Ariel Velvet Gown

Katie May

$375

original retail

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Product Details

A daring dipped back makes for dramatic exits on this alluring velvet gown by Katie May.

Materials and Measurements

Navy blue velvet (90% Polyester, 10% Spandex). Sheath. V-neck. Sleeveless. Back zipper closure. See size and fit notes for length measurements. Made in the USA of imported fabric.

Size and Fit

Sized: XS-XL. Three lengths available. Petite measures 56" from shoulder to hem (recommended for heights under 5'2"), Regular measures 58'' from shoulder to hem (recommended for heights 5'2''-5'6''), Long measures 61'' from shoulder to hem (recommended for heights 5'7''-5'11'').

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Ratings &
Reviews

  (261)  

Includes written reviews and customer fit feedback.

Fit
Runs Small (23)
True to Size (220)
Runs Large (16)

All Photos

Top Contributor
Size worn:
LR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Usually wears: 10
Height: 5' 6"
Bust size: 36C
Body type: Pear
Weight: 185lbs
Browse Anastasia's reviews
September 22nd, 2024
the BEST wedding guest dress

absolutely obsessed with this dress. it hugged my body perfectly -- no shapewear needed! loved the open back. the straps are adjustable, so they can be tightened to hold your boobs up with a lil more support (was necessary while dancing).

Overall Fit

Just right

Size worn:
XSR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Formal Affair
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 9"
Bust size: 34B
Body type: Straight & narrow
Weight: 125lbs
Browse RTR Member's reviews
November 20th, 2025
This dress is magic! So so beautiful and also super comfy

I was expecting the Small Long to fit perfectly, and honestly would've gotten a size up as my backup, but they were out of mediums, so I got the XS just in case (they only had regular, not long). I figured that size would be too small and too short, but it ended up fitting absolutely perfectly. 11/10 dress.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
ML
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Formal Affair
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 11"
Bust size: 34D
Body type: Athletic
Weight: 165lbs
Browse Nicole's reviews
November 14th, 2025
Fits perfectly

The liner has some elasticity to it so it helps shape in nicely. The color is absolutely perfect and the shape is stunning. Rented twice now and tempted to buy!

Top Contributor
Size worn:
ML
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 9"
Bust size: 36A
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 154lbs
Browse Bethany's reviews
September 7th, 2025
So beautiful!

This dress is stunning! The color, fit and fabric made me feel fancy all night! I did use some fashion tape around the bust to keep the top secure. The ML and LL felt pretty comparable in size, but since I have a small bust, I went with the ML. Rent it. You’ll feel like a queen all evening!

Top Contributor
Size worn:
SR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 2
Height: 5' 3"
Bust size: 32D
Body type: Straight & narrow
Weight: 115lbs
Browse Jessamin's reviews
June 12th, 2025
Gorgeous Dress!! 10/10 would rent again!

If I went to formal events more often, I would fully buy this dress. The sleeves slipped down a couple of times, so maybe wear dress tape on the cups to avoid some serious wardrobe malfunctions.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
MR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Formal Affair
Usually wears: 6
Height: 5' 3"
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 160lbs
Browse RTR Member's reviews
April 6th, 2025
Gorgeous dress

This dress is beautiful. You will need a bit of boob tape but that's it.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
XSP
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Formal Affair
Usually wears: 2
Height: 5' 4"
Bust size: 30A
Body type: Athletic
Weight: 125lbs
Browse Devon's reviews
March 3rd, 2025
🤩🤩🤩

Fit so well! Lots of stretch so very comfy to sit and move around in. Was just a little shorter than assumed, as a petite normally fits my height perfectly! Definitely recommend.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
XSR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 2
Height: 5' 8"
Bust size: 32B
Body type: Straight & narrow
Weight: 125lbs
Browse Sarah's reviews
December 13th, 2024
This dress will make you feel like $1M

So comfy, received so many compliments. Looks simple from the front but the back will turn heads. Velvet material

Size worn:
LL
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 10
Height: 5' 8"
Bust size: 38DD
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 185lbs
Browse RTR Member's reviews
October 28th, 2024
Amazing

This dress was a showstopper and so comfortable! I am usually a 10/12, and I’m about 5’8”. My measurements are 38DD, 29/30 waist and 42 hips. I got the LL

