The empire dress has a few key characteristics. The first is a high waist which falls just under the bust instead of at your natural waist level. The second characteristic is a low, square neckline which highlights the bust whilst the third characteristic is short cap sleeves. The final feature of this style of dress is a long, flowing skirt, usually to the floor.

The empire dress style first emerged in 1795 when women’s fashion moved away from corset inspired clothing to a more demur trend which included the empire dress. The use of fabrics in women’s clothing also changed at this time too as heavy fabrics were replaced by lighter, more sheer fabrics which contributed to the empire style. Traditionally these fabrics were also much lighter in colour so where once wealthy women wore deep reds and purples, at this time they began to wear white and pastel shades. Today, empire dresses are still made from mainly lightweight fabrics but there are a far greater range of colours available.

Bollywood actress Lara Dutta has been spotted wearing a modern interpretation of an empire dress. Hers featured long sleeves, a low ‘v’ neckline and a shorter skirt but still included the under-bust waistline typical of this style of dress. However stars such as Kate Beckinsale and Katrina Bowden have been seen in more traditionally styled empire dresses at red carpet events.

• Asymmetric Dresses
• Bubble Dresses
• Drop Waist Dresses
• Halter Dresses
• Off the shoulder Dresses
• Smock Dresses
• T-Shirt Dresses
• Babydoll Dresses
• Column Dresses

• Empire Dresses
• Waist Dresses
• Bodycon Dresses
• Cutout Dresses
• Fitted Dresses
• Kimono Dresses
• One Shoulder Dresses
• Strapless Dresses
• Tunic Dresses