A wedding is one of the most important events in the life of every girl. It is quite natural that choosing a wedding dress becomes the number one task for the bride. It should be special, unique, fabulous and beautiful, like love itself. A wedding dress in the Empire style will help create an exquisite image of the newlywed, captivating with femininity, purity and airiness. The Greek style is experiencing a rebirth today and fascinates with the grace, purity and harmony of the silhouette of ancient goddesses.
Features and Benefits
Our guest from France during the time of Napoleon - the Empire style (French empire - "imperial") - a child of the Enlightenment with its simplicity, closeness to nature, love of antiquity (sometimes dresses in this style are mistakenly called Greek).
Empire style spread to France during the Great Revolution and flourished during the First Empire.
The ladies gladly got rid of the “instruments of torture” - corsets, crinolines, high powdered wigs. The symbol of the era was a dress that looked like a nightgown. Interesting! The outfits became so free that Bonaparte (despite the fact that his wife Josephine Beauharnais was an ardent fan of this style) once ordered one of the fashionistas home to change clothes.
The Emperor mistook her dress for underwear. In its traditional form, the Empire style is distinguished by characteristic features. This:
- waist – the higher, the more “empire” the style looks. A high waistline visually makes a short figure look taller and makes a too tight figure look slimmer;
- the bust must be well formed, with a low cut neckline, emphasizing the shape (skillful cutting can visually increase even a size zero!);
- the lower part , gathered under the bust and freely flowing, certainly , giving the silhouette an antique look;
- floor-length or ankle-length - again in the image of long ancient Greek robes;
- use of fabrics with a flowing effect : chiffon, crepe, silk and similar materials;
- preference for light shades : ideally, an empire dress should be white;
- combining different fabrics in one outfit (as a rule, the top is compacted, and everything below is weightless and fluttering);
- luxurious decoration of the top (straps and bodice), sometimes hem, train: the use of embroidery with gold, silver, pearls, beads, as well as a wide variety of lace - here the Empire style clearly demonstrates its French origin;
- the use of accessories in addition to the dress - jewelry, gloves.
This is what an empire dress looks like in its classic version. Modern design makes its own adjustments to the style, improves the traditional version , and the Empire style is becoming more and more universal:
- now a dress in this style can be fitted;
- the bottom is sometimes made lush;
- asymmetry is deliberately introduced into the overall design of the model - the strap is on one shoulder, right or left;
- The style is complemented by short or long sleeves.
Accessories
When selecting accessories, you also need to remember the naturalness inherent in the Greek style. Many brides do not use a veil, believing that this traditional element of a wedding bow in the style of antiquity is unnecessary. This is not entirely true, a veil is quite acceptable, the main thing is that it is single-layered and light, the length does not matter. It is attached under the hairstyle. You can do without it, and in this case, complement the image with a tiara or ribbons.
As for decorations, you should not overuse them, because the main advantage of antique dresses is lightness and airiness. In addition, most outfits have a richly decorated bodice; you should not create competition with jewelry, they will make the look heavier.
Gloves add tenderness, romance and femininity to the bride's image. Long, above the elbow, are used if the dress is sleeveless, short openwork, decorated with pearls, will look good in combination with puffed sleeves.
And finally, the bouquet is an integral element of the bride’s image. Ideally, it should be a classic round shape. It is advisable to use not traditional roses, but delicate flowers - lilies of the valley, violets, hyacinths.
Who is it suitable for?
The “imperial” wedding dress is distinguished by its amazing versatility: if properly tailored to the bride’s figure, it will definitely fit perfectly. This means that the Empire style suits absolutely everyone.
This is why French fashionistas were so in love with this style: the empire style could turn any figure flaw into an advantage and skillfully disguised what it could not correct. Modern design does not dictate strict requirements for a dress - you can create your personal image, emphasizing your individuality, in many ways.
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Finishing
Any finishing option is allowed. The straps, bodice, and skirt can be decorated with lace, ribbons, hand embroidery, matching ruffles, and satin inserts.
Precious and semi-precious stones, rhinestones, and beads are used as decorative elements.
Be careful with the color of decorative elements of your outfit. They should not be overly bright, otherwise ethnic motifs will appear in the dress. You don't want to look like an Indian squaw, do you?
