Black Short Corset Dress, Melisa

The Melisa Short Corset Dress in Black is a structured strapless mini for the evening end of the calendar: cocktail hours, milestone birthdays, holiday parties, and wedding celebrations. A boned corset bodice holds a clean straight neckline, a satin sash gathers the waist, and an oversized satin bow ties at the back over a concealed zipper. The bow is removable, so the dress reads 2 ways: the bow from behind, or a sleek black mini without it. It is the kind of short dress that carries a cocktail evening without trying too hard.

Fabric
A textured black woven with a tonal damask pattern and a soft natural sheen, structured enough to hold the flared skirt away from the body. The corset bodice is built on internal boning and fully lined; the waist sash and back bow are cut in a fluid satin-finish fabric for contrast against the textured shell. Cut and constructed in the Luna atelier in Pozarevac, Serbia. The composition is 73% polyamide with 27% viscose, with polyester linings throughout. It styles cleanly with a black evening clutch and our occasion accessories.

Fit
The Melisa runs true to size. The corset bodice sits close through the rib cage and waist, giving structure without bone digging, and the skirt flares from the waist to a short A-line hem that stands slightly away from the body. Between sizes, size up for a softer line through the bodice. A concealed center-back zipper closes the dress, and the satin bow unties fully for a cleaner silhouette. See the Luna sizing guide for measurements. The length is 34” from the back of the neck to the hem on a size 2. Model is 5 foot 9 inches wearing size 2.

The coat over it

The black Melisa is a strapless corset dress in tonal jacquard that ends well above the knee. Over it, the Beige Cotton Short Tailored Coat, Iris ($770) is 2 inches longer, and its pale shade reads cream against the black. Together they come to $1,440. If you want black on black and more length, the Black Wool Wrap Coat, Nicole ($825) reaches mid calf.

Why Luna Fashion House

Every piece is designed and handmade in our own European atelier in a small, limited run, so what you wear is made with care rather than mass produced. We have made occasion wear this way since 1990, and we offer 30 day returns so you can order with confidence.

The coat to wear with it, and what to add

We list the coat first. We chose it by where this hem falls.

• Beige Cotton Short Tailored Coat, Iris, $770
• Black Structured Mini Handbag, Klara, $160

Questions buyers ask about the Melisa Short Corset Dress in Black

How does the Melisa Short Corset Dress in Black fit, and what size does the model wear?

It runs true to size, close through the ribs and waist, then the skirt flares away from the body. On a size 2 it measures 34 inches from the back of the neck to the hem. Our model is 5 foot 9 in a size 2, and between sizes the larger one gives a softer bodice, so check the Luna sizing guide.

What is the black Melisa made of, and how do I care for it?

The black jacquard is 73% polyamide and 27% viscose, with a tonal damask pattern you see up close. The sash and bow are a satin finish fabric, and the linings are polyester. Please follow the care label inside the dress when it needs cleaning.

What goes with the black Melisa, and where can I wear it?

Hold the Black Evening Clutch, Leni ($160) at a holiday party and keep the whole look in black. For a December night, the Black Wool Wrap Coat, Nicole ($825) reaches mid calf and covers the short hem on the way in. Our guide Holiday Party Outfits for Women has more ideas, and the Holiday Outfits collection gathers the season in one place.

How fast does the black Melisa arrive, and can I return it?

Shipping is free anywhere in the US, and the dress arrives in 2 to 5 days from our US warehouse. You have 30-day returns with no questions asked, which leaves time to try it with the coat you already own.

Fabric:

plant-based silk, Synthetic

Care:

Machine washable