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Boatneck Lace Dress
Rental $100 Retail $995
info
  • Stylist Notes
  • Product Details
  • Size & Fit
This delicate boatneck sheath from Ports 1961 is easy and effortless. Perfect for a daytime affair or an evening event. Shown here with AV Max's Elegant Crystal Drops.
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Black lace over nude silk slip. Cowl neckline. Grosgrain trim on sides. Includes grosgrain belt with back hook and eye closure. Model's height is 5'9".
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This dress runs true to size. We recommend going one size down for back-up size (see following fit notes for exceptions).

BUST: Great for any bust size - comfortable room for bust and may be worn with any standard bra
WAIST: Not fitted
HIPS: Fitted - dress runs slightly narrow so curvier women should consider sizing up
LENGTH: Mid-thigh - (on a 5'5" model)

UNDERGARMENTS: May be worn with any standard bra
FABRIC: Fabric has no stretch
GREAT FOR: All body types
(Model's height is 5'9".)

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Reviews
Average Rating
Overall Fit
Runs small
True to size
Runs large
Customer Photos
Rachel
Age: 28
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 125 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 32D+
Oct 13, 2012
Perfectly elegant; this dress stood out without being showy, just what I needed for the occasion.
Size worn: 4
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Other
I am typically a size 4, and I have an athletic build, hourglass body. I wore the size 4, except, I chose to wear the size 2 belt to help cinch the waist. I probably could have worn the size 2 dress, but it was a bit snug around the hips, which made me feel self-conscious. There is very little give in the fabric, so I suggest going with your size. Other reviews complained the belt was too small. I did not find that to be a problem, but I do have a thinner waist. If you have a thicker middle or larger hips, go a size up for your back-up so you can use the larger belt if needed. If you have a thinner waist and average hips, go a size down for your back-up--again so you can accentuate your waist a bit more. That, or have on hand your own black ribbon or sash to tie around the waist. The dress will work fine with either. Having something tied around your waist, though, is the key to this dress. Without it, the dress may just hang without a lot of shape. This dress looked beautiful with pearls, and it was so very elegant. I wore it to the ordination of my boyfriend where I wanted to look stunning without being over-the-top. It fit the bill. I looked demure enough for the church ceremony, and it transitioned wonderfully to the cocktail hour afterwards.
aem
Top Contributor
Age: 31
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 115 lbs
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Straight & narrow
Bust size: 32A
Sep 30, 2012
Beware the belt!
Size worn: 0
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Other
I rented this dress for a rehearsal dinner. I actually liked it a lot, but only gave it 3 stars because of the belt. That thing was TEENY TINY. I wore the size zero dress, but the size zero belt would not even go all the way around my waist, so I ended up wearing the size two belt... which was also SOOOO small. I had to wear Spanx AND seriously suck it in to get it on. I made it through the night without collapsing due to lack of oxygen, but I was NOT comfortable. Unless you have a VERY small waist, I would recommend sizing up a size or two to get a properly fitting belt (or use another black belt - I wouldn't wear this dress without a belt unless you want to look like you're wearing a fancy potato sack).
IVette
Top Contributor
Age: 32
Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 123 lbs
Usually wears: 0
Body type: Hourglass
Bust size: 34B
Mar 30, 2012
I got to wear a beautiful dress without braving the mall!!
Size worn: 0
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Other
So....loved the dress. I rented the dress for a daytime work event. I'm a school principal - and I wanted to stand out - but obviously look appropriate given my job description! There was nice draping at the top and emphasized my figure in a way that was more subtle. Totally what I was looking for for this event.....so why only 4 stars? The lining came sewn to the inside of the dress - but it was sewn inside out! I had to take it out and wear it unattched. No big deal - but kind of a pain. And the belt...wasn't a huge fan of it....it was a teensy bit big on me...and...the quality of the belt didn't do the dress justice.
Rachael
Top Contributor
Age: 32
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 165 lbs
Usually wears: 8
Body type: Hourglass
Bust size: 34D
Nov 16, 2012
Classy dress.
Size worn: 8
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Party
I rented this dress for my boyfriends holiday party. I needed something conservative, but still fun, and this dress fit the bill. The dress was true size and has some stretch. I received compliments all night long.
ANA
Age: 25
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 125 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Full Bust
Bust size: 34D+
Nov 15, 2012
Very flattering on a curvy figure. Received tons of compliments!
Size worn: 4
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Party
Great dress - I wore it to a 90th birthday party. Very appropriate and flattering.
Rebecca
Top Contributor
Age: 26
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 125 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Hourglass
Bust size: 32D
Oct 21, 2012
Didn't end up wearing it.
Size worn: 4
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Party
This dress is not nearly as nice as it looked in the photos. The lace and belt both looked very cheap, and the fabric had little stretch so was unforgiving.
