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Sherri Hill 56160 Strapless Sweetheart Tulle Boned Floral Appliqué 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 56160
Sherri Hill 56160 is a long strapless lace mermaid gown with a sheer illusion corset bodice and a fully open back. The silhouette fits tightly through the bust, waist, and hips and then flares below the knee into a sweep train. Floral lace appliqués cover the full length of the gown, and the bodice is trimmed with crystal beading across every colorway. This is one of the most recognizable styles in the Sherri Hill prom lineup — a fully embellished, body-contouring gown built for a standout entrance.
Fit & Silhouette
Sherri Hill 56160 follows a true mermaid silhouette. The fit is close through the chest, waist, and hips, and the skirt flares below the knee into a modest sweep train. The sheer illusion panel at the center front runs from the sweetheart neckline down to the natural waist, with vertical boning channels clearly visible through the fabric. The internal boning keeps the bodice structured and in place all night without the need for straps. This gown is designed to show the body's curves and works best when sized to the body's fullest measurement — hips or bust — then altered to fit precisely.
Fabric & Detail
The base fabric is lace, covering the full length of the gown from the bodice through the flared skirt. Floral appliqués are layered across the lace skirt, creating a dimensional texture that catches the light from every angle. The underlayer and train area include tulle for structure and movement. The bodice panel is a sheer illusion mesh with vertical boning sewn through it, and crystal rhinestone beading runs across the sweetheart neckline and into the bodice. The back is fully open from the top of the bodice to below the waist, making this one of the more dramatically cut styles in the Sherri Hill collection.
Key Features
- Strapless sweetheart neckline with a pronounced center dip
- Sheer illusion corset bodice panel with visible vertical boning channels
- Crystal rhinestone beading on the bodice
- Full-length lace construction with dimensional floral appliqués
- Tulle underlayer supporting the flared skirt and sweep train
- Fully open back from the top of the bodice down to below the waist
- Sleeveless, no straps
- Available in 12 colors: Periwinkle, Fuchsia, Navy, Light Blue, Blush, Ivory, Black, Red, Lilac, Teal, Wine, Royal
Style & Occasion
Sherri Hill 56160 is built for prom and formal events where a fully embellished, curve-forward gown is exactly right. The illusion bodice, open back, and all-over lace appliqué give it a pageant-level finish that photographs exceptionally well under event lighting. The open back and form-fitting silhouette make this a natural fit for prom night and pageant competitions. It is offered in twelve colors — photographed in Periwinkle, Fuchsia, and Navy — so it works well as a coordinating style for a group or court when members choose different colorways. For styling, a simple updo keeps the focus on the open back, and minimal accessories let the beading and appliqué do the work.
Size & fit
- Fitted (corset, mermaid). Bust, waist and hips all matter. Go by your largest measurement.
- Length: Long
- Neckline: Strapless, Sweetheart
- Details: Beaded, Floral Appliques, 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Returns on Sherri Hill 56160 are accepted and handled in three ways: store credit that never expires, a direct exchange for another size or colorway, or a refund minus a 30% restocking fee.
Store credit is the most flexible option if you are not sure what you want next — it has no expiration date, so there is no pressure to decide right away.
If you ordered the wrong size and the correct size is in stock, an exchange is usually the fastest path. Contact us as soon as possible after your order arrives so we can check availability in your size and colorway.
The refund option is available if neither store credit nor an exchange is the right fit for you. The 30% restocking fee applies because formal gowns go through inspection and repackaging before they can be resold.
One practical note for Sherri Hill 56160 specifically: because this is a mermaid gown with a structured boning panel, trying it on at home before committing to alterations is strongly recommended. Do not have it hemmed, altered, or dry cleaned before you are certain it fits — any of those steps make the dress non-returnable.
Sherri Hill 56160 is designed for events where dramatic and body-forward are exactly what is called for. Here is a straightforward breakdown of where it works and where it does not.
