Vintage-Inspired Fashion for Women: Empire-Style Dress

Classic Empire-style dress.

The Empire-style dress is an old classic. It’s a style that evolved around the late 1700s, influenced by loose, white tunic clothing, belted under the bosom and worn by Greek and Roman women. 

The Empire dress design is vintage-inspired at its best! The dress has a fitted bodice with it being either short-sleeved, one-sleeved, or sleeveless, which ends just below the bust.

This is what gives the style its characteristic high waist. From below the bodice, the dress falls to the floor in a soft body-skimming (not body-hugging!) but loosely fitting way.  Fabric must be soft, light, and almost airy.

Revived in the sixties and now back in fashion, this beautiful style conceals your waistline and de-emphasises your wide hips if you have one. On the other hand, it will emphasise your bust line and give your body a slimming, longer silhouette. 

• Wear the dress with a short or cropped classic wig or hairstyle, and if you want a softer look, go with short curls.
• If you have long hair, there is no need to cut it off. All you have to do is wear it up high, off your face, and pile it up your head; ensure you leave loose wisps of hair around the head. 
• For a classic vintage look as a bridesmaid, or at an evening event, if you are bold enough, accessorize with elbow-length gloves, ballet-styled shoes, or dainty strap sandals.

The empire-style dress is also great as a mother-of-the-bride-or-groom dress.