Comments on: Q&A: How to Wear Empire Waist Styles without Looking Pregnant

By: Trisha

Trisha — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 19:20:33 +0000

Thanks for asking, Jennifer. The band is usually supposed to fall right below the bustline. Unfortunately, there are many tops out there that don’t have enough fabric above the band–in these cases, the shirt ends up being too low cut, like you’re saying, or the band just falls in a different place. If you like the look, go for it–it’s not a fashion crime But if you’re more comfortable with a traditional fit, look for empire waist tops with the band right below the bustline.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 10:53:15 +0000

I love the look of the empire waist but I have put on a little weight in the mid section and bought a couple of empire waist tops. I am not sure that they fall where they are suppose to. The top of the band falls across the lower part of my bust. If I pull it down then it is too low cut. Help! How are you suppose to know where the band is suppose to fall?

By: Trisha

Trisha — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 17:22:55 +0000

Love the big-over-small silhouette you’re suggesting, Jojo!

By: Jojo

Jojo — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:55:34 +0000

The cut on these tops is critical, as that dictates how they fall against the body. Those that are gathered under the bust fall nicely and look less like maternity wear. I would also recommend pairing an empire waist top with form-fitting bottoms to balance the loose fit on top and to show your figure a bit. And make sure that the top doesn’t hang too low. Although I love these tops and don’t mind the loose fit, if you don’t feel comfortable in something, don’t wear it!

By: Trisha

Trisha — Wed, 16 May 2007 03:20:39 +0000

Dark shades and long sleeves–excellent tips, Laura and Marcie! Thanks for sharing.

By: Marcie

Marcie — Tue, 15 May 2007 20:27:11 +0000

I have a slightly bloated belly most of the time, and for me long sleeves - either a long-sleeved empire waist top or layering it over a long-sleeved shirt - does the trick. If there’s no fabric on my arms, that means most of the fabric is around my belly which is what makes me look pregnant.

By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 15 May 2007 20:05:50 +0000

I think an empire waist looks better with darker shades, since they tend to be more slimming. If the little black dress seems overplayed, here’s a really cute navy satin dress at bluefly