Dresses that have a fitted bodice ending just below the bust, creating a high-waisted appearance. The skirt of the dress is long and loosely fitting, skimming the body rather than being supported by voluminous petticoats. This style originated as part of the Neoclassical fashion movement, which sought to revive designs from Greco-Roman art. Empire dresses were typically light and loose, often made in white and featuring short sleeves. These most often had a tie around the waistline, positioned just below the bust, and was frequently in a contrasting color.