Prom is the primary occasion this gown is built for. The all-over lace, crystal beading, illusion corset bodice, and fully open back are all hallmarks of a prom-first dress. It photographs exceptionally well under ballroom and event lighting, which matters a lot for prom photos. The twelve available colorways also make it easy to coordinate within a group without everyone wearing the same color.
Pageant competitions are a strong second fit. The gown has the level of embellishment — full-length lace appliqués, crystal beading, dimensional floral motifs — that a pageant stage warrants. The open back and mermaid silhouette give it the kind of presence that photographs well from every angle on a runway.
Formal dances and gala events where the dress code calls for floor-length formal wear are also appropriate settings, provided the event supports a bold, open-back silhouette. This is not a conservative formal dress — the open back and fitted mermaid cut are very much part of the design.
As a wedding guest, this dress suits evening receptions and black-tie celebrations best, where its open back and fitted mermaid silhouette align well with the formality of the event. The fully open back and very body-forward silhouette make this a dress that draws significant attention, so as a wedding guest it suits evening receptions and black-tie celebrations best. There are other Sherri Hill styles that are better suited for wedding guests.
Mother-of-the-bride and similar parent formalwear occasions are also not the right context for this gown. The styling is aimed at younger wearers and an event where the person wearing it is meant to be noticed.
If you are deciding between this gown and a more covered option for a multi-use dress that works across different events, the open back is the key factor to think about. For prom and pageant, it is a major asset. For anything requiring more modesty, a different silhouette is worth considering.
Our team is happy to talk through which Sherri Hill styles fit your specific event. Reach out any time and we can point you to the right options across the full collection.
Sherri Hill 56160 ships in 7 to 12 business days under standard processing. Orders ship from our Los Angeles and New York warehouses for US customers, and from our Toronto warehouse for Canadian customers. Canadian orders ship with no duties or import fees charged to you at delivery — that cost is absorbed on our end.
International orders outside the US and Canada ship worldwide with full tracking included. Delivery timelines for international destinations vary by country, but you will receive a tracking number as soon as your order leaves the warehouse.
If you need this gown by a specific date — for example, for prom or a pageant competition — rush processing is available. Contact us before placing your order so we can confirm whether your timeline is achievable given current stock and warehouse processing times. Rush is not guaranteed on all colorways or all dates, so the earlier you reach out, the better.
All Sherri Hill 56160 orders ship with tracking included regardless of destination. You will receive tracking information by email once your order is dispatched.
Sherri Hill 56160 is cut to work with curves, and the mermaid silhouette is one of the most figure-defining shapes available in prom. Here is what that means for different body types.
For hourglass figures, this gown is essentially made for you. The close fit through the bust, waist, and hips follows your natural proportions, and the flare below the knee creates a dramatic sweep without adding visual bulk anywhere you do not want it. The illusion corset bodice also draws the eye straight to the waistline.
For pear-shaped figures — where the hips are wider than the bust — a mermaid gown works in your favor because it hugs through the hips rather than hiding them. The strapless sweetheart neckline adds visual width across the shoulders and chest to create a more balanced silhouette. If you are between sizes, size to the hips and have the bodice taken in by a tailor.
For athletic or straight figures, the structured boning and close fit of Sherri Hill 56160 create the appearance of a waist. The dimensional lace appliqués and crystal beading add visual texture that gives the silhouette definition. The sweetheart neckline also adds a soft, curved shape at the bust that complements straighter proportions well.
For fuller-bust figures, the internal boning is a significant practical advantage. This bodice is structured enough to provide real support without needing a separate bra, which is rare in a strapless gown. The fit is best when you size to the bust and have the waist and hips adjusted. The vertical boning channels you can see through the illusion panel are designed to distribute support evenly across the chest.
For petite figures, the length and sweep train of a long mermaid gown can read very proportional — the unbroken vertical line from neckline to flare makes height. A hemming alteration is usually needed to lift the train off the floor, which any experienced bridal or formalwear tailor can handle.
For taller figures, the full sweep train sits naturally and the length lands exactly as intended without any adjustment. The dramatic open back also reads better on a taller frame where there is more back to show.
