Features
One of the most important events in the world of art and fashion at the beginning of the 19th century was the foundation of a new style - Empire style. Josephine Beauharnais, Napoleon’s wife, is rightfully considered his legislator.
Flowing spacious skirts, a high waist, indicated mainly by a wide ribbon, and a flashlight sleeve became characteristic features of the empire.
Dresses gained wide popularity precisely because of the high waist, which allows you to correct the flaws of the figure and emphasize the beauty of the arms and neck.
Often, dresses of this style are confused with no less well-known dresses in the style of baby doll and rustic:
- "Doll" outfits are very similar to Empire style, but there are still differences. Empire styles are not characterized by colorful prints and ruffles and ruffles are possible only on the hem.
- With regards to the "village" dresses, they differ from the empire ones in a simple, non-constraining cut. This is a simple fitted sundresses on the floor on the straps, sewn from simple fabrics.
Dresses in Empire style can not be attributed to the Greek models. For the former, drapery, deep neckline and asymmetry are not characteristic, and the corset is also not desirable.
Models
Historical
With their graceful, but simple cut, the dresses of that time looked like a shirt.
They were sewn from the thinnest and lightest materials in combination with a silk lining. They sat perfectly on the figure. The hem and bodice were detachable and connected with buttons or hooks.
For early "Empire" dresses, straight skirts were characteristic, smoothly turning into a train. Later, the skirts resembled a bell. Ball gowns could have a neckline; everyday 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, as in those days, are sewn from light flowing fabrics. They all have the same simple and elegant silhouette with a high waist.
The only thing is that the sleeves-lanterns changed straps, the length on the floor - to the length of the knees.
With sleeves
As mentioned earlier, in dresses of this style, the sleeves were made in the form of a flashlight with a wide cuff.
Over time, designers experimented in fashioning a long sleeve, a three-quarter sleeve, or none at all. With such changes, dresses look no less advantageous.
Ballroom
Dresses in the Empire style are not lush, but this did not stop the beauties of the times of Natasha Rostova attending the ball.
If the corsets were replaced by a 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
Long dresses in empire style 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 in terms of convenience, these are mainly mini or midi dresses.
Wedding
Empire style is very popular in wedding bows. Dresses in this style create the image of a real goddess for the bride.
They look very elegant and advantageous. And they are very convenient, as they do not constrain movement.
Evening
In the styles of evening fashion, the empire, perhaps, breaks all records of popularity. There are a huge number of variations of modern empire evening fashion with a traditional sleeve-flashlight, on thin straps or without them at all.
They differ from everyday dresses with an abundance of decor from beads, rhinestones, pearls, and expensive fabrics.
Everyday option and for work
This style is so diverse that it can be relevant in all areas of our lives.
A strict dress code can also be diversified with decoration in this style. Modern business women nowadays are available dresses strictly cut and modest length.
For full
The most relevant dresses of this style for full girls.
Its cut allows you to hide all the flaws of the figure:
- not perfect tummy;
- wide hips;
- imperfections in the waist.
For pregnant
The Empire style is also ideal for pregnant women. In it, the girls will feel comfortable and free.
A light skirt hides the belly of the future mother, and the absence of a corset does not tighten and constricts in movements.
In such dresses, pregnant women look unusually natural and feminine.
What to wear
Pomposity and regality 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;
- a wide belt embroidered with stones will be an excellent accessory.
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 in your wardrobe should be a dress in the Empire style. In it, your image will be winning in any case.
