Feminine, airy and beautiful - this is the Empire style dress. This thing gained popularity back in the early 19th century with the light hand of Josephine Beauharnais. Fashion is changing, but young ladies and mature ladies are still interested in this dress. Often it is to this style that brides turn to when creating a wedding image.
Empire Dress History
How did it all begin? Few people know that the history of empire dresses has been going on since ancient times. Lightness, innocence and beauty were already praised by society, which could not but have an impact on fashion. However, the modern history of this dress originates in the 19th century. It came into fashion thanks to Josephine Beauharnais, the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.
It was this lady who first began to wear simple and at the same time feminine dresses, abandoning uncomfortable fluffy skirts and tight corsets. The example of Josephine, of course, was followed by the whole French nobility. The empire dress was made of translucent cotton. The original style made it possible to compare it with a long shirt. French women began to put it on social balls, driving men crazy.
Needless to say, over the past years the dress has undergone certain changes. It acquired modern inserts, lost its plume and became shorter. The female image acquired a certain courage, remaining gentle and feminine. The train, which was used during the time of Josephine Beauharnais, is now played out only in wedding dresses.
Style features
Simplicity and airiness are the features that the dress in the Empire style has preserved. It still emphasizes the beauty of the female body, looks natural and harmonious. The high waistline clearly outlines the bodice, which is now customary to decorate with ribbons, beads, embroidery. The outfit is draped directly under the bodice, which gives rise to gentle and soft folds.
Frank neckline is another feature due to which this dress cannot be confused with anything. It can take the form of a heart, be oval or round. Outfits with a closed neckline can be seen extremely rarely; it is “masked” with the help of translucent lace.
Who will suit
The style of the dress in the Empire style emphasizes the dignity of a female figure. To draw attention to the beauty of the chest helps the neckline and high waistline. Both thin and full women can afford to wear this thing.
Graceful girls should pay attention to models with a bodice that will be striking due to beading, three-dimensional embroidery. Great if the silhouette is magnificent, a large number of folds are welcome.
What should be the Empire style dress for full young ladies? They definitely do not fit the model above the knee. Maxi is a good choice, and imperfections in the hips will effectively hide wide folds. It is important that the bottom of the product is not too lush, such a dress will plump. A plain bodice decorated with drapery is also preferred. Jewelry like beads or embroidery is not needed.
Actual colors and fabrics
Nowadays, an empire evening dress in beige tones is very popular. It looks great in tandem with woven sandals or sandals. Subtle jewelry and simple hairstyles help complement the image.
Dress color burgundy is suitable for creating a casual look. It can be worn with a knitted cardigan. From shoes, it is worth giving preference to simple shoes with low heels.
Empire dress is made of chiffon, satin, silk. These fabrics look festive and lend themselves well to drapery. Everyday dresses are sewn from muslin, fine knitwear, batiste, and crepe.
Length issue
Short dresses are very popular among young women. They are able to serve as the basis for a stylish and vibrant look, which is suitable for cocktail parties. The model is good in that it does not restrict movement at all. Its owner can dance all night long.
A long empire dress can be worn by both young girls and mature ladies. It is ideal for social events. You can also find long sundresses made in this style.
What to wear
Lightness and femininity are characteristic features of this outfit. Do not weight the image with massive shoes and voluminous accessories. The dress does not fit well with elongated jackets, voluminous sweaters, outerwear. You should also abandon tight tights that can spoil the whole impression.
If the goal is business style, the dress can be complemented by fitted and short jackets. From shoes, closed shoes with a stable heel will look best. Of course, the color of the outfit should not be too bright, preferably neutral shades. The optimal length is just below the knees. It is important to pay attention to the choice of a suitable bag, it should have an average size.
Empire style sundresses are useful for hiking on the beach. These products are sewn from flying translucent fabrics. Combine them with a hat with long brim and a voluminous wicker bag. Simple sandals can be worn on your feet.
Evening ball
Costume events are very popular these days. Many women prefer the style of empire. This dress allows you to feel beautiful and seductive, emphasize your femininity and draw attention to the merits of the figure.
For costumed events and social events, you can choose an empire dress with a sleeve in the shape of a flashlight. Owners of pale skin should pay attention to pink and peach colors, while tanned young ladies can stay on beige shades.
Wedding
For many years, Empire style wedding dresses have not gone out of fashion. Fashion designers spoil brides with newer and newer collections that allow you to look at such an outfit from an unexpected angle.
The most popular are feminine models. Their characteristic features are a bodice decorated with beads or embroidery, smooth and soft folds. Empire style wedding dresses are traditionally decorated with a long wide ribbon that emphasizes the waistline.
The right choice of shoes also plays an important role. The heel should not be too high, massive, as this will make the image less feminine and tender. The color of the shoes may match the color of the ribbon or embroidery.
Accessories, shoes
An empire outfit is good in itself. Accessories should not have a central role. Therefore, products from bulky materials should be avoided, massive gems should be abandoned. The use of pearls is encouraged, which emphasizes the romance and femininity of the image.
Hair can be decorated with a thin rim. This product can be decorated with artificial flowers in pastel colors or pearls. On hands should be worn thin bracelets made of gold. Finishing touches can be charming stud earrings and a small pendant around the neck.
It is important that the bag is not too massive. It is better to give preference to a small product on a chain strap. The model with an average size is also relevant. Shoes should be sophisticated and feminine. Patent shoes, wedges, sandals, Greek sandals are welcome. When choosing shoes, be sure to consider the length of the outfit.
Hairstyle, makeup
What hairstyles are combined with an empire dress? They require grace and simplicity. You can build a high beam or collect curls in a high tail by releasing several front strands. If the hair is long, then simply curling it is enough.
Proper makeup is also very important. Maximum naturalness is the main thing that is required of him. It is better to abandon the wide contour of the eyeliner, the use of dark shadows. Makeup should be gentle and romantic.
Empire style dresses will not go out of fashion yet. Therefore, romantically-minded young ladies can safely take this style into service. After all, it is relevant almost everywhere, from the office to the beach.