SKU: 53030732463
empire dress formal

empire dress formal 19th Century Empire Dress in Printed or Striped Cotton – Townsends

Sale price$25.31 Regular price$28.12
Save 10%
Size: 4

Pay in installments of $7.03 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 16 - Jul 21

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

empire dress formal 19th Century Empire Dress in Printed or Striped Cotton – TownsendsClothing styles took a dramatic twist at the turn of the 19th century. The Empire dress was a prime example of this French fashion invasion, based on that societys fascination with the ancient cultures of Greece. As the Empire style made its first foray into British societies, fabrics were very wispy and somewhat transparent, revealing the female form that had previously been revered with utmost modesty. Prudish reactions were strong. As a result,

Clothing styles took a dramatic twist at the turn of the 19th century. The Empire dress was a prime example of this French fashion invasion, based on that society’s fascination with the ancient cultures of Greece. As the Empire style made its first foray into British societies, fabrics were very wispy and somewhat transparent, revealing the female form that had previously been revered with utmost modesty. Prudish reactions were strong. As a result, this very short-lived fashion period went through even shorter phases delineated by fabric choices and undergarments (or most often, the lack thereof).

This dress is based on examples from around 1810. Its squared, slightly gathered neckline and short gathered sleeves are true to the period. The high under-the-bust waist is classic Empire. Both the neckline and waist are tied in back. The bodice is closed in back with bone buttons.

Because undergarment styles were extremely diverse during the Empire period, we have settled the issue for this dress by fully lining the bodice. The skirt is lined to about 36" from the underbust, which emulates the knee-length chemises occasionally worn during the period. The subtle back train gives the skirt a graceful, sweeping hemline.

Please visit our fabric swatch page to choose a pattern, then enter your choice in the field above. Prints for this style of dress were typically small and light. When ordering, give measurements for bust, beneath-bust, bicep, and length from under-bust to floor hem - please put these measurements in the comment field of your online order.


This Item made to order.
Please allow 4-8 weeks for garment to be made. Made in USA

Item # FD-189

 

Fabric Swatch Page:

https://townsendfabrics.com/category/canvas/

 

Measurement Guide:

http://measuringadvice.com/

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 53030732463

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell empire dress formal

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.7 ★★★★★
Based on 8 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent value
Size: 13, Color: Brown
These boat shoes are great, they fit a 13W comfortably, for the the price my expectations were not high, but I was wrong, they look good and the soles are real rubber they fit well, I would definitely recommend these, very comfortable.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2026
R
Verified Purchase
RDP
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Good value and comfortable
Size: 8, Color: Khaki Brown
I'm going to give these shoes a 5 star. They look good, fit well and are very comfortable. They are not leather, but they look and feel more like leather than most low-priced real leather shoes. I bought them to wear around the house and in the yard and they are perfect for that. I am going to swap the weird looking partial laces for a good pair of leather laces. Good value received for money spent.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2026
G
Verified Purchase
Gregory B.
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 4
Comfortable and durable.
Size: 8.5, Color: Brown
Comfortable shoes. 6 months later they have worn pretty well.i usually wear 2 or three times a week.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2025
N
Verified Purchase
norwegian fnords
Boise, US
★★★★★ 1
Way, way, way too narrow
Size: 11, Color: Brown
Absurdly, uselessly narrow. I can't get my toes past the opening, although the length appears to be close to correct. A 8 year old might be able to get into my size 11s and flop around in them, but not a grown up.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
Joshua
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice men’s shoes
Size: 9.5, Color: Khaki Brown
I bought these shoes while costuming a show at the local community theater. The man who wore them said that they were comfortable and easy to get on. They came exactly as described and pictured.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026

recommand products