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STYLE | Fashion

10 empire-waist dresses that will allow you to live out your Bridgerton fantasies

The empire strikes back

By Gracia Phang - 

agcreativelab/123rf
agcreativelab/123rf
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Thanks to Netflix’s Bridgerton, the empire cut so popularised by Empress Joséphine of the First French Empire (thus its name) is back in force this season.

Ultra feminine, the empire-waist silhouette, with its fitted bodice that ends just below the bust, draws attention to the bosom and gives the illusion of an elongated torso. Well suited to our warm climate, the breezy fitted-and-flared number is a perfect throw-on-and-go staple all year round.

While designers retained its fitted bodice and raised waistline, they broke the ultra-femme mould with unexpected elements, not to mention fresh ways of styling.

Can’t decide which look to go for? Try on a few for size and ooze a different vibe every day.

1. Easy Breezy

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Tory Burch took a more casual, hillbilly stance, throwing a contrast-stitched number over a puff-sleeved blouse for some easy weekend vibes.








Dress In Crepe De Chine With Flounces, $5,800, Givenchy

Credit: Givenchy
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Laura Ashley May Ruffled Floral-Print Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress, $358, Batsheva at Net-a-Porter

Credit: Net-a-Porter
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Empire-Line Ruffled Dress, $1,773, Comme Des Garçons Girl at Farfetch

Credit: Farfetch
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2. Printed Matter

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Echoing the relaxed feel is Dsquared2 with an après-ski get-up of a printed mini worn over leggings, topped with a beanie, an oversize tote and hiking boots for good measure.








Anneke Crochet-Trimmed Printed Linen Mini Dress, $1,285, Zimmermann at Net-a-Porter

Credit: Net-a-Porter
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Animal Print Mini Dress, $69.90, Zara

Credit: Zara
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3. Punk Romance

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For a twist to girly, do like Dior and team a tiered maxi in romantic tulle with leather add-ons for punk edge undertones.








Ruched Tulle Dress, $615, P.A.R.O.S.H. at Farfetch

Credit: Farfetch
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Off-Shoulder Tulle Dress, $973, Pinko at Farfetch

Credit: Farfetch
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Tiered Ruffled Tulle Maxi Dress, US$4,035, Giambattista Valli at Moda Operandi

Credit: Moda Operandi
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4. Très Chic

Credit: Burberry pre-fall 2022
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A more elegant option can be found at Burberry, which went for clean lines and a modest three-quarter length that still read sexy thanks to a deep V neckline—wear alone for date nights or with chic trousers and a classic trench for workdays












Abalkan Open-Back Leather-Trimmed Cotton-Gauze Maxi Dress, $510, Caravana at Net-a-Porter

Credit: Net-a-Porter
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Lingerie-Inspired Empire Dress, $7,377, Chloé at Farfetch

Credit: Farfetch
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This article was first published in Harper's Bazzar.

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