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Perfect for the curvy bride.
By Aly Walansky — Written on Sep 05, 2019
An empire waist wedding dress is one that has some sort of fitting in the bodice, and the waistline falls above the natural waist, sometimes as high up as right below the bust. While the placement of the higher waist varies, the dress beneath that is often loose-fitting, and makes the figure look slimmer and longer.
That's exactly what many brides are looking for, making an empire waist dress the perfect choice. And if you're a bride who has tried on numerous wedding dresses, still unsure of which style to choose, you can bet this style will flatter you.
1. Embellished Strapless Ballgown
Shimmering embellishments sprawl across this romantic, strapless ball gown, styled with visible boning in the bodice for an alluring, corset-inspired look. Pockets in the skirt are a practical, modern addition.
(Nordstrom, $7,810)
2. Chloe Lace Maternity Gown
A gown swathed in delicate lace perfectly balances vintage and modern influences, while creating a sophisticated shape for your curves.
(Nordstrom, $340)
3. BLISS Lace Appliqué A-Line Gown
Elegantly delicate and undeniably romantic, a sleeveless gown adrift with floral-lace appliqués is designed to play up luminous décolletage, accentuate a slender waist, and float gracefully down any aisle.
(Nordstrom, $3,740)
4. Azalea Lace & Organza Ballgown
Love at first sight applies to the dress too. This stunning confection of beaded embroidery and ethereal organza exudes classic romance. With illusion necklines and a wide banded waist to highlight the figure, you're sure to feel like a princess.
(Nordstrom, $4,230)
5. Joanna August Pattie Empire Waist Crepe Gown
A plunging front neckline is matched at the back of this fresh crepe gown, styled with a high empire waist and elegant princess seams to elongate the figure.
(Nordstrom, $460)
6. Kiyonna 'Graced with Love' Faux Wrap Wedding Dress
A romantic dress for the big day is cut to complement curves in lovely scalloped lace with flutter sleeves.
(Nordstrom, $212)
7. LULUS Plunging V-Neck Chiffon Gown
Plunging necklines and deep arm openings style the sexy bodice of a lushly gathered chiffon empire-waisted gown.
(Nordstrom, $84)
8. Erosebridal Sleeveless Lace Chiffon Gown
This dress will help you look slim with lace up closure that can be adjusted to fit you better. It features lace appliques, beaded waistline, open back, empire waist, and a built in bra.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
9. KOH KOH Womens Cap Short Sleeve Gown
This formal maxi dress can be worn as a bridesmaids or wedding dress, perfect for the bride-to-be.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
10. Ever-Pretty Women's V-Neck Sleeveless Long Evening Dress
This dress is fully lined and padded, featuring ruched V-Neckline and open back, with a button at the top of back. The empire waist is accentuated with two bands of beautiful gold beading.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
11. FEESHOW Elegant Women's Chiffon Evening Gown
This dress has wide shoulder straps, pleated padded top bodice with ruched high-waisted design, hidden back zipper closure. It's a two-layer dress, with a top chiffon layer and lining.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
12. DYS Women's Empire Waist Evening Gown
Lace straps, sweetheart neckline, empire waistline, this A line formal dress is floor length. It also has a lace-up closure for adjustment, keyhole back, pleated front, no sleeves, and built-in bra.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
13. Lookbook Store Women's Plus Size Lace Bridal Formal Skater Dress
The dress has a fitted bodice with a surplice v-neck ending just below the bust, giving a high-waisted appearance, and a gathered skirt which is midi length and loosely fitting. It also comes with a side zipper for easy wearing.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
14. A-line V-Neck Chiffon Long Empire Dress
This dress has a Helen of Troy-like Grecian goddess feel, and is sure to make every bride feel like a princess.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
15. Irenwedding Women's Spaghetti Beach Dress
A tulle dress with straps, this beachy dress is sleeveless, has an empire pleated waist, zipper, open back, and A line.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
16. Boho Wedding Dress
Get your hands on this V-neck handmade tulle wedding dress, with a beautiful empire waist that’s sure to get noticed.
(Etsy, $148)
17. Swiss Dot Tulle Empire Waist Gown
The straps of this whimsical, convertible and versatile wedding gown can be wrapped in countless different ways, helping you find your own personal style that matches your personality and makes you feel beautiful on your big day.
(Etsy, $520)
18. Bohemian Wedding Dress
This is a bohemian wedding dress with empire waist and long sleeves, all made from chiffon.
(Etsy, $380)
19. Empire Style Chiffon Wedding Dress
This dress is made of chiffon, soft underlay, beading material, with a floor length train and lots of options for customization.
(Etsy, $292.50)
20. Vintage Boho Wedding Dress
A beautiful empire-waist wedding dress from the 1960s has long bishop sleeves and peach accents. It's ivory high-neck, Victorian-style lace bib with ruffled chiffon trim, a layer of white, and thin mesh behind it.
(Etsy, $174)
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Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her.
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