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PHOTO BY ADRIANA RIVERA
There’s a reason why the empire waist gown has stood the test of time. From the chiton gowns we see in depictions of ancient Greece to the aristocratic Jane Austen-era evening gowns of the 1800s to midcentury mod style, it’s a tried and true dress shape that we will forever love. And its draw isn’t hard to spot: The fitted bodice, high waist, and loose-fitting skirt create a silhouette that’s universally flattering and endlessly forgiving.
Since the silhouette is designed to take the focus away from the waistline, its appeal is more inclusive. Unlike other styles, a cinched waist isn’t a prerequisite, and for this reason, empire waist gowns are often a go-to silhouette for those newly engaged. At Alicia Keys’ 2010 destination wedding with Swizz Beatz, she showcased her baby bump with a one-shoulder Grecian-style empire waist gown by Vera Wang.
Meet the Expert
Gina Vinnitsky is the owner of Silk and Style Bridal, a concierge styling service that helps brides find their dream dresses. She brings a fashion-forward approach to styling, while incorporating each bride’s personal vision.
“Empire waists are having a huge comeback thanks to Bridgerton,” explains bridal stylist Gina Vinnitsky. "The goal of the empire waist is to elongate and define. By cinching the waist just under the bust, it elongates the rest of the torso and draws attention away from bellies and hips. It’s the perfect dress for petite or shorter brides. Brides with an undefined natural waistline will love how this gives them definition in all the right places.” As far as accessories go, Vinnitsky says that it’s important to strategize. “An empire waist gown really accentuates a woman’s décolletage, giving you the perfect opportunity to add some well-appointed accessories,” she explains. “A fabulous diamond necklace or some statement earrings will really up the ante—but pick one or the other. Too much visual interest in the same area can look heavy.”
From playful short dresses to dramatic poofs, here are our favorite empire waist wedding gowns for brides on the hunt for a timeless look.
For the Nontraditional Bride: Sandra Mansour Forêt Dense Dress
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Courtesy of Sandra Mansour
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 34-46 (French sizing) | Length: High-low floor-length, Made to measure
This ruffled taffeta dress demands attention, so it’s the perfect pick for the bride who wants to dial up the theatrics and throw away the rulebook. Also, the flared sleeves, underbust cutout, and lace-up fastening are just as much fun as the striking lime green hue.
Price at time of publish: $2,382
Best Modest Dress: Macgraw Romantic Gown
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Courtesy of Macgraw
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 6-14 | Length: Floor-length
Everything about Macgraw’s Romantic Gown screams sophisticated. The square neckline emphasizes the delicateness of your collar bones, and the subtle slits at the arm cuffs will make sure that your wedding day wristwear doesn’t go unnoticed.
Price at time of publish: $1,495
For the Bride Who Wants to Sparkle: Dana Harel Madeline Gown
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Courtesy of Dana Harel
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 6-14 | Length: Floor-length
Want some sparkle on your dress to match the ice on your finger? To give it a next-level shimmer, Dana Harel’s Madeline gown is covered in thousands of Swarovski crystals and pearls that work together to create the shiniest grade beam light. Plus, it comes with an equally iced-out detachable organza overskirt.
For At-Home I Do’s: Reformation Fairfield Dress
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Courtesy of Reformation
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Floor-length
If you’re on the market for a dress that exudes elevated ease, Reformation’s tiered Fairfield strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style. The playful ruffles at the front and back V-necklines add some flair, but the organic cotton poplin fabric gives it an easy, breezy vibe. What's more, the tie fastening at the back is a delicate, charming finish for your relaxed nuptials.
Price at time of publish: $328
For the Fashion-Forward Bride: Khaite Karlina Dress
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Courtesy of Khaite
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Calf-length | Care: Dry clean only
Whether you’re wearing the Karlina to your rehearsal dinner, a City Hall ceremony, or down the aisle at a church, it’s the perfect blend of traditional bridal and trend-consciousness. The A-line skirt is perfect for twirling the night away, while the ruching at the sweetheart neckline and bracelet-length sleeves add a touch of texture. Since it’s calf-length, if you’re keen on styling your bridal look with boots, this is the perfect look. Even better, it has pockets!
Best Silk Dress: Rixo Jazi Dress
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Courtesy of Rixo
Runs: Generous sizing | Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Ankle-length | Care: Dry clean only
Who says you can’t wear feathers down the aisle? If you want to add a bit of theatrics while staying tonal and somewhat traditional, the Jazi’s bell sleeves, deep V-neckline, and hem feathers amp up the wow factor without distracting from the bridal vibe.
Most Romantic: Alexandra Greco Cassia Dress
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Courtesy of Alexandra Greco
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 00-20 | Length: Floor-length
The Cassia’s flutter sleeves and floral embroidery are reminiscent of Charlotte’s second wedding gown on Sex and the City, right? It’s hard to look away from the handmade details at the illusion bodice—but when you’re the bride, that’s totally the point.
Best One-Shoulder: Markarian Lionette Dress
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Courtesy of Markarian
Runs: True to size | Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi-length | Care: Dry clean only
If you have your heart set on a bias cut but don’t want a look that fits the typical bridal mold, this is worth a try-on. It’s easy to fall for the Lionette’s ultra-romantic elements, like the floral pattern and the lace trim—while the open back, twisted straps, and crystal detailing take it to nontraditional heights.
For the Grecian Goddess: Zeus + Dione Aphaia Gown
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Courtesy of Zeus + Dione
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 2-12 | Length: Floor-length | Care: Hand wash
In the Aphaia gown, you’ll look like you’re descending from Mount Olympus while you’re walking down the aisle. The plisse skirt adds texture while the kimono sleeves and inset cape add a bit of drama.