Top Contributor
Size worn:
MR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 5"
Bust size: 36B
Body type: Straight & narrow
Weight: 160lbs
Browse Conny 's reviews
July 14th, 2024
FLATTERING

Fit was great. I thought it was gonna be weird around the boobs because I don’t have a big chest but it was comfortable did not need any tape or bra. Comfortable but if it’s hot outside, keep in mind you are going to get hot because of the fabric

Top Contributor
Size worn:
MR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Other
Usually wears: 10
Height: 5' 8"
Bust size: 38DD
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 177lbs
Browse Cat's reviews
May 29th, 2024
Showstopper

The classic velvet is smooth and elegant. This dress is titacular, so if you are self conscious about your boobs then this is not for you. I do wish this had a slit for some leg, but I guess we can’t have it all. 10/10.

Size worn:
XSR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 6"
Bust size: 34D
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 130lbs
Browse Carly's reviews
February 20th, 2024
The perfect black tie wedding dress!!!

This dress was everything I could’ve hoped for!!! Was great quality, and the color was beautiful. Also didn’t need to wear a bra or pasties! Be advised, since it’s a backless dress that the straps kind of fall under your armpits, but it was still overall very comfortable. Also, as someone with a slightly larger bust, the dress held up well. But don’t lean over too far or slouch too heavily because you could risk a nip slip.

Size worn:
SR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 4"
Bust size: 34C
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 130lbs
Browse Taylor's reviews
February 14th, 2024
Sexy and Elegant

I loved this dress so much I had to buy it. It was perfect with heels but would be a little long if I was wearing flats. I got lots of compliments and it worked great for a black tie wedding.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
XSR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Formal Affair
Usually wears: 2
Height: 5' 5"
Bust size: 34B
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 112lbs
Browse Annamaria's reviews
December 4th, 2023
Elegant dress- but needs fashion tape

I felt beautiful in this dress! The velvet was comfortable and a beautiful color. The only thing to note is that I had to wear fashion tape to make sure the to of the dress didn’t slip off!

Top Contributor
Size worn:
XSP
Overall fit:
Large
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 8"
Body type: Athletic
Weight: 135lbs
Browse Zora's reviews
October 30th, 2023
Perfect for Black Tie Wedding

I ordered the only size available - XSP - and thank god i took the gamble. This dress is super strechy so size down two sizes. I'm 5'8" so definitely too tall for a petite dress, but i was glad that it was - I felt like the fit was perfectly snug

Size worn:
XSR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 2
Height: 5' 6"
Bust size: 34A
Body type: Pear
Weight: 125lbs
Browse RTR Member's reviews
October 18th, 2023
Loved this dress. It has some stretch to it which is nice for walking & offers a good fit b/c of it.

I'm pretty small chested so the adjustable straps were a huge help for me. As long as my posture was good throughout the night the top area wasnt a problem I didnt have a probable with the straps falling down. I still didnt quite fill out the top but some fashion tape helped. I wore 2 in heels and it was the perfect length. Loved the color!

Size worn:
XSR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Formal Affair
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 8"
Bust size: 32A
Body type: Pear
Weight: 135lbs
Browse Ritika's reviews
April 29th, 2023
GET THIS DRESS

I rented this dress for my senior prom and fell absolutely in love with it the second I put it on. I sized down because I wanted it to be more form fitting and reviews said the material had a lot of stretch, which was a great decision. The fit was perfect, the color was absolutely stunning, especially in the sun, the open back was subtly sexy but still super comfortable, and it was easy to dance and move in. I’m so sad about having to give it back but I HIGHLY recommend renting this dress for any event.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
XSR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 4"
Bust size: 34B
Body type: Pear
Weight: 133lbs
Browse Molly's reviews
April 16th, 2023
Showstopper, comfortable, and bump-friendly!

So glad I rented this!! Wore to a wedding at 24 weeks pregnant and it was everything. Hugged all the right places, showed off my bump and new pregnancy boobs. The low back was perfect. Stunning, rich color. Ordered both the XS and S based on reviews and was happier with the snug but still stretchy fit of the XS, so I wore that. I find with form-fitting gowns of this particular shape, having them fit more on the snug side is more flattering, and helps hold everything in nicely. In top of the fit, the stretch made it super comfortable to wear for 6-7 hours. Perfection and compliments galore. Would rent again, pregnant or not!

