BASQUE
Elongated waistline dips to a “V” or a "U" at front center of the dress; often starts 3” below natural waist. Popular for ball gowns.
DROPPED
This waist falls about 3 to 5 inches below the natural waistline.
Tip: Basque or Dropped waistlines add the illusion of extra height, slim the body and can make a long waist appear shorter.
Empire
Waistline on this style flows from just below bust line. This is the highest waistline.
Tip: Empire waistline hides figure flaws through middle of the torso, especially a thick waist and a larger tummy.
NATURAL
Find your natural waistline in gowns where the waist seam hits at the narrowest part of the torso.
