The empire waist reshaped fashion in the early 19th century. It borrowed from classical antiquity and rejected the ridgid styles of the 18th century. While the fashion looked more relaxed, the societal Dress like this regency era, empire waist even, but with bra cups! : r findfashion empire waist The Pragmatic Costumer The empire waist reshaped fashion in the early 19th century. It borrowed from classical antiquity and rejected the ridgid styles of the 18th century. While the fashion looked more relaxed, the Empire Regency epochs of fashion: Costume and Dress throughout History