Size worn:
SR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Formal Affair
Usually wears: 2
Height: 5' 2"
Bust size: 34A
Body type: Pear
Weight: 130lbs
Browse Emilia's reviews
April 14th, 2023
LOVE IT!

Wore this to a ball in the mountains. Absolutely loved it. Definitely on the long side but I had heals and we were inside so it was fine dragging on the floor. Still able to dance all night!

Top Contributor
Size worn:
MR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Formal Affair
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 3"
Bust size: 36B
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 135lbs
Browse Heather's reviews
March 18th, 2023
Very comfy and sexy head turning look

Wore it to phantom of the opera and dinner, even women on the street commented how pretty it was the color is stunning

Top Contributor
Size worn:
MR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Party
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 7"
Bust size: 34DDD/E
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 175lbs
Browse Latasha's reviews
January 23rd, 2023
Great Party Dress

The fit is great. If you do not like your bust showing, this is not the dress for you. I received so many compliments. The dress gives "Jessica Rabbit".

Top Contributor
Size worn:
LR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Party
Usually wears: 12
Height: 5' 7"
Bust size: 36C
Body type: Hourglass
Browse Jessica's reviews
January 16th, 2023
Rent this!!!

Wore this to a NYE party and decided to hold onto it for a few other occasions, sad to see this one go. It’s a true gem.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
SP
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Formal Affair
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 135lbs
Browse Emily's reviews
November 24th, 2022
Immediately yes

Absolutely a showstopper. Comfortable, doesn’t require tape, and beautiful. I was worried it would be too much for a family black tie event but it was perfect

Top Contributor
Size worn:
XLR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 14
Height: 5' 9"
Bust size: 36D
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 205lbs
Browse Jenn's reviews
October 20th, 2022
Love this dress

Holy crap, this dress is one of the sexiest things I've ever worn. I'm a 36D with a small waist and big butt, and I felt like a total mermaid all night. The shape and weight/stretch of the velvet were insanely flattering, I loved the cut of the bodice and the backless feature worked great with the adjustable straps and some sticky tape to keep the straps and cups in place. Wore this to a wedding where I met a bunch of my boyfriend's childhood family friends. He did warn me in advance that they're a little conservative, so I ended up pinning a piece of black lace inside the bust and it was fine, but any other event I'd be comfortable wearing it as is without the lace. Just know it's a ton of skin and if that's your look, this is your dress :]

Top Contributor
Size worn:
ML
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 10"
Bust size: 34C
Body type: Straight & narrow
Weight: 150lbs
Browse Tracy's reviews
October 10th, 2022
Looked like a bombshell

This dress is so beautiful! Loved the open back. Great length for tall women. It got a little hot on the dance floor, but still loved it. If you’re looking for shapewear for this, I wore Miracle Brands’ SlimShaper Booty Lift Shortie.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
MP
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Formal Affair
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Bust size: 34B
Body type: Pear
Weight: 148lbs
Browse Jessica's reviews
September 7th, 2022
Glamorous

Perfect fit

Top Contributor
Size worn:
MR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 12
Height: 5' 6"
Bust size: 34C
Body type: Pear
Weight: 180lbs
Browse Rosie's reviews
September 1st, 2022
this dress is EVERYTHING.

royal blue, velvet, lined-- perfection. body-hugging in all the right places. I had a delicious dinner, danced all night and felt like a movie star in this dress. hit just above the floor in 2.5" heels. did start to gap on the sides as the night wore on-- the hanging straps were also very annoying-- but ultimately, this dress was an absolute dream and I felt amazing in it.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
SR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Vacation
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 5"
Bust size: 34D
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 133lbs
Browse Erika's reviews
August 21st, 2022
Gorgeous gown that's super flattering to the figure

Fit like a glove and the blue velvet color is striking! Really brings out the curves.

Size worn:
MR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Formal Affair
Usually wears: 12
Height: 5' 8"
Bust size: 32DD
Body type: Pear
Weight: 175lbs
Browse RTR Member's reviews
August 5th, 2022
Gorgeous dress!

This might be my favorite dress ever. Just stretchy enough to fit super comfortably and still be flattering. The velvet wasn't too warm/heavy either! And the color is gorgeous.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
MR
Overall fit:
Large
Rented for:
Party
Usually wears: 10
Height: 5' 5"
Bust size: 36D
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 168lbs
Browse Kiara 's reviews
June 1st, 2022
Gorgeous dress!