Amber
Top Contributor
Age: 38
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 147 lbs
Usually wears: 8
Body type: Hourglass
Bust size: 34D
Oct 19, 2012
Lace
Size worn: 8
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Date
I loved the look of this dress. I think it was ladylike and had a lot of polish. It was a bit shapeless however, the fabric doesn't have enough body. It isn't that flattering but I think if it was for a holiday event and i had on opaque black tights and booties it could have looked a little more edgy and current. For sure wear a Spanx! The nude liner and soft lace overlay make your butt look very wide.
Ashley
Top Contributor
Age: 29
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 165 lbs
Usually wears: 12
Body type: Apple
Bust size: 36C
Oct 9, 2012
LOVED this dress!
Size worn: 12
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
Perfect length for a hippy girl like me!
Kate
Top Contributor
Age: 28
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 123 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Hourglass
Bust size: 34B
Sep 23, 2012
Not quite as it seems
Size worn: 6
Overall fit: Small
Rented for: Formal Affair
This dress was cute but kind of awkward at the boat neck - the slip and the dress were actually two different pieces and it was a challenge to keep both of them laying right for the night.
Kelly
Top Contributor
Age: 28
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 132 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Pear
Bust size: 34C
Aug 17, 2012
Gorgeous but draped odd.
Size worn: 4
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
This was a really cute dress but it just didn't drape as nicely around my neck as it does in the photo. It felt really high and kind of taunt on my neck rather than the soft look on the model. I almost went up a size to get a looser, drapier neck but then it fit big around my hips and waist. I also used my own belt so that it fit more snug.
Kate
Top Contributor
Age: 26
Height: 5' 4"
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Hourglass
Mar 26, 2012
Cute dress, some issues
Size worn: 2
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
The dress is very pretty, and it fit pretty well. It was tight across my hips, however, and as a result the lining kept creeping up (especially while dancing at the reception). Luckily I noticed in time!
Emily
Age: 32
Height: 5' 5"
Usually wears: 8
Body type: Hourglass
Bust size: 36D
Feb 29, 2012
So flattering!
Size worn: 10
Overall fit: Large
Rented for: Date
I thought this dress was super flattering, and my husband loved it. The dress is also longer than it appears in the picture, which was a really pleasant surprise. I ordered the dress in a size larger than I normally wear, and I thought it was even larger, but it allowed for the drapey-ness shown. The belt also fit me perfectly (I have a very defined waist, though.)
Paige
Top Contributor
Age: 37
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 120 lbs
Usually wears: 0
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 34C
Nov 17, 2011
Great dress!
Size worn: 0
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
Great dress for a wedding- not too simple and not too fancy. It fit well and the belt really made it. Comfortable for dancing and sitting.
Carman
Age: 33
Height: 5' 6"
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Athletic
Nov 17, 2011
Not boatneck
Size worn: 2
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
The neckline didn't drape as it did in the photo - instead it was straight across and wasn't flattering at all. The material of the dress was great though - I didn't wear as instead of a party I felt ready for church.
Jen T.
Top Contributor
Age: 39
Height: 5' 6"
Body type: Pear
Oct 31, 2011
Overall fit: True to Size
The fit was great and the dress is very pretty. The belt is not as nice as the dress and perhaps a bit informal for the cocktail event that I wore it to. The length and shape of the dress was fantastic.
Anna
Age: 25
Height: 5' 7"
Body type: Athletic
Oct 30, 2011
Overall fit: Small
I rented this to wear to a fall wedding and didn't even end up wearing it. It looks nothing like how it does online..no shape or structure to it (more like a body conscious dress) and very clingy... I ordered a 4 and a 6, and neither looked good on. Plus, both of the belts that came with the dresses were WAY too small, so I would have had to use one of my own. Definitely don't recommend this dress.
Jules
Age: 27
Height: 5' 1"
Body type: Athletic
Oct 29, 2011
Overall fit: True to Size
This dress is beautiful but it didn't look the same in person. The slip was significantly shorter than the lace over lay and the belt had zero stretch
VR
Age: 35
Height: 5' 10"
Body type: Pear
Oct 18, 2011
Overall fit: True to Size
Beautiful dress! Lots of compliments. True to size but as many other reviews said, the belt runs small. I recommend ordering the size you wear and one up in case you need the bigger belt. I called and asked them to send a bigger belt and they sent a smaller one. I wore the original, wasn't terrible but would probably have been happier with one size up belt. Otherwise, fabulous dress. Would definitely rent and wear again.
Sarah
Age: 39
Height: 5' 6"
Body type: Straight & narrow
Sep 6, 2011
Overall fit: True to Size
I wore this to a wedding and got tons of complements. It transitioned beautifully from the heat of an outdoor ceremony to the cooler reception site, and has just the right amount of give to look crisp but be comfortable for dancing.
tracy
Top Contributor
Age: 54
Height: 4' 6"
Body type: Apple
Jun 28, 2011
Overall fit: True to Size
This dress fits like a sack. The belt is huge and there is nothing appealing about it. I sent it back.
