In the fashion industry, from time to time clothes come into vogue that never lose their popularity despite fading in some eras. One of these dresses is the Empire dress. This centuries-old garment is so comfortable that it encourages everyone to own one. In this article, we want to know all about the empire dress and its history and learn how to style it.
Empire dress silhouette design
The shape of the empire dress is such that it fits from the shoulder to under the bust and widens right after that. Its width is only the size of a normal fold; Therefore, it is not a cloche. This type of design makes a person look taller and more elongated. All women who like to direct attention from the stomach or hips to the chest, this dress will be suitable for them. However, in the following sections, we will talk about the different body shapes that can wear empire dresses.
Empire dresses are versatile and can be worn with a variety of necklines, from turtlenecks to turtlenecks. This dress can be sleeveless or if it has, both short and long sleeves are suitable for it. The length of this dress can be from above the knee to midi and maxi. It can even be chosen so tall that it falls to the ground.
History of Empire Clothing
The history of empire dress can be traced back more than two hundred years. However, it can be said that it was before that. The first documented examples of the empire dress silhouette can be found in Greco-Roman art. At that time, women wore loose rectangular tunics called peplos or chitons, which were tied under the bodice with a belt.
Rococo art period
The era of Rococo art goes back to the period before the French Revolution until 1789. At that time, empire dresses, powdered hats and fancy make-up were in fashion. This period is called New Baroque. This luxurious period ended with the fall of the Bastille in July 1789. From here on, men did not dare to appear in public wearing luxurious clothes. Therefore, they tried to make their clothes less flashy than women.
In France, it was no longer safe for anyone to wear silk and velvet. The silk weavers of Lyon were destroyed and the industry remained idle for twenty years. The union system, rigid but effective, was abolished as undemocratic, and work in textiles and other handicrafts stagnated as a result. Fashionistas, tailors, and hairdressers fled to foreign capitals such as London and St. Petersburg.
Director era
This period lasted from 1793 to 1799. The short period in which France was governed by the new revolutionary government called the Directory lasted from 1793, when Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed, to 1799. As we know, fashion has always been influenced by political and economic factors either directly or subconsciously. This issue was very evident during the French Revolution and immediately after, when social changes were accompanied by fundamental changes in clothing. For example, in the decade after World War I, women decided to break free from tradition and refused to wear short hair. Tight corset dresses and dresses that cinched right at the natural waistline became fashionable.
In the picture, you can see the duchess dress, which is similar to the empire dress, which has pleats from under the chest and the upper part is body-shaped. Of course, this empire dress is a little different from today’s dresses.
Empire era
The imperial period includes the consulship and the first French empire, which lasted from 1800 to 1815. Napoleon Bonaparte called himself emperor in 1804 and followed the style of Roman emperors. His style dominated everything from architecture to women’s clothes. Napoleon’s wife, Josephine Bonaparte, was very fond of Empire dresses.
Regency period
This period lasted from 1811 to 1820 and refers to the British monarchy, when George IV ruled as Prince Regent. The characteristic of empire clothes in this era can be seen well in Jane Austen’s books. Women’s clothing in Pride and Prejudice is a clear example of empire clothing during that era.
The empire shirt began in Europe in the late 18th century, during the Neoclassical era, when Greek and Roman culture became popular with the public. Women began to imitate the flowing dresses seen in Greco-Roman art, which featured thin bands tied just below the bust line of long, draped dresses.
Just after empire dress became fashionable, Napoleon Bonaparte established French rule in much of Europe. Josephine, her first queen, popularized this silhouette, which became known as Empire dresses. As these dresses became more common, embellishments such as ruffles, sequins, floral designs, pleated and pleated details of silk and chiffon with shawls and capes became common.
Since the 19th century, the empire dress has been in and out of fashion many times. Until it became particularly popular in the 1960s. Currently, the empire dress is a popular silhouette that is often used for wedding dresses, however, it is still common in everyday wear.
Fabrics suitable for empire dresses
Empire dress can be made with different fabrics. However, thin and bare fabrics are more suitable. For example, light fabrics such as linen, muslin, and silk are common fabrics for making empire dresses.
The difference between empire dress and e-line
A-line dresses and empire dresses are similar, however, there are important differences between them, including the following:
A slim way to show the waist line
Empire and E-line dresses both make people’s waists look slimmer; But they do it in a different way. A-line dress draws attention to people’s natural waist, which is usually the narrowest part of a woman’s body. In contrast, empire dresses draw attention to the underbust line, which is above the natural waistline and appears narrower compared to the width of your chest.
Elongate the body
Empire dresses sit above your natural waist, creating a long line of fabric from the waist to the length of the dress. In this way, it can make the body look longer and slimmer; Especially if the skirt is a maxi empire dress. E-line dresses, because they are close to the natural waist, cannot make you look taller as much as empire dresses.
