An empire waist dress is a fashion classic, beloved for its flattering silhouette that cinches just below the bust and flows gracefully over the body. It’s a style that offers comfort and elegance, making it a perfect candidate for a girls’ night out. The key to making it work for a night on the town isn’t just about the dress itself, but how you accessorize and style it to create a look that’s both chic and party-ready. This in-depth guide will take you through every aspect of styling an empire waist dress for a memorable evening with your friends, from selecting the right dress to the final touches of your makeup.
Choosing the Perfect Empire Waist Dress for Your Night Out
The foundation of any great outfit is the primary piece, and with an empire waist, the details matter. For a girls’ night out, you want a dress that’s not only comfortable but also has a bit of flair.
Material Matters:
- Satin or Silk: A satin or silk empire waist dress exudes luxury and catches the light beautifully, making it perfect for a dinner party or a cocktail bar. A deep jewel tone like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red in these fabrics adds a touch of glamour.
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Sequins or Metallics: If you’re heading to a club or a high-energy event, a sequined or metallic empire waist dress is a showstopper. The sparkle will make you the center of attention. Opt for a dress with a subtle empire line to avoid a maternity-wear look.
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Velvet: A velvet empire waist dress is ideal for a cozy yet chic girls’ night out, especially in cooler weather. Its rich texture feels luxurious and looks incredible under low light.
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Jersey or Stretch Fabric: For a more casual night, like a movie marathon at a friend’s house or a casual pub visit, a jersey empire waist dress is comfortable and stylish. Look for one with interesting details like cutouts or a unique neckline to elevate the look.
Neckline and Sleeve Details:
- V-Neck: A V-neckline is universally flattering, elongating the neck and drawing attention to the décolletage. This is a great choice for a girls’ night out as it adds a touch of sophistication.
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Halter Neck: A halter neck empire waist dress is modern and sleek, perfect for showcasing toned shoulders. It creates a powerful, confident silhouette.
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Off-the-Shoulder: This romantic and flirty neckline is perfect for a girls’ night out. It adds a feminine touch and works beautifully with both long and short empire waist dresses.
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Puff Sleeves or Bishop Sleeves: For a more dramatic and fashion-forward look, consider an empire waist dress with statement sleeves. These details add volume and visual interest, making the dress the star of the show.
Length is Key:
- Mini: A mini empire waist dress is fun and youthful, perfect for dancing or a lively party. Pair it with heeled boots or strappy sandals.
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Midi: A midi length is elegant and versatile. A pleated midi empire waist dress is perfect for a fancy dinner, while a body-skimming one in a vibrant print works for a night of cocktails.
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Maxi: A maxi empire waist dress in a bold color or a subtle print is bohemian chic and comfortable. It’s a great option for a rooftop bar or an evening event with a relaxed, sophisticated vibe.
Master the Art of Layering: Jackets and Outerwear
An empire waist dress can be a standalone statement piece, but the right outerwear can take the look to the next level, adding structure and style, especially on a chilly evening.
Structured Jackets:
- Faux Leather Moto Jacket: A classic faux leather moto jacket adds an edgy, cool-girl vibe to the softness of an empire waist dress. A black jacket over a floral or pastel-colored dress creates a beautiful contrast. The structured shoulders and cropped length of the jacket will create a balanced silhouette.
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Tailored Blazer: For a more polished and sophisticated look, a tailored blazer is an excellent choice. A white blazer over a black or jewel-toned empire waist dress is a chic, modern combination. Choose a blazer that hits at or just above the waist to maintain the empire silhouette.
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Denim Jacket: A fitted denim jacket offers a casual and relaxed feel. This is a great option if your girls’ night out involves a more laid-back setting, like a movie night or a casual restaurant.
Softer Layers:
- Longline Cardigan: A fine-knit, longline cardigan can work with a maxi empire waist dress for a bohemian-inspired, cozy look. Choose one in a neutral color like beige, gray, or black to keep the focus on the dress.
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Cashmere or Wool Coat: For a truly elegant and warm option, a long cashmere or wool coat is perfect. A camel-colored coat over a black or deep-colored empire waist dress is a timeless and luxurious combination.
Accessorizing for Impact: Bags, Belts, and Jewelry
Accessories can completely transform an empire waist dress, moving it from daytime casual to nighttime glamour. The right pieces will enhance the dress without overwhelming it.
Handbags:
- Clutch: A clutch is the quintessential evening bag. A metallic, embellished, or velvet clutch adds a touch of glamour. Choose a size that can hold your essentials without being bulky.
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Crossbody Bag: A small, structured crossbody bag is a practical and stylish choice, leaving your hands free for drinks and dancing. Look for one with a chain strap to add a bit of sparkle.
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Top-Handle Bag: A small, structured top-handle bag in a bold color or with interesting texture can be a fashion-forward statement piece.
Belts: While the empire waist is defined by its high waistline, you can still use a belt to add a different dimension.
- Thin Chain Belt: A delicate, thin chain belt can be worn slightly below the empire line to add a touch of sparkle and definition without disrupting the silhouette.
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Skinny Belt: A skinny leather or patent leather belt in a contrasting color can create an interesting visual break and add a modern touch. Avoid thick or wide belts, as they can interfere with the high waistline.
Jewelry:
- Statement Earrings: With an empire waist dress, which often has a simple neckline, statement earrings are a fantastic way to draw attention to your face. Think chandelier earrings, oversized hoops, or bold geometric shapes.
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Layered Necklaces: If you have a deep V-neckline, a set of delicate, layered necklaces can be incredibly chic. Avoid a single, heavy pendant, as it can pull focus from the high waist.