In all cases, Sherri Hill 56160 is built from structured lace with interior boning that holds its shape — this is not a slip-on mermaid gown. It fits like a second skin by design, and the best results come from sizing to your fullest measurement and letting a tailor handle the rest.
The detail that sets Sherri Hill 56160 apart most clearly is the illusion corset bodice. A lot of lace mermaid gowns are strapless with a lined or boned interior, but on this style the boning channels are visible through a sheer illusion panel on the front of the bodice. That makes the structure part of the visual design, not just a hidden construction element. It reads as a deliberate design choice rather than functional understructure.
The second distinguishing feature is the fully open back combined with the mermaid silhouette and an all-over lace appliqué skirt. Many gowns have one or two of those elements. This style has all three at once, which gives it a higher level of visual complexity than most comparable gowns.
The twelve available colorways also make it more versatile for groups. Most prom gowns in this level of embellishment are offered in five or six colors. Having twelve options — including Periwinkle, Fuchsia, Navy, Light Blue, Blush, Ivory, Black, Red, Lilac, Teal, Wine, and Royal — means a group or court can coordinate easily in the same style without repeating colors.
Finally, the crystal rhinestone beading on the bodice combined with the dimensional floral lace appliqués on the skirt creates a two-texture look that is more layered than gowns with a single embellishment type.
The back of Sherri Hill 56160 is fully open from the top of the bodice down to below the natural waist. The closure is built into the interior of the gown rather than running down the center back in a visible way — the open-back design is intentional and structural, not just decorative.
The internal boning in the illusion front bodice panel is what holds the gown up and keeps it in place. The boning distributes the support across the chest horizontally, which means the open back does not compromise the hold. This is why the gown does not require straps.
For fit adjustments, the bodice can be taken in or let out by a tailor at the side seams. Because the back is open, there is no zipper or lace-up to adjust — the fit is determined entirely by the seams and the interior structure. This makes professional alteration particularly important for getting a secure, comfortable fit. A tailor with experience in formal or bridal gowns will know exactly how to handle this construction.
If you are between sizes, size up and have the bodice taken in at the sides rather than sizing down and risking the boning being too tight. The open back means there is no flexibility built into the closure itself, so the seam fit is all you have to work with.
Yes — Sherri Hill 56160 is a strong choice for coordinating a prom court or a damas group specifically because it is available in twelve colors. Periwinkle, Fuchsia, Navy, Light Blue, Blush, Ivory, Black, Red, Lilac, Teal, Wine, and Royal are all listed colorways. Three of those — Periwinkle, Fuchsia, and Navy — are photographed and available to review on the product page. The remaining nine are available to order.
For a coordinated group where everyone wears the same silhouette in different colors, this gown works particularly well because the lace construction, embellishment level, and silhouette read consistently across colorways. The gown photographs at the same level of formality regardless of color.
If your group needs to confirm availability in specific colors before placing orders, our team can check current stock for each colorway you need. For groups of four or more, reaching out before ordering is a good idea so we can confirm everything is available and coordinate shipping timelines. Text or WhatsApp us at +1 213-868-3131 or call +1 416-536-2956 and we will pull stock for your full list.
Sherri Hill sizing runs close to standard US formal sizing, but because this is a structured mermaid gown with internal boning and no stretch, fit is less forgiving than in a more relaxed silhouette. Sizing to your largest measurement — usually hips or bust — and planning for alterations is the most reliable approach.
To measure correctly: take your bust measurement at the fullest point, your natural waist measurement at the narrowest point, and your hip measurement at the fullest point, typically 7 to 9 inches below the natural waist. Compare all three measurements to the Sherri Hill size chart before ordering. If your measurements fall into different sizes on the chart, order the larger size.
For this gown specifically, the hip measurement is often the deciding factor because the mermaid skirt is close-fitting through the hips. A gown that fits at the bust but is too small at the hips cannot be let out easily, while a gown sized to the hips can usually be taken in at the waist and bodice by an experienced tailor.
If you are unsure which size to order, our team can walk through your measurements with you and make a recommendation before you place the order.