Empire style dresses
A bit of history
The cut of the Empire dress has been known to people since ancient times, when society sang the innocence, lightness and beauty of women extremely loudly. But the modern history of this dress begins only in the 19th century, and it is directly connected with the name of Napoleon Bonaparte's wife, Josephine. It was this woman who introduced the fashion for simple and at the same time very feminine, light dresses that replaced tight corsets and uncomfortable puffy skirts.
The motifs of the dress themselves were inspired by the Greek style. They were sewn from translucent cotton and with their cut they were extremely reminiscent of a long shirt, which the French women, contrary to the condemnation of Europe, put on at beautiful secular balls, exciting the imagination of noble men.
Of course, since then the Empire dress has undergone some changes. Fashion designers diluted this image with various modern inserts, removed the train and length, added some courage to the image, without depriving it of lightness and tenderness. The traditional train is relevant today except in wedding dresses.
Style Features
Empire style dress can be recognized by its exceptional lightness and simplicity, which at the same time looks very harmonious and natural, emphasizes the exceptional forms of girls and women. This effect is obtained due to the very cut of the product.
The high waistline of this dress clearly outlines the bodice, which fashion designers often decorate with stiff embroidery, beads or ribbons. It is draped right under the bodice, thanks to which it smoothly passes into soft and delicate folds of light fabric, emphasizing the forms of the fair sex.
The neckline of an empire dress is often very revealing. In modern tailoring, the neckline of the following types is often used: circle, oval, heart. Very rarely there are dresses of this style with a closed neckline. In this case, translucent lace is usually used.
Undoubtedly, this version of the dress is ideal for cocktail parties, going on dates. It is extremely loved by brides who want to look as feminine and tender as possible at their wedding. In everyday life, the Empire dress can be seen in the echoes of summer sundresses.
Who will suit the style
Due to the flowing silhouette of this dress, a light feminine silhouette is formed, which emphasizes the dignity of the figure of girls and women, their natural beauty. The high waistline and neckline always favorably emphasizes the bust. A dress of this cut can be easily chosen for any type of figure.
For full
Fat women should definitely give up the “empire” dress above the knee. It is better to choose maxi. Wide pleats will help to hide the imperfections of the hips, provided that the bottom of the dress is not too lush, which, on the contrary, can add volume.Make sure that the bodice of the model being tried on is as simple as possible: without additional decorations, such as embroidery or beads. Well, if it is also decorated with drapery.
Summer sundresses are better to choose dark shades.
For thin
Slender girls can afford any length. But petite girls need to be extremely careful when choosing floor-length models. A poorly chosen dress, for example, with a long train, can visually shorten your silhouette.
For thin girls, it is better to opt for a model with a bodice that will stand out from the rest of the dress due to voluminous embroidery or beading. It is better if the silhouette of the empire dress is lush and with a lot of folds.
Actual colors
Long empire dresses in beige shades for celebrations are very popular now. It is recommended to combine such a dress with sandals or wicker sandals with gold or silver heels, as well as delicate jewelry and plain, fairly simple hairstyles.
For the office, a light empire sundress with a length just below the knees, without decorative trim and neutral colors, combined with a fitted jacket and classic pumps or oxfords, is suitable.
A casual look can be brightened up with this dress of any length in bardo color in combination with a knitted cardigan and light shoes with a short heel.
fabrics
Empire dress is usually sewn from light fabric that lends itself well to drapery. For example, from silk, chiffon, crepe, satin, fine knitwear, muslin, and cambric.
Silk, satin and chiffon are in great demand in creating evening and solemn images. The rest are good for creating everyday style.
Length
By length, all dresses are traditionally divided into short and long, and the Empire dress is no exception.
Long
A dress of this length is used by fashion designers for sewing models for going out, as well as light “beach” sundresses. Models of this length are especially popular with mature women.
Very relevant among brides wedding dresses "Empire" to the floor.
A short
Favorite length of the younger generation. An empire dress above the knees is often used to create bright and stylish looks for cocktail parties. This model will not restrict movement, which is very important for spending time on the dance floor.
What to wear
Empire dresses are very feminine, and to maintain this look, it is recommended not to weigh down the image with massive shoes and accessories, elongated jackets, tight tights, as well as voluminous sweaters and outerwear.
