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.
Features of empire style wedding dresses
You can distinguish a wedding dress in this style by the following characteristics:
- The waistline is higher than usual - it is overstated. Thus, the upper part of an empire style outfit ends under the bust and then the skirt begins. It is, as a rule, light and airy, falling down in soft waves, making the bride's image incredibly romantic and feminine.
- Straight cut. Bridal dresses in this style have never been lush. And today this trend has continued. Empire dress models have a straight silhouette. They make the image elegant and harmonious.
- Conciseness. Straight-cut dresses with a high line, as a rule, do not have bright elements or decorations. As a decoration, designers today complement empire style wedding dresses with neat drapery, satin ribbons and flowers made from handmade textiles. This allows the bride to feel at ease and at ease.
Often in such models the emphasis is on a high waist. Designers focus on this highlight of an empire style wedding dress. So, it could be an elegant bow made of silk or satin, light drapery in this area.
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.
Materials
As a rule, outfits for the most important event in life are made from light and airy fabrics. Dresses in the Greek style are no exception and for them designers still choose satin, which is most often used for sewing dresses for autumn and winter. This material is able to retain heat well, however, it wrinkles a lot. This nuance also needs to be taken into account when choosing a satin dress.
Clothes made of brocade look very impressive and elegant on the bride. Like satin, it is most often used for sewing empire style wedding dresses with long and ¾ sleeves. Brocade is heavy and does not wrinkle; it is especially loved by brides because it is suitable for any figure.
Taffeta is no less popular among designers and fashion designers who work on creating wedding collections. This fabric looks very delicate and elegant, however, in fact it is very durable and often embossed. When sewing, taffeta is often complemented with lace in empire style wedding dresses.
Silk empire wedding dresses are one of the most popular and loved ones. Silk is very pleasant to the body; real silk ennobles a girl’s image and exquisitely emphasizes the dignity of her figure. It also allows the body to breathe, which is very important in the summer.
Chiffon is often used to make a veil for a wedding dress in the Empire style. However, sometimes it is used as decoration. As a rule, this material is decorated with rhinestones, beads and various embroidery.
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?
How to create a harmonious image
To create a harmonious image on the most important day for the bride, you need to take into account all the nuances. So, the first step is to choose a dress that suits your body type, is made from good fabric (you need to take into account the season and weather) and fits perfectly on the girl.
You also need to purchase high-quality shoes, since the bride will be on her feet a lot of time. Naturally, you can take a replacement pair of more comfortable shoes to the banquet hall, but the effect will not be the same. Therefore, comfort is a very important factor when buying sandals or shoes for a wedding.
Accessories are also an important detail. It is they, according to stylists, who play the most important role in creating the first impression of a person. In this case, about the bride, her taste and ability to create a harmonious image. In 2021, it is fashionable to complement wedding dresses in the Empire style with large bracelets (with patterns), elegant earrings, tiaras and wreaths.
Naturally, there should be one of the decorations.
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.
Hairstyle
The hairstyle for a wedding aufta in the Greek style should be appropriate. You shouldn’t make complex structures that threaten to fall apart at any moment, and they don’t fit into the style. Curls scattered chaotically over the shoulders would not be the best choice.
Most often, brides are offered to create beautiful, well-fixed curls, which can be large, small, tube-shaped or spiral. You can add a touch of antiquity with a hoop, tiara or simple satin ribbon.
Various knots, weaves, spikelets, casually pinned in a semicircle and decorated with rhinestones or strings of pearls, look great with a Greek dress.
Even a regular, smoothly combed ponytail will look amazing. To prevent the hairstyle from looking too simple, the strands around the face are curled into curls, the hair is decorated with a net with crystals and rhinestones, flowers, and a hairpin with graceful lines.
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.
Shoes
It is not necessary to wear high-heeled shoes with a Greek dress. On the contrary, this is perhaps the only category of wedding dresses that allows the presence of shoes with small heels, wedge sandals and even ballet shoes.
Under a short dress, the bride can also wear high golden or silver gladiator sandals with numerous straps, which fit perfectly into the Greek style.
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.
Makeup
The makeup of a bride who has chosen a Greek dress should be as natural as possible. You should not do dramatic make-up, draw bold arrows, or apply too bright blush.