Georgia
Top Contributor
Age: 49
Height: 5' 7"
Body type: Straight & narrow
Jun 15, 2011
Overall fit: True to Size
Just rec'd this and wll wear it to a reunion this weekend. Looks pretty good although I wish the belt were a little nicer (seems kind of chintzy). Thanks RentTheRunway!
roo
Top Contributor
Age: 29
Height: 5' 3"
Usually wears: 8
Body type: Pear
May 9, 2011
Overall fit: Large
This dress was huge... but the belt they sent with it (one belt for 2 sizes) was teensy. I had several friends try it on and it fit no one. I didn't end up wearing it even after trying it with belts of my own. Fail.
Gigi
Top Contributor
Age: 28
Height: 5' 7"
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Pear
Bust size: 34A
Apr 19, 2011
Overall fit: True to Size
Beautiful dress in theory, disaster on. I hated it, boyfriend liked it, didn't want to waste the $100+ rental fee, so I wore it anyway, but was unhappy all night. As other reviewers have said, the belt did NOT fit, dug in below my ribs, and couldn't squeeze it between my hipbone and ribcage - this dress is not for "short waisted" girls. I had to use my own black belt/ribbon from a Milly dress in my closet. The dress itself is lovely, the draping at the neck gorgeous, but it just was not flattering on me. Made me look as though I have a tummy pooch, and that's one area I normally don't have a problem with! Length and fit did seem true to size, but beware if you're short-waisted or have any sensitivities about a tummy pooch.
mary
Age: 66
Height: 5' 5"
Body type: Full Bust
Mar 14, 2011
Overall fit: True to Size
The belts did not match the size, but used 12 belt with 10 dress. Wore to a black tie fund raiser and it was fine. Would rent again, but need to add more choice for women over 60. Now that we hear about this site from our daughters, you have another market to draw on.
AS
Top Contributor
Age: 34
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 140 lbs
Usually wears: 6
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 36A
Feb 4, 2011
Overall fit: True to Size
I weigh 136lbs and had the size 6 and it fit well (the backup 8 was a bit baggy, but didn't seem a lot bigger overall). The belt was a bit loose. I liked the dress, great for a wedding, surprisingly not see-through despite the delicate silk fabric, and it was comfy but elegant.
GriffIV
Age: 43
Height: 5' 7"
Body type: Athletic
Jan 14, 2011
Overall fit: True to Size
Really great dress! Felt comfortable, appropriate for the Christmas party I attended. Word of caution, the belt runs small, and has no give...be prepared with a back-up option for the belt. I had a satin obi belt that worked perfectly (luckily).
CrimsonGal
Age: 29
Height: 5' 11"
Body type: Pear
Dec 9, 2010
Overall fit: True to Size
Great dress! Perfect for my night at the Metropolitan Opera. The belt that comes with the dress is WAY too small-- had to go buy a different one to wear with the dress. The dress MUST be worn with a belt, otherwise it fits like a sheet.
Tammy
Age: 34
Height: 5' 3"
Body type: Pear
Nov 3, 2010
Overall fit: True to Size
This dress is beyond amazing. It drapes incredibly well in all the right places -- a beautiful, forgiving fit.
LW
Top Contributor
Age: 32
Height: 5' 3"
Body type: Petite
Oct 26, 2010
Overall fit: True to Size
This was a pretty dress but really long for my height. The dress hit below my knees. The belt was also way too big/loose.
Cee
Top Contributor
Age: 32
Height: 5' 4"
Body type: Hourglass
Oct 9, 2010
Overall fit: True to Size
This dress has a feminine, flattering look - not too tight or revealing, but the cinched belt and sheer fabric make it a little bit sexy. My size ranges from a 0 to a 4, and the size 2 fit me perfectly.
Dana
Top Contributor
Age: 25
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 130 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Pear
Oct 5, 2010
Overall fit: Small
While the dress itself is beautiful and works great on a small bust/large hip girl, I felt uncomfortable the whole night because it does not flatter the stomach at all. I don't have a "gut" at all, but I did not find it flattering whatsoever... just couldn't bear to pay the rental and not wear it.
Sarah
Age: 32
Oct 4, 2010
Overall fit: True to Size
This dress would have been great...unfortunately they didn't send me the belt that went with it, so I wasn't able to wear it.
Liza
Top Contributor
Age: 30
Height: 5' 4"
Usually wears: 6
Body type: Pear
Bust size: 34A
Sep 6, 2010
Overall fit: True to Size
Loved this dress. It looked so much better on the body than on the hanger, it really hugs and flatters curves.
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