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Formal Dresses

By Cynthia Nellis, About.com Guide

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Empire Waist

Hayden Panettiere

Actress Hayden Panettiere arrives at 11th Annual Entertainment Tonight Party Sponsored By People September 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
The raised waist or empire flatters just about every figure because it creates a longer line. In a long version, the empire dress is elegant; when short, like this dress worn by Hayden Panettiere, it takes on a babydoll silhouette (great for younger women).

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