Varieties of Greek-cut outfits
Our catalog presents the most interesting models from brands with an impeccable reputation - Milla Nova, Lorenzo Rossi, Armonia, etc. A variety of styles allows you to choose an outfit to suit every taste:
- made of silk, chiffon, lace, guipure and other materials;
- closed, with openwork top and sleeves;
- with open shoulders and graceful straps;
- with soft draperies on the bodice or throughout the dress;
- decorated with elegant pearls, beads, exquisite embroidery and other decorative elements;
- with a sophisticated belt or silk ribbon at the waist;
- with a spectacular lace insert on the back;
- with a cape or light translucent cape.
Models with photos
With wide straps
Are you short, thin to the point of fragility, a sort of Thumbelina with narrow shoulders and hips?
A model with wide straps will give you grace and confidence, making your figure more expressive. Empire wedding dress is an imitation of antique designs. You will look like an ancient Greek nymph in a chiton or a Roman girl in a traditional stola.
The straps can be expressively decorated with textured embroidery, sequins, and rhinestones. At the same time, emphasize the belt of the dress. And your silhouette will break all records of sophistication!
There are no thin “strings” as straps - they do not fit into the empire style, giving the dress a similarity to underwear.
With lace sleeves
Advice! Lace elements go well with accessories such as a brooch and tiara. Your image will become not only sensual, but also solemn and regal.
If the weather is cool, an empire style wedding dress with lace sleeves is suitable - it looks light and at the same time sensual. The same lace, decorating the bodice, waist, even the bottom of the skirt, will create a echo with the desired sound. The back may be slightly open.
With one strap
Asymmetry in the bodice line looks unexpected, extravagant and eye-catching. Both broad-shouldered and narrow-shouldered, narrow-chested ladies can use this find. In the first case, the top of the figure is no longer perceived as too heavy, in the second, the sharp shoulder looks touching and graceful, and the small breasts seem more voluminous due to the gathered bodice.
An inverted triangle figure will also look great with an asymmetrical top if you decorate it with some suitable accessory. This could be an elegant cameo or brooch, a bow made of a wide ribbon, or a composition of rhinestones.
With a train
The train is in great harmony with the empire dress and gives the silhouette lightness and airiness - it falls beautifully and flutters.
There is no need to be afraid that a piece of fabric, even if weightless, will prevent you from feeling free and relaxed during dancing or other wedding entertainment. The fact is that the train is usually removable. It is attached with a brooch and remains in place during the most solemn moments of the wedding and during a photo shoot, giving the bride a majestic, regal look, but can be easily unfastened when it may interfere with active entertainment.
Deep V-neck
Important! A V-neck requires an upright posture. If you have a habit of slouching, try to get rid of it or play it safe.
Unfortunately, the Latin five neckline is not suitable for everyone. It is ideal for an average size 2-3 bust, allowing you to highlight your shape.
If the breasts are smaller, they will “sink” into the V-neck, and the bride will look like a little girl dressed up in her mother’s dress. Well, the luxurious bust is too luxurious in such a design that it looks downright vulgar.
Shortened
Imagine, they existed back in the days of Napoleon. They were worn by brave young girls. True, under the shortened dress, long, ankle-length, silk pantaloons with frills were chastely worn.
Of course, we can do without them. And a wedding dress in the empire style cannot be completely mini. Its minimum length is to the knee. This option is suitable for both young and older brides, but be careful: the legs will be open, so they should look perfect. The main advantage of a short wedding dress is that it is not heavy and not hot.
The top of a short empire wedding dress can be rectangular, with open or dropped shoulders, in the shape of a heart.
Subtleties of choice
When choosing, please note:
- Girls with a beautiful figure should emphasize their advantages with models made of light single-layer fabric.
- A multi-layered skirt will help hide excess in the abdomen and hips.
- Models with a train are great for creating a majestic look.
- Long sleeves will help disguise plump arms.
- Thin straps and off-shoulder dresses can lengthen the silhouette.
Although empire cut models are universal and suit most girls, sometimes finding your wedding dress based on a photo on the site can be difficult. Trying on will help you decide on the choice of outfit.
Accessories
Accessories suitable for the Empire style.
Gloves
The gloves are naturally lace. There is a funny pattern here: the more open the dress, the longer the gloves should be.
Shoes
Empire style shoes usually make brides very happy because they feel comfortable in them. Empire style goes well with light flat-soled shoes without heels. Greek sandals with delicately intertwined straps look ideal. Heels and even stilettos are still acceptable, but be sure to appreciate the entire silhouette.
