Which statement best describes the Napoleon gowns?

• A. They remained strictly Rococo in style.
• B. They used empire waistlines and provided more freedom to move.
• C. They discarded empire waistlines altogether.
• D. They were designed with heavy panniers and corsets.

Answer: (B)

Napoleon gowns embody a move toward neoclassical simplicity in the early 19th century. The defining feature is the empire waist—high beneath the bust—that creates a columnar silhouette and frees movement, as fabric falls loosely into a flowing skirt. This reflects lighter fabrics and restrained ornament compared with the earlier Rococo, and it omits the heavy panniers and restrictive corsetry of earlier periods. In short, empire waistlines and increased ease of movement capture the essence of the style.