Regency woman in a green empire line dress at the window by Lee Avison E is for Empire Waist (n.) A raised waistline that sits just below the bust, drawing inspiration from Greek and Roman styles and popular during the Regency era. MFIT's #FashionTermsAZ [Juel Park Empire fashion origins of the Empire silhouette SARTOR BOHEMIA A Brief History of the Empire Waist The 1810s were not entirely about white, as this evening dress surely attests. Far from it. Color was still a major player. This surviving evening ensemble is possibly one that was meant Empire Waists in 1893? witness2fashion