For the Vintage Enthusiast: Markarian Cypress Waist White Jacquard Gown
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Courtesy of Markarian
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Floorlength | Care: Dry clean only
This silk jacquard number looks like it could have been thrifted in a past life and that’s exactly why we love it. From the cap sleeves to the floral embossed pattern, it borrows from the bridal trends of yore to create a look that’s ideal for stepping into your future.
For the Jane Austen Obsessed Bride: LoveShackFancy Sho Maxi Gown
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Courtesy of LoveShackFancy
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 00-12 | Length: Floor-length | Care: Dry clean in net bag
Is Gwyneth Paltrow in Emma the main inspo for your bridal look? Let us direct your attention to the Sho Maxi Gown, LoveShackFancy’s textured take on regencycore. We’re crushing on the lacey bodice, the pearl-trimmed neckline, and the train.
Price at time of publish: $725
Most Comfortable: Twobirds Slit Dress
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Courtesy of twobirds
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 2-24 | Length: Floor-length | Care: Dry clean or machine wash cold
There’s a reason why Twobirds is a go-to brand for many bridal parties. The poly-spandex jersey material and the empire-cut silhouettes look great and feel great on every body type. So why can’t brides partake, too? The convertible straps also mean that you can switch things up between the ceremony and reception.
Price at time of publish: $250
Best Floral Design: BHLDN Daphne Gown
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Courtesy of BHLDN
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length
Drawing inspiration from Regency-era wallpaper, the floral printed design gives it an earthy and ethereal edge. This gown is perfect for those planning a garden celebration in the springtime.
Price at time of publish: $1,395
For the Wow Factor: Vera Wang Bride Liane Dress
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Courtesy of Vera Wang
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 32-60 | Length: Floor-length
This dress is the main event. For brides who believe that more is more, the romantic off-the-shoulder sleeves, full tulle skirt, and floral accented train are sure to strike a chord. There’s nothing wrong with unleashing your inner maximalist, after all.
Best Affordable: David’s Bridal DB Studio Bubble Sleeve Georgette V-Neck Wedding Dress
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Courtesy of David's Bridal
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 32-60 | Length: Floor-length
A little bit of bohemian flair without breaking the bank. If you want a more playful look on your big day, the bubble sleeves, slit, and semi-open back on this dress can bring you there for less than $200.
Best Mini Dress: Aje Casabianca Dress
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Courtesy of Aje
Runs: Large, brand recommends sizing down | Size Range: 4-14 | Length: Mini | Care: Hand wash cold
Opting out of a traditional floor-length gown doesn’t mean you have to dial back the drama, and this is a dress that brings hems and theatrics to new heights. The ruched bodice adds texture, while the frilled puff sleeves and oversized bow exude ‘main event’ energy. And since it has pockets, you can keep beauty essentials on hand for touch-ups while you dance the night away.
Best Off-White Option: Reformation Gabbie Dress
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Courtesy of Reformation
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Floor-length | Care: Dry clean only
For brides who want to keep things uncomplicated, but still feel elegant, Reformation’s 100% silk Gabbie Dress is a minimalist must-have—with classic ruching at the front of the bodice and smocked detailing at the back.
Price at time of publish: $598
For Victorian Vibes: Rixo Ciara Dress
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Courtesy of Rixo
Runs: Large, brand recommends sizing down | Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Care: Dry clean only
If you’re still dreaming about Ellie Goulding’s gown from her 2019 nuptials or more recently, the Grace Kelly-inspired gown that Lady Kitty Spencer wore down the aisle last year, this will pique your interest. Rixo’s Ciara dress is made using cotton broderie Anglaise. While the style is reminiscent of two modern Brits, the high neck with frill detailing feels very Old English.
Price at time of publish: $695
For the Whimsical Bride: Odylyne the Ceremony Emilia Dress
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Courtesy of Odylyne the Ceremony
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 2-20 | Length: Floor-length | Care: Dry clean only
Hello, frills. Odylyne the Ceremony’s silk organza Emilia dress is what we’d imagine Daphne Bridgerton would wear if she lived in the Lower East Side. The sheer puff sleeves and ruffled skirt panels are playful touches that modernize the classic silhouette.
Price at time of publish: $3,650
Best High-Neck: Savannah Miller Eowyn Dress
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Courtesy of Savannah Miller
Runs: True to size | Length: Floor-length | Care: Dry clean only
Empire waist gowns don’t always need to have straight silhouettes, and the slight curve in the waist seam gives the Eowyn gown a more fitted shape. The double spaghetti strap detailing is also a delicate touch if you want your back to be the main event on the big day.
Best Voluminous Dress: Leanne Marshall Tilda Gown
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Courtesy of Leanne Marshall
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 0-20 | Length: Floor-length | Care: Dry clean only
Whether you wear the Tilda with or without the detachable off-shoulder puff sleeves, the Italian silk-satin gown is a showstopper—from the sweetheart neckline to the full skirt.
Best Tiered Dress: Brock Collection x Over the Moon Quarrie Tiered Gown
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Courtesy of Over the Moon
Runs: True to size | Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length | Care: Dry clean only
The beauty of this Brock Collection gown is in the details, like the delicate lace, self-tie straps, and flowy train. And it goes without saying that the flouncy tiers are made to twirl in.
Price at time of publish: $8,750
About the Author
Sumiko Wilson is a freelance reporter with over seven years of editorial experience. Most recently, she worked as a copywriter for brands including Kotn and SSENSE. As a reporter, much of her work has revolved around music, TV, beauty, and style. While completing her undergrad, part-time roles at Loversland and Naked Beauty Bar in Toronto have enhanced her expertise in bridal styling and beauty.