What Makes Empire Waist Dresses Ideal for Women?

Effortless Dressing for Your Busy Day

At Leina + Fleur, our Empire Waist Dresses collection is part of our signature range of dresses, designed to deliver real-life style solutions for women who lead full, busy lives. Made for women who juggle career, family, and everything in between, our pieces offer all-day comfort without sacrificing sophistication. We proudly cater to sizes 8–24, with styles that suit a variety of body shapes. As an Australian-owned brand, we focus on slow fashion and mindful design—most of our pieces are made in Australia using premium, easy-care jersey fabrics. Our dresses take the guesswork out of getting dressed, giving you the freedom to move confidently through your day. Whether you're heading into meetings or catching up with friends, these dresses are made to support your lifestyle—not compete with it.

What Is an Empire Waist Dress and Why You'll Love It

An empire waist dress is defined by a raised waistline that sits just under the bust, creating a lengthening and flowing silhouette. This flattering cut works beautifully across a range of styles and occasions. Our collection includes:

• Empire waist maxi dresses

• Plus size empire waist dresses

• Black and pink empire waist dresses

• Empire waist slip dresses

• Printed empire line dresses

These styles work for everything from casual brunches to more formal events like weddings or dinners. Whether you're searching for a casual empire line dress, a polished work dress, or a sophisticated evening dress, you'll find it here. Designed in premium stretch jersey, many of our styles include functional details like pockets, short or long sleeves, and V-necklines, making them ideal for work, travel, or everyday wear. Explore our Fabric Guide to learn more about what makes our materials so wearable.

Are Empire Waist Dresses Flattering—and Do They Hide the Tummy?

Yes, empire waist dresses are incredibly flattering for many body types—and they’re especially loved by women looking for comfortable structure around the midsection. Because the waistline sits just under the bust, it naturally elongates the body and draws attention away from the tummy area. For apple-shaped and rectangle-shaped bodies, the empire line creates curves and softens the silhouette. For pear-shaped and hourglass figures, it balances proportions while enhancing comfort. For added styling options, pair your dress with a belt for extra definition or layer it with a jacket or blazer from our Accessories or Jackets & Blazers Collections for warmth and polish. These dresses aren't just stylish—they're designed to make you feel good from morning to night.

Real Reviews From Women Like You

Here’s what some of our customers have said about their Leina + Fleur empire waist dresses:

“This dress skims all the right places! The fabric is comfortable, and I feel put-together with zero effort.” – Amanda C.

“Perfect for work and events. I’ve worn it with flats and heels—so versatile and flattering.” – Melissa R.

Shopping with us is easy and stress-free. We offer express shipping to Australia and New Zealand, plus no-fuss 30-day returns if you need to swap sizes or change your mind. Still have questions? Our friendly customer service team is here to help you find your perfect fit.