Empire waist dresses have been in fashion for centuries and still remain popular among women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. This timeless style features a high waistline that sits just under the bust, with a fitted bodice that flares out into a flowing skirt. The empire waist design not only creates a flattering silhouette but also offers the wearer comfort and versatility, making it an ideal dress for any special occasion.
What is an Empire Waist Dress?
Before we dive into who can wear an empire waist dress, let’s first define what an empire waist dress is. An empire waist dress, also known as an empire line dress, is a dress with a raised waistline that sits just under the bust, creating an elongated silhouette.
The empire style originated from the Grecian and Roman times, when dresses featured a high waistline that was cinched with a belt. It wasn’t until the 18th century when the empire waist dress became popularized by Empress Josephine of France, who wanted to create a look that would flatter her small bust and hide her pregnancy.
Since then, the empire waist dress has undergone many iterations and has become a staple in women’s fashion, perfect for weddings, proms, cocktails, or any special occasion.
Who can Wear an Empire Waist Dress?
Empire waist dresses are versatile, flattering, and can look great on many different body types. Here are some guidelines to consider when choosing an empire waist dress:
Petite Women
Empire waist dresses are particularly suitable for petite women because they elongate the body. The raised waistline creates an illusion of height, while the flowing skirt hides any problem areas below the waist. Petite women should aim for an empire waist dress with a fitted bodice and flowing skirt that falls above the knee. Avoid empire waist dresses with heavy fabrics that can overwhelm your small frame.
Curvy Women
Empire waist dresses are also excellent for curvy women because they accentuate the bust and create an hourglass silhouette. Curvy women should look for empire waist dresses with a plunging V-neck or a sweetheart neckline to draw attention to the bust. Choose fabrics that are lightweight and flowy, such as chiffon or silk, to avoid adding bulk to the midsection.
Apple-Shaped Women
Empire waist dresses are beneficial for women with an apple-shaped body because they create the illusion of an elongated torso and flatter the bust. Choose an empire waist dress that has a flowing skirt that falls at the knee or just below to draw the eye away from the midsection. Look for dresses with a plunging neckline or a scoop neck to draw attention to the bust.
Pear-Shaped Women
Empire waist dresses can also flatter women with a pear-shaped body by accentuating the bust and hiding the hips and thighs. Look for dresses with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt that falls just above the knee to create a balanced silhouette. Choose fabrics that are lightweight and flowy, such as chiffon, to avoid adding bulk to the hip area.
Final Thoughts
Empire waist dresses are versatile and can flatter many different body types. When choosing an empire waist dress, consider your body type and what will accentuate your best features. Whether you’re petite, curvy, apple-shaped, or pear-shaped, there is an empire waist dress that will flatter your figure and make you feel confident and beautiful.
So the next time you’re in the market for a special occasion dress, consider an empire waist dress and discover for yourself why this classic style has stood the test of time.
FAQ
Is empire waist good for hourglass figure?
An empire waist dress is characterized by a high waistline that sits just below the bust and a flowing skirt that falls to the floor. This style originated in ancient Greece and over the years, it has become a popular choice for many women of different body types. But the question remains, is an empire waist good for an hourglass figure?
The hourglass figure is characterized by a well-proportioned body shape with an equal size of bust and hips and a smaller waist. Women with an hourglass figure are fortunate to have a naturally balanced body shape that looks great in many different styles and dresses. But when it comes to empire waist dresses, you need to be aware of a few things.
Empire waist dresses tend to exaggerate the bust area due to the high waistline. If you have a large bust, this may make it appear even larger. On the other hand, if you have a small bust, it may not be the best style for you as it won’t enhance your assets. Additionally, the flowing skirt of an empire waist dress may not accentuate your curves in the way that a more form-fitting dress would.
However, this doesn’t mean that an hourglass figure cannot pull off an empire waist dress. If you love the style, there are ways to make it work for you. First, choose a dress with a V-neckline to balance out the proportions of your upper body. This will draw the eye away from the bust area and create a more flattering silhouette. Second, choose a dress with a slightly tapered skirt that will hug your curves without making them look exaggerated. Finally, opt for a dress made from a pliable knit or fluid fabric that drapes beautifully over your curves.
An empire waist dress can be a good choice for an hourglass figure as long as you choose the right style and fabric. If you love the look, don’t let your body shape hold you back from trying it out. Experiment with different styles and find the one that suits you best. With the right dress, you can look and feel confident and beautiful no matter what your body type.
How do you make an empire waist dress flattering?
An empire waist dress is a timeless and versatile style that flatters many body types. However, the way you wear it can make a big difference in how it looks on you. If you are looking for ways to make an empire waist dress more flattering, here are some tips to help you make the most of this style.
First and foremost, it is important to find the right cut for your body type. If you are pear-shaped with a smaller bust and wider hips, try an A-line cut. This will emphasize your narrowest point at the top and gradually taper down towards your lower body. On the other hand, if you are hourglass-shaped with a fuller bust and curvy hips, go for a sheath dress that hugs your curves in all the right places.
In addition to the cut, it is also important to consider the length of the dress. Maxi dresses with empire waists are a great option, but you need to find one that skims your lower body rather than swallows you whole. Look for materials that flow and drape nicely, like chiffon or silk.
When it comes to accessorizing an empire waist dress, less is usually more. Avoid wearing chunky belts or statement necklaces that detract from the elegance of the dress. Instead, opt for delicate jewelry or a simple pair of earrings that complement the dress without overpowering it.
Finally, confidence is key when it comes to making any outfit look flattering. Stand up straight, focus on your favorite features, and embrace your unique shape. With the right styling and attitude, an empire waist dress can be a versatile and flattering addition to any wardrobe.
What is the hardest body shape to dress?
When it comes to fashion, every body shape has its own challenges but it’s safe to say that the round or pear shaped body can be one of the hardest to dress. This body shape consists of carrying more weight around the hips, thighs and lower body while the upper body is smaller. It can be quite difficult to find clothes that fit well, are stylish and accentuate the curves in a flattering way.
One of the most common mistakes that women with a pear shaped body make is trying to hide their curves with baggy clothes. While this can be comfortable in some cases, it doesn’t necessarily make for the best fashion choices. Instead, try to focus on highlighting and balancing your body proportions. You can do this by opting for clothes that fit well and highlight your waist. High-waisted pants, skirts and dresses are great options for women with a pear shaped body because they cinch in at the waist and accentuate the hips in a flattering way.
Another great option is to draw the attention upwards towards the upper body. You can do this by wearing statement pieces such as chunky jewelry, bold patterns or colorful tops. These items will draw the eye upwards and create a more balanced look overall.
It’s also important to pay attention to the fit of your clothes, especially when it comes to pants. It can be difficult to find pants that fit just right without feeling too tight or uncomfortable around the waist or hips. Don’t be afraid to go for a tailored look, as it can actually be more comfortable than baggy clothes.
Dressing a pear shaped body can be challenging but with the right clothes, focus on waist definition, and drawing attention upwards, it can be done in a flattering and stylish way. Remember, embrace your curves and rock them with confidence.