Plus Size Empire Waist Formal Dresses

Empire waist dresses in  plus size from Sydney's Closet make a perfect choice when you are  shopping for a trendy Prom or wedding gown, long formal evening dress or cocktail party dress.  

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Empire waist dresses in  plus size from Sydney's Closet make a perfect choice when you are  shopping for a trendy Prom or wedding gown, long formal evening dress or cocktail party dress.  

You can spot a plus size empire waist dress because the high waist is fitted close to the body just under the bust line about the point where the band of your bra rests. The loosely gathered skirt flows freely from the waist seam giving you a super comfy and flattering look.

An Empire-waist silhouette flatters all types of plus-sized body shapes. But it  is ideal if you are an Apple shape. Why? The high waist magically hides the middle of your body where you carry any extra weight and shifts all the attention to your upper body and face.    

It has the same slimming effect on curvy women with a Triangle or Pear shaped figures because of the way it camouflages heavy hips and buttocks.

As a bonus, the style is great for petite figures because it makes you look taller than your actual height.  Add the illusion of even a longer torso but selecting an Empire dress with a bodice sewn in a rich fabric like brocade, jacquard or embroidery. 

Keep in mind, empire waistlines work with a variety of different bodice designs with the exception of deep plunging V-neckline.  

Brides love a plus size Empire waist wedding dress because of its regal, rich look.  Tulle and chiffon are favorite fabrics to make the skirt because they are soft and flow as the bride goes down the aisle.  Plus they look pretty in the wedding photos!

Curvy teens favor a plus size Empire waist Prom gown in long formal styles for their Princess-like look. For Prom 2026, look for on-trend colors like blush and ice blue to be popular for dresses designed in the Empire style.  

Empire evening dresses in plus size guarantee you will look sophisticated and elegant attending any special occasion.  Cap sleeves add a design detail reminiscent of when European royalty and upper-class women made this style popular almost 200 years ago.  

What's in the name?

This classic style takes many names. You may hear the design be called just Empire or Empire line, Empire silhouette or Empire waist.   

The design has been around for centuries dating back to Greco-Roman times. But the name comes from France's First Empire in the early 1800s when women lost interest in wearing full skirts with fabric layered over petticoats and made slimmer, column skirts with a fitted bodice the fashion trend.