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Bracelets and Rings: A stack of delicate bangles or a few bold rings can complete your look. If you’re wearing a long-sleeved dress, a stack of cuffs on the outside of the sleeve can be a fun, unexpected detail.
The Foundation: Footwear to Elevate Your Look
The shoes you choose can dramatically change the vibe of your empire waist dress. The goal is to choose a shoe that complements the dress’s length and style while providing comfort for a night of fun.
Heels:
- Strappy Sandals: For a mini or midi empire waist dress, strappy high-heeled sandals are a classic choice. They are elegant, lengthen the legs, and work with almost any neckline.
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Block Heels: Block heels are a perfect combination of style and comfort. They provide more stability than stilettos and are great for a night that involves walking or dancing. A metallic or brightly colored block heel can add a fun pop of color.
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Wedge Heels: For a more relaxed, bohemian look with a maxi empire waist dress, wedges are an excellent choice. They offer height and comfort, and a cork or espadrille wedge can add a summery feel.
Boots:
- Ankle Boots: Ankle boots can add an edgy, cool feel to an empire waist dress. A pointed-toe ankle boot in a neutral color like black or brown works with both mini and midi lengths.
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Knee-High Boots: For a chic, fashion-forward look, a mini empire waist dress with a pair of knee-high boots is a killer combination. Choose boots with a bit of a heel to elongate your legs.
Hair and Makeup: The Finishing Touches
Your hair and makeup are the final elements that tie your entire look together. They should complement your dress and accessories, not compete with them.
Hair:
- Updo: An elegant updo, like a sleek bun or a messy chignon, can be a great choice, especially if your dress has a high neckline or statement earrings. It draws attention to your face and the details of your outfit.
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Loose Waves: Soft, loose waves are a perfect romantic complement to a flowing empire waist dress. This look is effortless and beautiful.
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Sleek Ponytail: A high, sleek ponytail can add a modern, sophisticated edge to a simple empire waist dress. It’s a great way to showcase a bold pair of earrings.
Makeup:
- Focus on the Eyes: If your dress is a neutral color, use your makeup to make a statement. A smoky eye or a bold winged liner can be a powerful focal point.
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Bold Lip: With a simple dress and minimal jewelry, a bold red or berry lip can be the star of your makeup. It adds a touch of old-school glamour and confidence.
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Glowy Skin: A dewy, luminous skin look always works for a girls’ night out. Use a highlighter on your cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow to catch the light.
Real-World Scenarios and Concrete Examples
To make this guide truly actionable, let’s break down some specific girls’ night out scenarios and the perfect empire waist outfits for each.
Scenario 1: Dinner and Cocktails at a Chic Restaurant
- The Dress: A satin, midi-length empire waist dress in a deep emerald green. The neckline is a simple V-neck.
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Outerwear: A black, tailored blazer that hits at the hip.
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Accessories: A small, structured black clutch with a gold chain strap. A pair of delicate, gold hoop earrings and a single, thin gold bangle.
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Footwear: Black strappy sandals with a subtle block heel.
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Hair & Makeup: A sleek, low ponytail to show off the neckline and earrings. A light smoky eye with a nude lip.
Scenario 2: Dancing at a Nightclub
- The Dress: A mini-length empire waist dress covered in silver sequins. The neckline is a simple round neck.
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Outerwear: A cropped faux leather moto jacket.
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Accessories: A small, metallic silver crossbody bag. No necklace, but a pair of bold, chunky silver hoop earrings. A few silver rings on your fingers.
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Footwear: Black heeled ankle boots with a comfortable heel.
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Hair & Makeup: Messy waves with a middle part. A bold, winged eyeliner with a clear gloss on the lips.
Scenario 3: Casual Movie Night at a Friend’s Place
- The Dress: A jersey maxi empire waist dress in a subtle floral print.
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Outerwear: A cozy, longline cardigan in a neutral beige.
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Accessories: A small canvas tote bag. No jewelry besides a few simple stacking rings.
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Footwear: Comfortable, stylish leather mules or a pair of clean white sneakers for a sportier look.
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Hair & Makeup: Natural-looking, loose hair. Minimal makeup, just a touch of mascara and lip balm.
Scenario 4: Rooftop Bar for Drinks and Conversation
- The Dress: A silky, off-the-shoulder empire waist dress in a beautiful blush pink. The length is midi.
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Outerwear: A lightweight, draped shawl or a fine-knit pashmina in a complementary neutral tone like gray or ivory.
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Accessories: A woven clutch. A pair of delicate gold chandelier earrings. A simple gold chain belt worn low on the hips.
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Footwear: Nude-colored wedge heels.
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Hair & Makeup: A messy, romantic chignon to show off the shoulders. A dewy makeup look with a soft pink blush and a matching lipstick.
The Psychology of the Empire Waist and Your Night Out
Beyond the styling details, understanding why the empire waist is such a great choice for a girls’ night out is part of mastering the look. The silhouette is inherently forgiving, allowing you to feel confident and comfortable all night long. The high waistline draws attention to the slimmest part of the torso, while the flowing skirt skims over the hips and tummy. This means you can indulge in a great meal and a few drinks without worrying about feeling restricted. It’s a style that lets you focus on the company and the fun, rather than on your outfit. The versatility of the empire waist also means you can transition from a fancy dinner to a spontaneous dance floor session without missing a beat. It’s a dress that adapts to your night, rather than the other way around. The key to making it work is to choose a dress and accessories that align with the specific plans for the evening, ensuring you’re both stylish and comfortable every step of the way.