Absolutely beautiful dress. The material is very soft and stretchy. My only recommendation would be to size down and if you can use tape on the top area, then do so. I rented it for a Sweet 15 and my daughter ended up wearing it. She typically wears a size 8 and the dress was a medium. Probably could've worn her small. To be honest, pictures don't do this dress justice. It is absolutely beautiful.

Size worn:
XSR
Overall fit:
Large
Rented for:
Formal Affair
Browse RTR Member's reviews
May 5th, 2022
Wore for prom! So many compliments on this dress.

Gorgeous dress! Super comfortable and stretchy fabric. Girls small up top but big on bottom, size down. The fabric has enough stretch to accommodate. Super comfy to dance in. I'm 5'4 and it was a little long in the regular for me. I do recommend securing the back straps together with a piece of clear fishing line if you are worried about slips. Gorgeous fabric, and lovely dark blue colour. Definitely recommend.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
XSR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 2
Height: 5' 4"
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 126lbs
Browse Amanda's reviews
April 25th, 2022
Loved this dress!

This dress is "simple" but elegant. I received so many compliments on it and the color is beautiful. Get this dress!

Size worn:
MR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 10
Height: 5' 10"
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 182lbs
Browse Amber's reviews
February 28th, 2022
Gorgeous dress!!

Loved everything about this dress. Fit in all the right places

Size worn:
LR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Usually wears: 12
Height: 5' 6"
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 190lbs
Browse Danielle's reviews
January 6th, 2022
LOVED THIS!!

Hugged me in all the right places, comfortable, the straps take a bit of time to adjust, but you can wear with a strapless bra or sticky cup bra things. Loved it. Got so many compliments.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
LL
Overall fit:
True to Size
Usually wears: 12
Height: 5' 5"
Body type: Pear
Browse Kalilah's reviews
March 18th, 2025
Perfect

Overall Fit

Just right

Top Contributor
Size worn:
SL
Overall fit:
True to Size
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 127lbs
Browse Elena's reviews
November 22nd, 2024
Obsessed

Wore this to a black tie optional wedding and got compliments the entire month. It was incredibly flattering and super comfortable. I would normally order a regular length but had to order the SL

Overall Fit

Just right

Top Contributor
Size worn:
MR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Usually wears: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Bust size: 36B
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 160lbs
Browse Bailey's reviews
November 13th, 2024
Beautiful for Black Tie

Loved this dress so much! It fit perfectly and was so flattering. Also one of the most comfortable dresses I've ever worn! I purchased the Skims low-back sheer sculpt shorts for a little extra support and you could not see them at all, even with the low back of the dress!

Overall Fit

Just right

Chest

Just right

Arms & Shoulders

Just right

Waist

Just right

Hips

Just right

Length

Just right

Top Contributor
Size worn:
MP
Overall fit:
True to Size
Usually wears: 6
Height: 5' 3"
Bust size: 36A
Body type: Pear
Weight: 140lbs
Browse Abbey's reviews
October 27th, 2024
Flattering and comfortable

Worn to a black tie wedding. Velvet was stretchy and fit was great. The cups lining were a little folded and weird, the back is completely exposed. The straps are adjustable. Honestly this came together for me but I might not have worn it if my backups had worked, but I'm glad I did, I got all the compliments. Had to wear boombas and be careful dancing.

Overall Fit

Just right

Chest

Just right

Arms & Shoulders

Just right

Waist

Just right

Hips

Just right

Length

Just right

Top Contributor
Size worn:
LR
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 12
Height: 5' 7"
Bust size: 38C
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 190lbs
Browse RTR Member's reviews
November 19th, 2025
Perfect dress!

This dress was a perfect jewel tone for a black tie optional wedding! It was comfortable and the fabric was thick enough that it was flattering. I used breast petals and boob tape to make sure that there was no slippage, and had no issues! Large regular was the right size.

Top Contributor
Size worn:
SL
Overall fit:
True to Size
Rented for:
Wedding
Usually wears: 6
Height: 5' 8"
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 142lbs
Browse Hande's reviews
November 13th, 2025
Love!!

Loved this dress! The open back was the standout detail. Perfect for a formal event.

See more reviews:
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