The looseness of the clothes
Aline dresses are cloche and look just like the English letter A. The a-line skirt widens from the waist onwards; But the empire dress is not loose around the body and falls straight down. This makes the person look taller.
Different styles of empire dress
Empire dresses can be used as party dresses, cocktail dresses, casual dresses, sarongs, wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses. This dress is also suitable for maternity clothes; Because the natural waist of the body remains free.
What bodies are empire dresses suitable for?
Empire dress shape is suitable for most body shapes. Consider the following examples:
minor people; To show the height more elongated
Petite people can make themselves appear taller with empire dresses. Because the position of the waist of the dress is higher than the natural waistline, it draws attention to the upper body.
pear organ; To cover the width of the hips
The body of a pear is wide in the abdomen and hips. Therefore, when the width of the empire dress starts above the natural waist, it covers the entire lower body.
apple organ; To cover the belly
In the apple body, the middle area includes the waist and full belly. Therefore, an empire dress can well draw attention away from that area and towards the face. It is better not to choose a loose empire skirt.
rectangular body; To add curvature
These people do not have any special curves in the body and are straight and smooth from top to bottom. A pleated empire dress can add curves to your figure nicely.
limb of the inverted triangle; To balance the whole body
If you have an inverted triangle body, it is better to use empires with a wider skirt. The reason is that your shoulders and chest are wider than your waist and hips. With this choice, you can balance your upper and lower body.
pregnant women; For comfort in the abdominal area
For pregnant women, one of the most comfortable options is the empire dress; Because there are no seams around the stomach that are uncomfortable.
For overseas ladies; To get closer to the hourglass body
Empire dress is very suitable for overseas women. This model puts the waistline of the dress higher and makes your figure closer to the hourglass figure. This model can cover body defects.
How to style empire clothes?
The empire dress can be styled in different ways. Here are some suggestions for you:
Casual empire dress
You can wear this dress every day as a casual dress. If you want to wear the empire dress every day, it is better if it is made of cotton or other natural materials. You can combine the brown cardigan with a classic cotton or linen dress. To complete your style, use brown leather boots or, depending on the weather, wear sandals.
You can choose a casual burgundy empire dress that looks great for any casual occasion. If you are on vacation, especially by the beach, this dress is very suitable. This dress can be worn with flip flops and stylish sandals:
The third model is an off-shoulder empire shirt. Wear a short empire blouse with bell sleeves. This dress is suitable for friendly parties. You can wear it with high heeled sandals or high heels. If you want to cover the stomach area, a combination of empire and e-line models will be suitable:
Empire blouse with jeans
A tunic or empire blouse can look great with skinny jeans. This dress is suitable for every day wear. In the model you see, it is embroidered around the collar, which creates a casual outfit with jeans.
Empire wedding dress
Empire wedding dress model with lace and silk is very popular. If you don’t like to wear princess and puffy models and want a comfortable dress that is both beautiful and easy to dance with, use this model.
As a dress or evening dress
Empire model evening dress is very beautiful and attractive. You can wear this model in a wedding or evening party or other formal and semi-formal occasions. For evening dresses, maxi type is better than midi and short. If you are looking for the right color, soft pink is one of the best colors. Need a bolder color? Choose a red empire dress.
For boho style
If you like the boho style, the empire dress is perfect for this style. You can wear it to a party or a friendly outing on summer nights or by the beach. A short empire model with embroidery or simple crochet panels and cuffs is more attractive. Pair this dress with a skirt or pants and complete your style with a pair of platform shoes or gladiator sandals.
Choosing the right accessories for the empire dress
What accessories do you decorate your empire dress with? Check out these ideas:
1. Add a straw hat
If you are wearing a summer empire dress, especially on sunny days by the beach, a straw hat with a wide brim is the perfect accessory for it.
2. Shoes can be varied
The shoes you choose for an empire dress will depend on the occasion you are going to attend. For example, in a wedding or formal event with evening dress, dress shoes and formal high heels are more appropriate. If the event is casual and informal, metallic sandals and boots can be appropriate.
3. Choose the right jewelry
Empire dress has a royal look, that’s why it is definitely more beautiful with jewelry. When choosing jewelry, be sure to consider the event you want to attend. For a formal event, minimalist jewelry is more suitable. Layered and statement necklaces, earrings and bracelets are better choices for a casual look.
final word
In this article, we talked about the empire dress and its types. We talked about its history and saw how this classic dress has maintained its popularity since the time of Marie Antoinette. All body types can use an empire dress in some way and it’s pretty easy to style. It does not need many accessories and can be counted on for both weddings and parties and casual occasions.
What do you think about the empire dress? Which type do you like to wear the most? Party type, boho or casual? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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