Empire lines are dresses that are tighter under the bust with the rest of the piece flowing freely over the body. They are flattering on most figures and were named after the first French empire ruled by Napoleon. The style has been popular since the late 18th century and is still popular today.
Empire lines is a term used to describe a dress that is tighter under the bust or has a seam just below the bust, with the rest of the piece flowing freely over the body. A dress with empire lines is also known as an empire waist, empire line, or high-waisted dress. In the fashion world, empire is pronounced “om-peer.” These dresses can range from dressy to casual, and the length of the dress can range from very short to ankle length. Empire lines are a popular cut for wedding dresses.
An empire waist dress is best suited for pear-shaped women, although the cut is almost universally flattering. The cut tends to disguise the stomach and emphasize the bust. Also, it gives the illusion that the waist is higher and slimmer than it really is. Examples of imperial lines can be seen as far back as the Greco-Roman era, where women wore flowing robes that were often cinched under the bust. However, it wasn’t until the late 18th century that the style really became a staple in the world of fashion.
Empire lines were named after the first French empire, which was ruled by Napoleon, and it was during this time that this dress cut became extremely popular. Napoleon’s wife, Empress Josephine, was frequently seen wearing this type of dress, and her style was emulated by the French. The empire waist dress was more comfortable and less confining than most styles of that era.
Napoleon passed a law that prohibited women from wearing the same dress at court more than once. His goal was for France to emerge as the epicenter of fashion. This law encouraged the continuous purchase of new fabrics and the making of different dresses.
In the 19th century, empire line dresses were often long and flowing, skimming the floor. Necklines were often square and the sleeves puffed out, slightly restricting the arms. The dresses were made of fine white fabrics.
The form of the dress changed in the early 1800s, with more ruffles, sleeves, hems, and sashes. Empire lines continued to gain popularity until around 1825, when the waistline began to drop. As the waistline dropped, the dresses flared out. The empire line remained a fixture over the years, but it didn’t re-emerge as popular until the second half of the 20th century.
In modern times, empire line dresses can be seen in almost every store and collection of fashion designers. The dresses are flattering on most figures. Additionally, the dresses are comfortable to wear, which could explain their continued popularity.
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