Ask Angie: Empire waists going out of style?

Liz A.

Someone made the comment on one of my posts that empire waists are going out of style. This is an extremely frightening thought for me. As a pear with an extra long rise, I rarely find any dresses that fit aside from empire waists. On occasion, I'll go with a stretchy sheath or more of a sack feel, but I posted a link that includes most of my dresses, and they are 90% empire waist. Blouses too!

The problem with dresses is the huge distance between my waist and hips. The hips on the dress always fall in the wrong spot. And I wish I could belt looser dresses at the waist, but it makes me feel like I can't breathe. Say it ain't so about my best dress look!

12 years ago

Dressing

10 replies

Latest reply was from Liz A.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I think it really depends on the dress/blouse itself. The problem with empire waists (esp. for apples!) is that it can start to look like maternity wear. I do have some empire waist dresses but I have to be very selective about the cut and make sure it doesn't make me look pregnant (anymore).

12 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

Not Angie, but I don't think empire waists will ever go out of style. They may not be as fashion forward as other silhouettes, but one of the great things of this fashion age is choice. If you rock empire waists, then keep right on wearing them. Maybe pair them with something a bit more on trend like a bomber jacket and you are now right on trend.

12 years ago

anne

Veteran

Hi Liz. I certainly still see a lot of empire waists around, and just picked one up for myself at the opshop today for summer wear - but they aren't cutting edge and do start to feel a bit dated to me. I won't be spending on new items in this style for the moment. I feel happiest in empire lines where the dress is fitted underneath the empire waist, like a sheath dress, and has no contrast fabric at that point.

I am also a pear, and have a long torso, so I do understand where you are coming from. You said in your previous post that you aren't too concerned about looking up to to date, so I wouldn't cull dresses you own and like or anything!

12 years ago

Liz A.

Veteran

Very good points. At least I can continue to wear my dress if I ever get pregnant And it's true, I'm not that concerned with trends. I'm more worried about not finding dresses that fit.

I like what you said, Anne, about the dresses being more fitted below the empire waist and no contrast fabric. Now, that is something I can shoot for.... not that I should be buying more dresses.

12 years ago

K. Period.

Veteran

Liz, if the rise is the issue, have you tried on dresses cut for tall women? I have the opposite problem: to short waisted. I'm 5'5", but I often wear petites for dresses. By often, I mean probably a good 80% of the time. Angie always recommends shopping across departments, and I could see how a tall cut could be helpful, even if you have to hem it to get the length right at the hemline. Are there any stores that work for you? What about Banana Republic? I can't even get close to a Banana Republic dress if it isn't a petite. Regular sizes are always too long in the body for me.

As far as empire waists, I think they are a basic shape and will always be around. You'll always be able to find current versions of them and so long as you are very picky to just buy current versions, you'll be fine. I'm the same way with pencil skirts. I always own them. Sometimes they are very fitted, tapered pencils (like now) and sometimes they are a little less fitted (like when a-line dresses and skirts rule). They are always a staple for me, though, because they work perfectly for my shape and fashion sensibility. Just keep an eye on the styles and make sure they read as current and you'll be able to wear your empire waists forever! (But do try tall dresses too!)

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I think it's only a certain type of empire waist, and more on tops than on dresses, that is going out of style. In my mind, a flat or princess seamed empire waist on a dress (as opposed to a gathered empire waist, which is the type that would make one look pregnant) is a pretty classic dress style. I like this style of dress too, although I have kind of the opposite problem as you (really high waist and hips so the waist on normal dresses is always too low).

I agree with k that you should look at tall dresses to see how they fit you. I rarely wear petites but find petite dresses to work well for my short waist.

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Liz, don't worry! Empire cuts aren't out of style at all (gathered or straight). They aren't on trend, but they aren't dated either. That said, some looks I would pass on. But if the vibe is retro, it's all good.

Sorry I missed the link to your frocks. Please post them again here so that I can see them. Thanks

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I should think dresses would be fine. I'd reconsider baby-doll-style empire tops.

12 years ago

Vildy

Veteran

There are empire dresses with a line under the bust but with no gathered skirt starting there. They are shaped through the midriff and therefore you don't look pregnant nor do you require a belt to show off a waist.

12 years ago

Liz A.

Veteran

Here is the link, Angie. It's dresses and much more!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24464921@N07/

Let me know if you see any that strike you as dated.

12 years ago

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