Stylists recommend using foundation with reflective particles to give your skin a healthy, well-groomed appearance. Instead of lipstick, you should give preference to pink or beige gloss. Red lipstick can only be used if the dress itself is red.
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?
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.
Earrings, thin bracelets, a couple of gold rings - this will be quite enough. You should not use jewelry, it will greatly reduce the cost of the bow.
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.
Of course, accessories include a handbag. A small pouch with decor will go best with an empire style dress.
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.
Banquet decoration
The pompous Empire style dictates strict rules in the design of the room. If the celebration is planned outdoors, then an arch on columns is placed for the ceremony, generously decorated with flowers and the addition of grapevines. The chairs are draped with white fabric. Additionally, gold braid is used. The path to the arch is strewn with white rose petals. At a banquet, tables are placed symmetrically. Tablecloths are white. Cutlery and dishes - with gold and monograms. Vases with round bouquets of flowers and candlesticks are placed on the tables.
The room in which the wedding will take place is also decorated according to the style. It's good if the restaurant has a wide staircase with columns. This can serve as a photo zone for young people. You can hang tapestries on the walls. If the hall has no columns, they are added, especially in the area of the young people’s presidium. A good solution would be chandeliers in the form of large candlesticks.
KNOWLEDGE BASE: Pop art wedding: bold and energetic
Empire style wedding floristry is a celebration of roses and peonies. Vases with flowers are placed on the tables, the photo zone and the presidium of the young are decorated with flowers.
The dishes on the tables are works of art. The richer the table, the better. Red and black caviar, sterlet, expensive varieties of meat, and game are used to prepare dishes. They are decorated according to the style - pompous and bourgeois. Drinks include champagne and light dry wines. You can create a pyramid of champagne flutes.
The multi-tiered cake is decorated with fresh flowers and gold food fondant. The sweet table is filled with eclairs, French cakes - “Red Velvet”, “Profiteroles”, all kinds of croissants and buns. The table is complemented with plates of exotic fruits.
A little history
The fact is that this direction takes its origins from the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, who dreamed of a large empire and took the period of development of ancient Rome and Greece as an ideal. His passion for Rome was shared by his first wife, whom he literally idolized throughout his life.
Josephine de Beauharnais, who adopted the subtleties of the fashion of that time, paying special attention to this type of women's clothing, such as tunics. After all, they were light and comfortable, emphasizing the slimness and grace of every lady. Especially if she loved “sweets” and really wanted to hide her extra roundness. This is how the Empire style appeared, which also has another name in the world - “Imperial”.
At that time, he revolutionized the fashion world and laid the foundation for its development everywhere. Including in Russia, which happily adopted all the new trends from abroad. The only difference is that we wore warm sable fur coats over such revealing outfits, while in France they wore light shawls, which did not really provide warmth and had a detrimental effect on the life expectancy of women of that time.
The outfit itself was made from very thin fabrics: muslin, cambric, lace, tulle or crepe.
And for a complete and harmonious look, a thin haze (very soft and fluffy, but not warming translucent material) or a cashmere shawl was worn on top.
the main task
It was necessary to emphasize the beauty of the female body, for which the material literally flowed around the figure, demonstrating all the curves. And the neckline was, in the literal sense, deep, exposing itself to everyone.
Only towards the end of the 19th century. the trend changed, and revealing dresses were replaced by empire-cut dresses that were closed at the neck, in which thicker material was used (brocade, silk, velvet).
Subtleties and nuances
In general, the main distinctive features of this style are:
- high belt;
- flaring under the bust;
- the presence of straight lines;
- puff sleeves;
- plume;
- an abundance of decorative elements: ruffles, frills, embroidery...
The style itself is simple, so it was diluted with a large number of accessories. The look would not be complete if it did not include long gloves, a fan, pearl beads with several turns around the neck and a tiara. Of course, this applies to the highest circles, the capital's nobles, who could afford to wear expensive accessories.
In Russia, embroidery made by hand with gold or white threads was valued. And the ability to sew and embroider was instilled in every decent girl from an early age, which was considered a rule of good manners. The outfits themselves were initially brought from France, and our craftsmen already decorated them in accordance with traditions.