To create a business style, it is better to combine with short and fitted jackets and closed shoes with steady heels. The color of the product should not be too bright and gaudy. It is better to opt for a neutral shade. A suitable length for such a dress is just below the knees. The bag should not be too small. A medium-sized hard bag with a long strap is perfect.
Extremely popular are bright empire sundresses made of light translucent flying fabrics for going to the beach. It is desirable to combine with a massive wicker bag, a hat with long fields of a light shade and simple sandals.
Where to wear
Many women of fashion choose this model of dresses for the main evening in their lives.
To graduation party
For a graduation ball, a short empire dress in a bright color is well suited. In this outfit it is convenient to dance and move.The image is ideally complemented by a light oval-shaped clutch, delicate sandals with short heels and small pearl earrings, combined with a small thin chain around the neck. You can use a shawl for a cool evening in the same shade as the dress itself.
When choosing a long Empire dress, you should pay attention to the fact that it is as simple as possible, not weighted with additional inserts of a different color or fussy embroidery. This dress is better to choose darker shades. For an unforgettable evening, an eggplant or dark purple color is ideal.
ballroom
Costumed events in our time are not uncommon, just like the fact that lovely ladies, wanting to feel beautiful and seductive with their natural beauty, choose an empire dress for this pastime.
The length of such a dress should reach the middle of the heel. Girls with pale skin are better off opting for peach or pink, and tanned beauties will go with beige shades. At the ball, an empire dress with puffed sleeves will look great.
Wedding
There are countless options for empire wedding dresses. They are extremely popular and in demand among brides, and therefore fashion designers delight us every year with their new collections, which very rarely do without dresses of this cut.
Most often, the choice of brides falls on very feminine models with soft and smooth folds and a bodice decorated with gold embroidery and beads. Empire wedding dresses are usually decorated with a wide long ribbon, which is designed to emphasize the waistline.
Shoes are selected individually, often in the color of embroidery or ribbon using lace. It is extremely important that the heel does not seem massive and is not too high.
How to create a complete image
If you want to create a gentle and light image with this style of dress, then you will be interested to know:
Accessories
Decorations made of thin, not bulky materials are welcome. Pearls are extremely popular, avoid massive gems.
Of the jewelry, it is recommended to use a very thin bezel with decorated pearls or artificial flowers in delicate tones, as well as thin bracelets made of gold material, a small pendant around the neck and elegant stud earrings.
The bag should not be massive. For a more delicate look, a small capacious handbag on a chain strap is suitable, in other cases it is better to use a medium-sized bag with a long handle.
Shoes
Feminine, sophisticated shoes perfectly complement this dress. Greek sandals, sandals, classic ballet flats, patent leather shoes with stable heels and wedges for short dresses.
Makeup
Makeup should be as natural as possible. Dark shades of shadows and a wide eyeliner contour are not allowed.
With this dress, it is highly recommended to use nude look makeup.
Hairstyle
The most simple, but elegant enough. You can pick up your hair in a high ponytail, leaving a few front curls, or make a high bun. Long hair is best simply curled to achieve the effect of "natural curls".
Stylish images
Baby
Empire dress is a great option for children. Little fashionistas are happy to fit into dresses of this style, dreaming of being like real princesses.
As a rule, in the manufacture of children's empire dresses, fabrics of delicate pastel shades (white, pink, cream) are used. They will be a great option for attending family celebrations.
For convenience, short empire dresses can be combined with leggings.
Women's
To create a stylish look with this style of dress, women do not need to put a lot of effort into it. One has only to choose exactly the model of the Empire dress, which will emphasize the dignity of the figure and hide the flaws.
Now olive-colored models with bare shoulders are very relevant. Ideally, if the bodice of the dress emphasizes a dark thin belt, decorated with light embroidery. Light sandals with thick soles can be worn on the legs.
Celebrity Choice
It is unlikely that the red carpet will do without an empire dress. Many stars adore this model and wear it with pleasure not only on secular evenings, but also on their own weddings.
For example, Nicole Kidman chose a lace empire dress with lace and puffed sleeves for her second marriage.
And the famous actress Julianna Margulis in 2007 shone at her own wedding in a very delicate dress, with which she complemented a light Greek look.