Fichu
Fichu is a lace, cambric or muslin translucent scarf, triangular or folded diagonally, covering the neckline. With its help, the Empire style conveys greetings from Napoleonic times.
Decorations
Bracelets and rings should be in a minimal quantity , not too flashy, matching the dress, so as not to create such an absurd combination as a simple dress, elegant style and gypsy abundance of jewelry.
Veil
An Empire-style veil is not needed - it is replaced with another head decoration: tiaras, various headbands, floral hairpins to match, and fresh flowers woven into the hairstyle look great. The last option is a reference to the Greek tradition: remember the ancient mosaics that depict girls in wreaths.
Bouquet
The bride's bouquet should not be too bright, composed of flowers with overly large buds - more beautiful green leaves and delicate shades.
A lily of the valley, peony or hyacinth bouquet seems very modest for such an important event, but it fits perfectly into the overall style. The ribbons on the bouquet should be in harmony with the tone of the entire outfit or combined with accessories.
Hairstyle
In other words, if to a restaurant, then something upbeat (using beautiful braids), with a few loose curls. A high bun looks good on smoothly combed hair.
If you are outdoors, you can leave your hair loose, just tying it up slightly. Or go for a romantic Greek braid. But this is not important either, since any of the hairstyles, decorated, for example, with a tiara or a bending vine (decorated with stones), can be applied to absolutely any image.
You can do your hair yourself, the video below will show you how. Or seek help from a good hair stylist who will help not only with your hair, but also with your makeup, which will significantly save time and nerves.
Regardless of whether you perform magic yourself or ask someone for help, I advise you to conduct a preliminary rehearsal to create your image. So that on the day of registration you don’t get unnecessary negative impressions when something goes wrong. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. I offer a few ideas for inspiration.
Hair and makeup
The newlywed's hairstyle allows for several options, and all of them are unpretentious. For example, Greek: loose curls, not too tight bun.
You can let your hair down - with a couple of pinned strands you will look very natural and cute. The lighter and more democratic the newlywed’s head looks, the more it fits into the Empire style.
Bright, provocative makeup is completely inappropriate : either it or the Empire style - the bare minimum is required.
Air decoration
The veil today, by and large, is a convention that you see only on every third bride. Some people prefer to show off their hair, decorated with flowers, beautiful hairpins or combs, and discard the veil as an unnecessary and disturbing accessory. We can talk for a long time about its symbolism or meaninglessness, but no one has canceled the fact that together with a veil, any look looks more solemn, gentle and pure.
The veil can be:
- multi-tiered or single-tiered;
- long or short;
- plain or with embroidery.
Even the fastening can be located above or below the hairstyle.
Of course, if a lady is getting married not for the first time, then a veil, by and large, is not needed, but this is not a pattern.
Recommendations
How to choose a wedding dress that suits your figure and hides what you think needs to be hidden?
- Triangle figure ? Shoulder roll like an Olympic swimmer? No problem: your option is a long floor-length dress, short sleeves and lantern shoulders;
- The figure resembles a fruit - an apple, a pear, or even a melon? Or even a rectangle? It’s also not scary: what you need is a maximally emphasized waistline. Here you will need a belt, perhaps wide or decorated with something (fabric or lace flower, everything convex and shiny - stones or rhinestones, pearls, beads, a bow made of iridescent satin ribbon). The shoulders can be either open or closed, depending on the resulting silhouette. If there is a strong emphasis on the belt, there is no need to sew or strengthen anything unnecessary on the chest area. Choose a dress with a strong flowing effect;
- If your figure is an hourglass , you can choose absolutely any style!
For a wedding dress, the correct design of such a delicate area as the chest is very important. As a rule, they try to emphasize it in every possible way, because it is one of the main decorations of a woman.
If the breasts are very small and inconspicuous, the Empire style allows you to visually enlarge them with the help of competent finishing of the bodice: it is decorated with lace, embroidery, rhinestones, and gathered in such a way that it makes the breasts appear more voluminous. If, on the contrary, you are very generously gifted by nature, it is better to refrain from frilly jewelry and too deep a neckline to avoid vulgarity. Stick with a simple, fitted option.
