When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding dress, there are so many choices to make. From A-line to ballgown, strapless to spaghetti straps, and lace to satin, it can be overwhelming. One of the most popular wedding dress silhouettes is the empire silhouette. But what exactly is an empire silhouette wedding dress?
The Basics of an Empire Silhouette Wedding Dress
The empire silhouette is one that has a high waistline that sits just under the bust. The rest of the dress flows down from there, often with a slim and elegant look. This style is reminiscent of the dresses worn in the Regency and Georgian eras and was originally a popular style in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The beauty of an empire silhouette wedding dress is that it is both classic and timeless, yet modern and sophisticated. It can be incredibly flattering on a variety of body types, from petite to plus-size, and can be dressed up or down depending on the style of the dress and the wedding itself.
Types of Empire Silhouette Wedding Dress
There are several different types of empire silhouette wedding dress to choose from. Here are some of the most popular:
Flowy Empire Silhouette
This is a classic empire silhouette dress that has a flowy feel to it. The fabric is often lightweight and floaty, allowing the dress to move beautifully. This style is perfect for brides who want a relaxed and comfortable dress that still feels elegant and beautiful.
Fitted Empire Silhouette
If you want a more structured look, a fitted empire silhouette dress could be for you. This style has a more defined waistline, often with a belt or sash to cinch it in. The rest of the dress is still slim and elegant, but with a bit more structure to it. This is a great option for brides who want a dress that is both comfortable and sophisticated.
Empire Ballgown
For something truly dramatic, you can opt for an empire silhouette ballgown. This style has the classic high waistline but with a full, voluminous skirt that gives a magical fairytale effect. An empire ballgown is perfect for brides who want to make a statement and create a real sense of occasion with their dress.
Who Should Choose an Empire Silhouette Wedding Dress?
An empire silhouette wedding dress is a great choice for any bride who wants to create a timeless, elegant, and sophisticated look. It is particularly flattering for brides who have a smaller bust or who want to create a lengthening effect on their body.
The empire silhouette is often considered a good option for pregnant brides, as it gives plenty of room in the waist and stomach area while still looking elegant and beautiful.
Ultimately, anyone can choose an empire silhouette wedding dress if they feel like it suits them and their style. It’s a versatile and stylish silhouette that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and preferences.
Choosing the Right Accessories for an Empire Silhouette Wedding Dress
When it comes to choosing accessories for your empire silhouette wedding dress, it’s all about balance. The high waistline of the dress means that you’ll want to keep the focus on this area, rather than on your neckline or arms. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect accessories for your empire silhouette wedding dress:
– Keep your jewelry simple and elegant, with delicate earrings or a necklace that sits just above the bustline.
– Choose a veil or headpiece that complements the style of your dress and doesn’t overpower it.
– Consider a clutch or small bag that won’t detract from the overall look of your dress.
– Wear shoes that are comfortable and practical, but still elegant and stylish.
Conclusion
The empire silhouette wedding dress is a classic and timeless option that suits a variety of styles, tastes, and body types. Whether you opt for a flowy, fitted, or ballgown style, an empire silhouette dress is sure to make you feel elegant, sophisticated, and beautiful on your big day. Don’t be afraid to experiment with accessories to find the perfect balance and complete your look with style and grace.
FAQ
What body type does empire waist look good on?
Empire waist dresses have been popular for centuries and continue to be an iconic style in the fashion world. An empire waist dress is characterized by a high waistline, which sits just below the bust. The rest of the dress falls loosely, draping down the body and finishing at or below the knee.
Empire waist dresses are flattering for a range of body types. For petite women, empire waist dresses elongate the frame, creating the illusion of height. By drawing the eye upwards towards the bust, the high waistline breaks up the midsection and makes the legs appear longer.
Women with a pear-shaped body type, who are typically wider at the hips than the shoulders, can also benefit from empire waist dresses. The high waistline of the dress draws attention away from the hips, creating a more balanced silhouette. Women with an apple-shaped body type, who carry weight around their midsection, can also benefit from empire waist dresses as the high waistline draws attention upwards and away from the tummy.
Furthermore, empire waist dresses are also great for women with a plus-size figure. The loose, flowing design of the dress skims over curves, creating a flattering and comfortable fit. Women who are conscious about their tummy area can choose a dress with a slightly more fitted bodice to create an even more flattering silhouette.
Empire waist dresses are a versatile and timeless style that can flatter a range of body types. By elongating the frame, balancing out proportions, and skimming over curves, empire waist dresses are a great choice for any occasion.
Why is it called an empire waist?
The term “empire waist” is a fashion term that has been used to describe a certain style of women’s clothing since the early 19th century. The term refers to a waistline that is located just below the bust, creating a long, flowing skirt that falls to the floor. The style was made popular during the Empire period, which lasted from 1800 to 1815. This was a time of great political turmoil in Europe, with Napoleon Bonaparte emerging as a powerful leader in France.
The Empire period was marked by a revival of classical Greek and Roman styles, which influenced fashion, art, and architecture throughout Europe. Women’s fashion in particular was transformed during this period, with clothing becoming lighter, simpler, and more comfortable than the elaborate and restrictive styles of the previous century. The Empire waist style was one of the hallmarks of this new fashion, and it quickly became popular among fashionable women in France and beyond.
