What Is an Empire Waistline?
The empire (pronounced om-peer) waistline has been worn by women for centuries. A flowy style of dress or top, the empire waistline accentuates the bust, elongates the torso and hides any unwanted belly issues.
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Identification
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An empire waistline is a cut in women's fashion that falls much higher than the average waistline. The waistline will fall right below the bust line and then flow outward, stopping at the hem.
History
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The empire waistline was worn by and perhaps best associated with Greek and Roman women. However, it reemerged in the 19th century.
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Changes
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The empire waistline has seen many changes in fabric, adornment and styling. For example, the empire waistline that debuted in the Victorian Era was a far cry from the flowy, light colored empire waisted gowns of the past. It was a chemise shift gathered under the breasts and at the neck back. It evolved into a low cut, square necked cut gown.
Benefits
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This style can be worn by women of all shapes and sizes. For example, pregnant women can accentuate their baby bump while petite women can give the illusion of a longer torso.
It also provides comfort for those looking for a loose fitting, yet stylish garment.
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References
- Photo Credit wedding gown dress white hanging shoe image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com
