Empire style dresses - sophistication and sophistication
Peculiarities
One of the most important events in the world of art and fashion at the beginning of the 19th century was the founding of a new style - the Empire style. Josephine de Beauharnais, Napoleon's wife, is rightfully considered its legislator.
Flowing, spacious skirts, high waist, marked mainly by a wide ribbon, and a lantern sleeve became characteristic features of the Empire style.
The dresses gained wide popularity precisely because of the high waist, which allows them to correct figure flaws and emphasize the beauty of the arms and neck.
Often, dresses of this style are confused with no less famous dresses in the style of baby doll and rustic ones:
- "Puppet" outfits are very similar to the Empire style, but there are still differences. Empire-style models are not characterized by colorful prints and trimming with ruffles and frills is possible only on the hem.
- With regards to the "village" dresses, they differ from the Empire style in a simple cut that does not hinder movement. These are unpretentious fitted sundresses on the floor with straps, sewn from simple fabrics.
Empire style dresses cannot be attributed to Greek models either. For the former, drapery, deep neckline and asymmetry are not characteristic, and a corset is also not pitiful.
Models
Historical
With their graceful but simple cut, the dresses of that time resembled a shirt.
They were sewn from the finest and lightweight fabrics combined with a silk lining. They fit perfectly. The hem and bodice were detachable and connected with buttons or hooks.
For early "empire" dresses were characterized by straight skirts, smoothly turning into a train. Later, the skirts resembled a bell. Ballroom dresses could have a neckline, casual dresses were more modest due to collars and sleeves-lanterns.
The bodice of such dresses was often embroidered with gold threads and sequins.
Modern
In the modern world, the Empire style is also relevant mainly for summer, evening dresses and wedding fashion.
They, just like in those days, are sewn from light flowing fabrics. They still have the same simple and graceful high-waisted silhouette.
The only thing is that the lantern sleeves have changed their straps, the floor-length - for the knee-length.
With sleeves
As mentioned earlier, in dresses of this style, the sleeves were made in the form of a lantern with a wide cuff.
Over time, designers have experimented with introducing a long sleeve, a three-quarter sleeve, or none at all. With such changes, dresses look no less advantageous.
Ballroom
Empire-style dresses are not lush, but this did not prevent the beauties of the time of Natasha Rostova from attending the ball.
If the corsets were replaced by the high waist, then for the splendor of the skirt, multilayer petticoats were also used. And embroidery and lace emphasized the sophistication of the girl.
Length
Long
Empire style long dresses are most common in evening and wedding fashion. The owner of a stylish "empire" image at any evening will not go unnoticed.
A short
In our modern everyday life, this style is also widespread. But from the point of view of convenience, these are mostly mini or midi dresses.
Wedding
The Empire style is very popular in wedding bows. Dresses in this style give the bride the image of a real goddess.
They look very elegant and attractive. They are also very comfortable, as they do not hinder movement.
Evening
In the styles of evening fashion, the Empire style, perhaps, breaks all popularity records. There are a huge number of variations of modern empire evening fashion with a traditional lantern sleeve, with thin shoulder straps or without them at all.
They differ from everyday outfits by the abundance of decor made of beads, rhinestones, pearls, high cost of fabric.
Everyday option and for work
This style is so diverse that it can be relevant in all areas of our life.
A strict dress code can also be diversified with decoration in this style. Modern business women nowadays have access to strictly cut dresses and modest lengths.
For full
The most relevant dresses of this style for overweight girls.
Its cut allows you to hide all figure flaws:
- not a perfect tummy;
- wide hips;
- imperfections in the waist.
For pregnant
The Empire style is ideal for pregnant women. Girls will feel comfortable and free in it.
A light skirt hides the tummy of the future mother, and the absence of a corset does not constrict and constrains her movements.
In such dresses, pregnant women look unusually natural and feminine.
What to wear with
The pomp and royalty of the Empire style can and should be emphasized with the right accessories.
With dresses of this style you can wear:
- long necklaces falling to the waist;
- large long earrings (for example, in combination with a high hairstyle);
- massive bracelets;
- an elegant and appropriate addition to such a dress will be long gloves and a handbag;
- an excellent accessory will be a wide belt embroidered with stones.
But it is worth making sure not to overdo it with all this "brilliance".
Regardless of whether you are a socialite or a simple modern girl, you should have an Empire-style dress in your wardrobe. In it, your image will be winning in any case.