If you are walking down the aisle, preparing to become a mother, the Empire style is simply created for you! Many brides, especially very young ones, are desperately embarrassed by their position (oh, these stupid stereotypes of our society!), and therefore they tighten themselves with corsets, like Scarlett O'Hara before an important ball. Firstly, it can harm the health of the unborn baby, and secondly, it can harm yours. An empire style dress with a light, non-fitting hem that falls straight from under the bust will perfectly hide everything that you don’t want to show to an overly curious public.
With accessories, the main thing is to follow the rule: they should emphasize the style, and not kill it. To make the newlywed's outfit look perfect - weightless, light and elegantly simple - you need to choose light or silver accessories. If your wedding is planned as a thematic one and everything is designed in a single color scheme, prefer pastel colors rather than pure ones: soft blue or pink, light green, lilac, peach.
Important! Gold is acceptable, but in minimal quantities. It visually makes the image heavier. You don't want to look like a church hierarch in ceremonial vestments, do you?
Which shade is better
The color can be either traditional white or close to it: ivory, cream, ash pink, blue, peach. Which has become very relevant lately. Bright print colors are no less popular, the choice of which largely depends on the wedding theme.
This is not surprising, since prints and bright colors are in fashion today. And according to Pantone, the trend this season is a shade of blue purple - ultraviolet.
Of course, there are more shades. There are 12 of them in total, with four basic ones:
- Dark blue Sailor Blue.
- Beige Warm Sand.
- Gray Harbor Mist.
- White Coconut Milk.
But ultraviolet is the main tone that designers focus on in their collections.
Look at the photo to see how a bride can look in a bright look.
Style development
It should be emphasized right away that models in the Empire style only resembled the antique model in silhouette. For the ancient Greeks, the main thing in the outfit was the skillfully executed drapery, which gave it not only beauty, but also provided the woman with freedom of movement.
Empire style dresses are characterized by smooth lines. A fitted bodice usually ends with a belt, allowing you to hide the junction of the top and the free-falling bottom. With such a laconic silhouette, it can look both emphatically simple and completely luxurious.
The laconic style of dresses in the Empire style was offset by rich decoration. Lace, bows, bouquets of fresh and artificial flowers were used, as well as decoration with ornaments in Egyptian, Greek and Etruscan styles.
Over time, fashion changed, and empire style outfits began to look hopelessly outdated. But, as we know, fashion returns, and the updated Empire style created a real sensation on the world's catwalks in the first half of the 20th century.
This time, sculptor and couturier Alix Gre made full use of the principle of antique drapery to create models of stunning beauty and elegance.
Madeleine Vionnet also contributed to the development of neoclassical evening fashion, preferring flowing light fabrics and unusual cuts. Such dresses made of silk and chiffon with soft folds and skillful drapery turned a woman into a kind of ancient goddess.
The most stylish looks
Clothes in this style include not only dresses, but also blouses, jackets and even coats. However, it was the dress that fashionistas all over the world gave their hearts to. Women love to wear light outfits for any occasion, especially in the summer. Dresses in this style also suit expectant mothers; the high waistline does not create discomfort when moving, and the whole look seems more airy. These can be short and long dresses, sundresses with thin straps. Manufacturing materials: cotton, chiffon, satin. Products made from fabric with a floral or abstract print look especially bright, and a long dress in white or a pastel shade will create a romantic look. The dress goes best with sandals and sandals.
Noble shade of the dress. Embroidery on the dress. Gold outfit with an interesting hem.
An empire dress is a win-win option for an evening outfit. For a social event or wedding, it is better to choose a floor-length dress. In this case, it is sewn from noble fabrics: satin, taffeta, lace, chiffon. Embroidery with golden or silver threads, beads and bugles is mandatory. Accessories: long gloves, silk stole, clutch, high-heeled shoes. For a youth party, you can choose a short dress with thin straps. An interesting option: a combination of lace and satin. Short outfits made of transparent fabric with sequins look original and quite decent, but always with a thick cover.
Black color looks noble.
As for coats, preference is most often given to fitted styles, knee-length, knee-length or floor-length. As in the case of dresses, embroidery is welcome; these can be floral patterns, simply ornate lines or geometric shapes - circles, polygons, rhombuses. The color of the coat itself is often noble black, dark blue, burgundy, deep purple, but you can also take a closer look at beige and white models.
Coat with an unusual print. Beautiful and elegant.
Additional photos
The Empire style in modern clothing is most often chosen by fashionistas who have a special passion for classic outfits. If you want to emphasize the elegance of your image, and also feel like a special person of the imperial court, then this style is what you need!
