SKU: 22575140287
empire waist dress

empire waist dress 215 Empire Dress

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Description

empire waist dress 215 Empire DressMisses sizes SM 3XL. This high waisted dress known today as "empire" was worn in the period following the French Revolution in the late 1700s. Often called a "chemise gown" to satirize its scandalous brevity and lack of undergarments, it reflected a desire to return to simpler, classical Grecian dress after the excesses of the European nobility and patriot alike. Its peak of popularity was during the "First Empire" period (1799 1815); hence its name.

Misses sizes SM-3XL.

This high-waisted dress known today as "empire" was worn in the period following the French Revolution in the late 1700s. Often called a "chemise gown" to satirize its scandalous brevity and lack of undergarments, it reflected a desire to return to simpler, classical Grecian dress after the excesses of the European nobility and patriot alike.  Its peak of popularity was during the "First Empire" period (1799-1815); hence its name.  It was worn floor length or as high as knee length in front; trains were also worn for day or evening until 1806.  The Empire Dress has remained a favorite fashion silhouette through today.

Folkwear presents a sewing pattern for this classic in three lengths, with two sleeve options.  A narrow bodice is gathered into a slim A-line skirt front and side panels, and full gathered skirt back that falls to just below knee length, full length, or full length with train for weddings or formal wear.

On the traditional version, drawstrings fit the bodice firmly to the bust and tie at center back. For contemporary wear, we suggest a closed back and elastic in place of the drawstrings. Short puffed sleeves may be cut very high or slightly longer - both are authentic. The longer sleeves feature button and cord detailing. 

Suggested fabrics: Soft, lightweight or medium-weight fabrics such as cotton gauze, batiste, dotted Swiss, rayon challis, silk, very lightweight silk velvet with drape.

Yardage chart (.pdf)

Era: Regency, 1700s to early 1800s

This pattern is available as a Paper pattern and PDF pattern.  Choose the pattern format you want at the top.  The PDF pattern has instructions, and layered files for copy shop (36” and A0), projector, and print at home (A4 or 8.5”x11”).

Sewing Tip

Linda of Pine City, Minnesota, says this dress is popular with the Fur Trade reenactment crowd and she has made it several times. She says, "Some of us have a devil of a time putting together the little pieces that go around the armhole. The pattern markings are critical, and you should use tailor's tacks and position them carefully. I also suggest that you clearly mark the wrong side of each of the little pieces if your fabric's right and wrong sides are similar."

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SKU: 22575140287

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Guy Bloom
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Look great for dress up up casual
Size: 13, Color: Black Leather/Optic White
I wear them every day for work. They are comfortable and light. I will say I was frustrated with the crease in the top that started the first time I wore them but other than that they are a great pair of shoes.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2026
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LINCOLN STARNES
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
RETRO STYLING, VERY COMFORTABLE; QUALITY MATERIAL
Size: 11, Color: Black Leather/Black
VERY COMFORTABLE AND STYLISH PAIR OF SHOES; OLD FASHIONED STYLING; VERY NICE; WHEN THESE WEAR OUT, I WILL CERTAINLY BUY ANOTHER PAIR!!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2026
E
Verified Purchase
Erin
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Great shoe
Size: 11.5 Wide, Color: Tan Leather Burnished
Very comfortable business casual shoe. Looks professional, yet stylish
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Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2026
D
Verified Purchase
dch
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 4
Hard to Beat for the Price
Size: 10 Wide, Color: Tan Leather Burnished
I purchased these for a business trip to Italy and wore them daily for the two weeks that I was there, during which I walked extensively. For me, there was a break-in period of a few days; before it loosens up, it will bite your heel, so I recommend wearing bandages or heel pads initially. Following the break-in, it's a very comfortable shoe and has served me well. I purchased a wide, and for this shoe, I found the width agreeable; in my experience, Cole Haan wide widths tend to be hit or miss (i.e., a wide is sometimes not all that wide). In terms of durability, I would not expect these to remain in good condition for more than a year if you wear them daily. The leather is not of high quality, but it's acceptable for the price. Expect them to crease very quickly if not using shoe trees. That doesn't bother me, but I know some find it objectionable. All in all, I like them and would buy them again. It's a comfortable alternative to traditional dress shoes for the office and works equally well for casual wear. Most higher quality options cost at least two or three times as much, and many are unavailable in a wide.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2025
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Verified Purchase
Nickolas Weston
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
My favorite shoes
Size: 14 Wide, Color: White Leather
I’ve probably purchased like 40 pairs of these shoes or more. By far my favorite white sneaker. I have a large foot so the bigger sizes are appreciated. They’re versatile, literally go with anything and they are true to size. At a certain point they start to show wear and you can’t dress them up, but they last as a regular sneaker for a long time afterwards. I try to nab them on sale when they drop to $50-$70, absolute steal at that price point.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2026

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