The term “empire waist” actually comes from the French word “empire,” which means “empire.” This is because the style was closely associated with Napoleon and the French Empire. The style was also popular in other European countries, including England, where it was known as the “Regency style.”
The Empire waist style was popular because it was comfortable and flattering to a wide range of body types. The high waistline helped to create the illusion of a longer, more graceful silhouette, while the flowing skirt was both practical and elegant. The style was also versatile, and could be worn for both formal and informal occasions.
Today, the Empire waist style is still popular among designers and fashion enthusiasts. It remains a classic and timeless look that is both sophisticated and feminine. Whether you’re wearing an Empire waist gown or a more casual Empire waist tunic, this style is sure to flatter your figure and make you feel confident and beautiful.
What is a princess waistline?
A princess waistline is a specific style of dress that is designed to fit the body in a particular way. Unlike other styles of dresses that have seams running across the body, a princess waistline dress is created using long vertical strips of fabric that are sewn together. The shape of the dress is created through these vertical seams, which follow the curves of the body and provide a more slimming and flattering fit.
Princess waistline dresses are typically form-fitting through the bodice and waist, creating an hourglass silhouette. The seams of the dress typically run from the shoulder and curve down to the natural waistline, creating a long, lean look. The dress will then flare out slightly from the waist down, skimming over the hips and thighs, and often ending in a full skirt.
One of the benefits of a princess waistline dress is that it creates a smooth, uninterrupted line down the body, which can be particularly flattering for those with a straight or rectangular body shape. It also provides a lot of opportunities for customization, as designers can play with the placement and number of seams to create different visual effects and enhance certain parts of the body.
A princess waistline dress can be a great choice for those looking for a sleek, elegant silhouette, whether you’re attending a formal event, getting married, or simply wanting to add a touch of sophistication to your wardrobe.
Where did the Empire style come from?
The Empire Style is a distinctive style of decorative arts and architecture that was prominent in Europe during the early part of the 19th century, particularly during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte. The Empire Style is characterized by its use of ancient Roman and Greek motifs, as well as its bold and dramatic forms and lavish materials.
The Empire Style is most often associated with Napoleon’s reign, which lasted from 1804 until 1815. However, its features began developing during the earlier Directoire and Consulat periods, which lasted from 1795 until 1803. During these years, the decorative arts and architecture in France experienced a significant shift away from the opulence of the Rococo style, which had been popular in the previous decades, towards a simpler, more austere aesthetic.
This shift was largely influenced by the political climate of the time, which was characterized by a desire for social equality, simplicity, and order. The French Revolution had recently ended, and many people were eager to move away from the excesses of the old regime and embrace a new, more democratic way of life.
The Empire Style was also heavily influenced by Napoleon’s military conquests and his fascination with ancient Rome and Greece. Many of the motifs and forms used in Empire Style furniture and architecture were inspired by ancient Roman and Greek designs, such as eagles, sphinxes, lions, and laurel wreaths.
One of the most distinctive features of the Empire Style is its use of luxurious materials, such as mahogany, bronze, and gold. Empire Style furniture often features richly upholstered chairs and sofas, with gilded feet and ornate carvings. Architecture of the period is characterized by grand, sweeping staircases, soaring ceilings, and massive columns.
Although the Empire Style was most closely associated with Napoleon’s reign, its influence continued to be felt throughout Europe well into the 1830s, particularly in countries like Sweden. Today, Empire Style furniture and architecture remains popular among collectors and enthusiasts of antique decorative arts.
What do you wear under an empire waist dress?
Empire waist dresses have a fitted bodice that falls just below the bustline and a flowy skirt that cascades down. The style is classic and flattering for many body types, making it a popular choice for various occasions and seasons. However, since the waistline of an empire dress sits higher than the natural waist, it can sometimes be tricky to figure out what to wear underneath it.
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to wearing an empire waist dress is the bra situation. Since the waistline is higher, most regular bras tend to peek out or interfere with the overall look of the dress. Therefore, it’s essential to choose the right bra style. Some empire waist dresses have a V-shaped or plunging neckline, which makes it an excellent opportunity to show off a beautiful push-up or uplifting bra. These bra types offer the necessary support while also enhancing the cleavage, creating a flattering silhouette.
For those with a larger bust size that might feel uncomfortable or unsupported in a regular bra, opt for a lift bra or a bra with wider straps. These types of bras provide additional support and lift, ensuring that the dress fits perfectly and the bustline remains in place throughout the evening.
Another aspect to consider is the underwear choice. When wearing an empire waist dress, the skirt tends to flow down, often revealing the outline and details of the underwear. Therefore, it’s essential to choose the right pair of underwear that won’t peek out from under the dress. Seamless or nude colored underwear is an excellent option as it won’t interfere with the overall look of the dress, making it appear sleek and effortless.
It’S crucial to consider the bra and underwear choice when wearing an empire waist dress. Choosing the right style of bra, whether it’s a push-up, uplifting bra, or lift bra, can provide the necessary support and enhance the overall look of the dress. Additionally, selecting seamless or nude-colored underwear can avoid any unwanted lines or details from peeking out and keep the outfit looking polished and elegant.