Antonio Riva
Antonio Riva also decided to make the combination of traditional and innovative lines the secret of his success. Dresses from this brand are aimed at emphasizing the figure, or rather its advantages.
The process of creating outfits is based on three basics:
- exclusively natural fabrics;
- predominantly handmade;
- absolutely individual approach.
This allows the brand to present only unique dresses in exquisite variations. Royals and members of the elite of society choose outfits from Antonio Riva for important events - and this speaks volumes.
Italian creations have always been valued in the world and were considered an example to follow. This rule also applies to wedding fashion.
Wedding scenario in Empire style
In order for a wedding in the Empire style to be wonderful, it is necessary to prepare a script that will help the organizers to conduct and decorate the celebration perfectly. First, you should think about how the bride price will go, if one is planned. An interesting idea is a ransom for a duel-style wedding, in which the groom must defeat an opponent fighting for the bride’s heart. After the last test, the hero of the occasion will be knighted and the future spouses will go to the registry office for registration.
It would be good if you could hold such a stylized wedding ceremony in nature. When registration is completed, the newlyweds go to be photographed in a picturesque place, where a professional photographer will take unique photographs with suitable props. After this, the spouses go to the wedding banquet using a cortege corresponding to the style of the event - a magnificent carriage.
For the banquet, invite a musical group performing classical live music. It would be good if the group consisted of violinists, cellists, and double bassists. The banquet itself, embodying the Empire style, should be solemn, but interesting: a professional host can help with this. You should avoid vulgar competitions and alcoholic tasks - let the spirit of luxury and aristocracy permeate the entire wedding of this style. The bride and groom should definitely learn the waltz for their wedding in order to dance their first dance to the live music of string instruments.
Preferred Fabrics
Best suited for this model:
- chiffon;
- atlas;
- organza;
- silk;
- lace.
For the bodice:
- tulle;
- muslin;
- brocade.
The combination of lace and chiffon looks very interesting. And the version made of thin lace is interesting because it does not require additional decoration at all.
Ugo Zaldi
Ugo Zaldi is another bright brand in Italian fashion that was created by chance. The essence of this brand is the availability of models. Every girl has the right to look the way she would like, regardless of her financial capabilities. It’s too cruel to limit a woman to financial limits – this is what the brand’s chief designer believes.
The brand was founded 15 years ago, and a few years later the French workshop began operating. Another three years passed and there were already three hundred official places selling affordable, magnificent and divinely luxurious Italian dresses, which are the embodiment of girlish dreams.
Amelia Sposa
Amelia Sposa, like a magnet, attracts the glances of enchanted girls and amazed men:
- If brand designers create a mermaid, then she will definitely be the most seductive.
- The trains of such dresses can be flowing (tulle), playful (lace) or alluring (organza).
- Often models have open backs, which is always a successful and relevant option. The brand’s arsenal also includes lush styles, taken from the classics, but endowed with an unusual shape - large voluminous roses that occupy the entire area of the skirt, or daring options in the Vera Wang style.
- The finishing is carefully selected for each dress.
Max Mara
Max Mara skillfully combines laconic styles with interesting, and sometimes even unusual elements, to provide its fans with a kind of wedding cocktail.
Every bride will find traditional dresses with unusual elements, trendy knee-length dresses, peplum models and much more. Designers use corsets, beaded embroidery and threads in mother-of-pearl shades.
A confident “no” was said to huge petticoats and voluminous tulle. There is no certainty in the choice of color - white colors are used along with purple and other, more unusual and unconventional shades.
Color spectrum
This year, designers presented wedding dresses in a wide variety of colors. The Empire style appeared in white, champagne and ivory. Of course, it is precisely these classical shades that identify the images of Greek nymphs. These models are complemented by satin belts in rich shades.
For extravagant brides, designers created dresses in blue, pink, gray and mint. Such colors will not only give the bride a feeling of her own irresistibility, but will also demonstrate her subtle, extraordinary nature.
Regardless of fashion trends, the color of the dress should organically complement the bride’s skin. So, ivory and champagne colors are suitable for both dark-skinned girls and brides with a light complexion. White color can unfavorably demonstrate a dark-skinned beauty and a bride with pale skin. Dresses in blue and blue colors are contraindicated for blondes with fair skin.
