — for example, a size 6 bust with a size 8 waist — order the larger of the two, because the lace-up corset closure at the back lets you take the waist in, but you cannot easily add room to a bodice that is already too small. The hips are less of a concern on a ballgown because the skirt is full and opens from the waist, so it accommodates a wide range of hip measurements without any fitting issues.
To measure yourself accurately, take your bust measurement at the fullest point of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. For your waist, measure at your natural waistline, which is the narrowest point of your torso — not where you wear a belt. Compare both measurements to Portia and Scarlett's size chart, which lists the exact bust and waist range for each size.
If you are between sizes, most customers with a boned corset bodice prefer to size up and have a local tailor take in the waist slightly, which is a quick and inexpensive alteration. Sizing down and trying to stretch the bodice open is not recommended and can stress the boning and seams.
For length, the XO316 is cut as a standard long ballgown floor length. If you are under about 5'4", you will almost certainly need to hem the skirt. Tulle hems well and the alteration is straightforward for any bridal or formalwear tailor. If you are closer to 5'8" or above, the length should work well with a standard heel of two to three inches.
If you are genuinely uncertain after measuring, our team is happy to walk you through the size chart and compare your measurements to what we know about how this particular style fits. We have seen a lot of customers in this dress and can give you a direct answer.
The XO316 is built specifically for occasions where a full-length ballgown is the right call. Prom is the most natural fit — the structured corset bodice, full tulle skirt, and scoop neckline are exactly what a traditional prom silhouette looks like, and the dress holds up through a full evening of dancing and photos without losing its shape. It photographs exceptionally well in all three colorways.
Sweet 16 parties and debut presentations are also ideal settings for this gown. The ballgown silhouette has a classic, celebratory quality that suits milestone events where the wearer is meant to stand out, and the full skirt has the kind of presence that works in a large venue or a decorated hall. The structured bodice means you are not spending the evening adjusting the dress — it stays exactly where it is supposed to be.
Formal dances — including military balls and school or university formal events — are another strong match. The gown is elegant without being over-the-top. The beading is confined to the neckline trim rather than covering the whole dress, so the overall look is polished and refined rather than flashy. That balance makes it versatile enough for a range of formal event dress codes.
The XO316 is not designed as a wedding guest dress or a cocktail event dress. The full ballgown volume and strapless silhouette point clearly toward a featured-guest or honoree context rather than a supporting role at someone else's event. It is also not a quinceañera gown in the over-the-top heavily embellished sense — its embellishment is restrained — but it works well for Sweet 16 and debut contexts where a classic ballgown is appropriate.
In terms of setting, it suits both large ballrooms and more intimate formal venues. The tulle skirt has enough volume to make an entrance but is not so extreme that it becomes impractical in a tighter space. If you are deciding between this and a fitted gown for the same event, the XO316 is the choice when you want the full princess-style silhouette.
Yes — the structured boned corset bodice provides all the support you need. The vertical boning channels run the full length of the bodice and hold the strapless silhouette in place without any external undergarments required. The lace-up closure at the back also lets you tighten the fit exactly to your body, which adds to the security. Most customers wear this dress without a bra entirely. If you prefer an extra layer of coverage, a strapless adhesive bra or silicone cups can be worn underneath, but they are not necessary for the dress to function correctly. The bodice is not lined with a built-in bra cup insert the way some casual strapless dresses are — instead, it relies on the boning and structure of the corset itself, which is considerably more secure for all-evening wear. Avoid underwire strapless bras that sit above the boning line, as they can create an uncomfortable ridge and interfere with how the bodice sits against your body.
The XO316 hems well. Tulle is one of the easiest formal fabrics to alter for length — a skilled tailor can take up the skirt in a single appointment. Bring the heels you plan to wear on the night so your tailor can pin the hem at the correct height while you are standing. A standard floor-length hem with a two-to-three inch heel works for most customers at average height; if you are petite, factor in your exact heel height before pinning. The corset bodice can also be taken in at the waist if you ordered up a size — this is the most common alteration customers make on this style. Letting the bodice out is possible only up to the seam allowance, so always order the size that fits your bust first. For shoulder or chest restructuring, consult a bridal or formalwear specialist rather than a general tailor, as boned bodices require experience to alter without damaging the boning channels. If you have any questions about which alterations are practical before you order, reach out and we can advise.
The boned corset bodice is designed for all-evening wear, and most customers find it extremely secure without feeling restrictive once it is laced to the right tension. The key is the lace-up closure: if you tie it with just enough tension to hold the bodice firmly against your torso without pinching, the boning supports your posture rather than compressing you. If you lace it too tightly — especially over a large meal — it can become uncomfortable. A good rule is to lace it snugly before you leave the house, then check after an hour of wearing it to see if it needs a slight adjustment. The tulle skirt is lightweight and moves freely, so dancing is comfortable. The full ballgown volume does mean you need a bit of space on the dance floor — partner dances work best when your partner is aware of the skirt circumference. Overall, customers consistently report this style is one of the more wearable strapless ballgowns precisely because the boning replaces the need for pulling or adjusting throughout the night.
All three colorways are soft and flattering in person. Ice Blue is a cool, clear blue-toned shade — it reads crisply in photos and tends to stand out against typical prom venue backgrounds. Lt. Pink is a classic light pink that photographs warmly and pairs naturally with gold and rose gold accessories. Mint sits between the two — it has a slight green undertone that can appear more blue or more green depending on the lighting. Under warm incandescent venue lighting, Mint often reads softer and warmer than it appears on screen; under cooler LED or daylight, the green undertone is more apparent. Screen calibration varies by device, so if you need a precise color match for bridesmaids or event decor, we recommend requesting a fabric swatch before ordering. All three shades are consistent with Portia and Scarlett's standard color production, so what you receive should closely match the product images photographed on the Marlas site. If you are choosing between colorways and want a second opinion, contact us — we are happy to help you decide based on your skin tone and event setting.
Tulle ballgowns store best hanging in a breathable garment bag — avoid plastic dry-cleaning bags long-term, as they trap humidity and can yellow delicate fabrics over time. Hang the dress from the interior hanging loops at the waist rather than from the shoulder area to avoid stretching the tulle. If the skirt has compressed during transport or storage, light steaming from a distance of six to eight inches will restore the volume without damaging the tulle. Do not place the iron directly on tulle. For cleaning after the event, take the dress to a dry cleaner who specializes in bridal or formalwear — standard dry cleaners may not have experience with boned bodices and multi-layer tulle. Point out any staining on the hem before they process the garment. If you are storing the dress long-term after the event, ask the cleaner for acid-free tissue packaging inside the garment bag to preserve the fabric and the boning structure. Call or text our Toronto boutique at 416-536-2956 and our stylists will help you find your perfect dress.
Because the beaded trim along the scoop neckline provides the only significant sparkle on the dress, you have room to add accessories without the look becoming overdone. Strappy metallic heels — gold, silver, or rose gold depending on your colorway — are the most popular choice. A block heel or low kitten heel works well if you prefer more stability on the dance floor. For jewelry, drop earrings or small statement earrings in a metal that coordinates with the neckline beading are the most flattering choice; the scoop neckline gives earrings space to be seen. A delicate bracelet or cuff is optional. Skip a necklace — the beaded scoop neckline already fills that visual space, and a necklace tends to compete with it rather than complement it. An upswept hairstyle is strongly recommended to expose the scoop-neck line and let the structure of the bodice do its job. A half-up style works too; loose waves can sometimes obscure the neckline trim on a strapless dress.