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In the late 1700s, women’s garment waistlines rose from the natural waist to just below the bust. Unlike previous fashion trends, this “Empire waist” was not achieved through the use of a belt, sash or cinch, but through the garment’s actual structure. Once confined to dresses and gowns, empire waists can now be seen on a bevy of blouses. After cinching in below your bust, the fabric flows freely to your waist, slimming your tummy and elongating your waist.
Bootcut or Flare
Bootcut and flare jeans should be fitted through the seat and thighs, offering a subtle glimpse at your sexy curves. As the denim passes over your knees, it flares slightly as it falls to the floor. Bootcut jeans have just a slight flare, while flare-leg jeans have a more obvious flared fit. When worn properly, flare and bootcut jeans can help balance your proportions, accentuate your curves and elongate your legs. And when they’re paired with an empire blouse -- which can hide a bloated belly -- the clothing combination allows for an overall slim shape. Further elongate your lines by accessorizing with a fabulous pair of chunky heels. Or, for a bit of country flair, slide a pair of simple boots under your jeans.
Skinny
With a snug fit through the seat, thighs, knees and calves, skinny jeans hug your curves in all the right places. In fact, they leave little to the imagination. Although you may assume they’re only for the fittest fashionistas, skinny jeans can actually look quite fabulous on many body shapes. During the colder months, accessorize your empire blouse with a pair of skinny jeans tucked into a tall pair of boots. During the warmer months, wear the outfit with a simple pair of ballet flats or jeweled sandals.
Trouser
Jeans with a trouser fit add instant sophistication and glamour to your denim designs. Fitted through the hips, trouser jeans still hug your curves quite nicely. But as it inches past your waist, the denim stops skimming your skin so closely. Trouser fit jeans have a loose fit through the thigh and leg -- often with a straight leg style. Pairing your empire blouse with trouser jeans gives you a sophisticated style -- just choose denim in a darker wash to maintain its classiness. Pair trouser fit jeans with boots, heels or flats -- as long as the hem of your jeans just barely skims the floor when you stand.
Rise
These days, denim duds are available in a range of rises -- from very low to extremely high. In regards to jeans, the “rise” refers to where the jean’s waistline falls on your body. The traditional pair of mid-rise jeans sits at or just below your natural waist -- which is typically the narrowest part of your waist. Low rise jeans, which have become increasingly popular among the younger generations, sit lower than the waist -- sometimes sitting super low on the hips. High rise jeans sit above the natural waist, often buttoning above your belly button. Since an empire waist blouse flows loosely over the torso, you can easily wear high-rise or mid-rise jeans. If you choose a low-rise option, select a pair that sits higher than the blouse’s hemline. Empire waist blouses are not meant to bare the belly -- and choosing a pair of super low rise jeans could reveal a bit too much skin around your waist.
