It is no secret that fashion moves in a spiral, and sooner or later various trends reappear in the images of modern women. Empire style is no exception.
Moreover, its main characteristics are so successful that it allows him to stay in the fashion world for a long period of time.
Style story
Classic Empire lasted only a quarter century. However, he was so fond of the beauties that modern fashionistas transformed him for themselves.
After the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century, the distinction between the various social strata was smoothed out. Society has become democratic and progressive, which marked the beginning of a new, more modern era. Such cardinal changes could not but be displayed in the manner of dressing. High wigs, lush crinolines, elaborate accessories were sent to the furnace. They were replaced by simplicity, tenderness, sophistication and sophistication of taste.
At that time, the great Napoleon I Bonaparte ascended the French imperial throne, and with it the beautiful Josephine Beauharnais appeared on the historical scene. It was she who became the inspirer of the new style. Every European fashionista dreamed of being a lover of the great commander.
Characteristics
The hallmark of the empire was the dress "schmize", which in French meant "shirt". Indeed, previously such a cut of dresses was applicable only to shirts that were worn under lush dresses. In their appearance, the dresses of fashionistas of the beginning of the twentieth century resembled light Greek clothes, tunics. Not surprisingly, after all, the trendsetter of the Empire, charming Josephine, was a big fan of the Hellenic culture.
The silhouette of the schmize dress was to resemble an antique column. The cut of this outfit included a short bodice with a deep neckline that literally went along the chest line. The sleeves were short in the form of "flashlights" on wide cuffs. Under the bodice flowing lines fell the bulk of the decoration. From the front it seemed straight, and on the back it was pushed up to make small folds give the image even more lightness.
The outfits were made of transparent airy fabrics, and thick silk was used as a lining. At the height of the empire, women preferred white and pastel colors. Later, the colors could be absolutely any. But the dresses remained plain.
Decorative items and accessories
A variety of decorative solutions gave refined luxury to plain dresses with a simple cut. To give the product a more elegant look, it was enough to sew a thin train in the back.
Empire style dresses are characterized by underlining the high waist line with satin ribbons or a more complicated edging. The decoration for evening events and celebrations had a richly decorated bodice. The decor was embroidery with gold or silver threads. For women of the beginning of the nineteenth century, a craving for colorful dresses was not characteristic. Therefore, fashionistas preferred to use decorative elements to match the outfit.
In cold weather, the young women wrapped themselves in a cashmere shawl, she also played a big role in shaping the image. As for other warm things, poor girls are not lucky here. Women's fashion then did not involve wearing outerwear. Ladies in thin silks looked even more absurd in the fierce winter against the background of men who, on the contrary, at that time welcomed the layering of clothes. Despite the constant colds, women continued to adhere to fashion trends, dressing warmly except for riding.
White husky gloves emphasized delicate hands and graceful movements. The head of the young lady was decorated with all kinds of hats, berets, caps and even turbanes. These items of clothing played the role of accessories.
Empire fashion dictated the rules not only for clothing, but also for appearance. The maximum naturalness of the image was welcomed. The use of cosmetics was minimized. The skin of fashionistas should be aristocratic pale. Therefore, another irreplaceable accessory for ladies was a lace or silk umbrella.
Style Benefits
The cut of dresses in the Empire style is so versatile that it suits any figure. The proportions of the schismise are shifted to 1: 6, exclusively covering the chest, and the rest of the figure is covered with flowing flowing fabric.
Thin girls with a short tight bodice will lift their breasts, and a loose skirt will give the figure a feminine silhouette. For owners of curvaceous forms, such an outfit is also ideal. A high waist will emphasize the merits and visually smooth out any imperfections.
That is why the cut of dresses in the Empire style is relevant to this day. There is no more successful style that would suit women of different constitution and age. Under such a maxi dress, you can wear shoes with high heels and flat soles.
Empire style elements in modern outfits
The present time is characterized by a combination of different styles with the use of various techniques taken from the past. Echoes of the empire have reached to the present day, although in classic form it is found only among individual customers.
Modern outfits can be extremely short, such as baby doll dresses. And the finish is much more modest than that of products from the beginning of the nineteenth century. But the main symptom - high waist - remains unchanged.
Evening dresses
Empire style is reflected in many wedding and evening dresses. As for celebrities, then on the red carpet it will be easy to find an image with elements of an ancient style.
The upper part of modern models can combine an empire bodice with a long sleeve or wide straps. The depth of the neckline varies from frank to high. Evening dresses adhere to the classic canons. The skirt retains its maximum length or is pulled by a small train.
Casual wear
In the collection of any couturier there are models of sundresses and blouses with a high waist, emphasized by decorative details.
Any everyday outfits to a greater or lesser extent allow the presence of fashionable elements of the early XIX century. Due to its flowing silhouette, the cut of shmiza is a favorite style for expectant mothers.
No matter how strange it may sound, but the features characteristic of the Empire style can be perfectly combined with business style. A simple dress with a modest finish will be appropriate in the office, even with the most stringent dress code. If at work it is permissible to wear more interesting outfits, then the dress can be decorated with contrasting trim. Modern models now allow vibrant prints on products in the Empire style.
The model of maxi-sarafans is widespread, in which, instead of the classic tight-fitting bodice, they have a “collar”.
Due to the variety of colors, this model of dress can be selected for any occasion. A bright rainbow sundress is perfect for walks and dates, and a solid model for evening events.
