empire line dress 19th Century Empire Dress in Printed or Striped Cotton – Townsends
SKU: 35204875196
empire line dress

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

Sale price$19.32 Regular price$21.47
Save 10%
Size: 4

Pay in installments of $5.37 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 1 - Jul 6

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

empire line dress 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: 35204875196

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell empire line dress

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.8 ★★★★★
Based on 1505 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
K
Verified Purchase
Khailah
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
All-Day Comfort, Perfect Semi-Casual Office Shoes
Color: British Tan/Java, Size: 10
Amazing, comfortable shoes for the office. These are by far the best I’ve tried for a semi-casual look. They’re incredibly lightweight and feel like you’re not wearing anything at all. Perfect for all-day wear.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2026
P
Verified Purchase
Parish Powell
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent Shoe
Color: Black Leather/Black, Size: 11.5
Excellent shoe, comfortable, good looking, fits the Bill at a good price.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026
D
Verified Purchase
Daniel
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
Last pair lasted 6 years - Round 2!
Color: Black Leather/Black, Size: 9.5, Color: Black Leather/Black, Size: 9.5
Last pair lasted 6 years. Super comfortable and perfect for work business attire. Went on walking breaks every day - feels like you’re wearing a good pair of walking shoes.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2026
D
Verified Purchase
Donald Rivera
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Comfort with Style
Color: British Tan/Java, Size: 11
Very comfortable. Fits well. Very nice design.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
jonathan
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 4
Good, but you sacrifice a few things in favor of style
Color: Black Leather/Black, Size: 10, Color: Black Leather/Black, Size: 10
It’s much better than other shoes out there, but the design is slightly confusing. The first thing you have to know is that the shoe won’t be mind blowingly soft, but it is around as comfortable as standing on something like vans shoes. The holes on top are both a plus and a minus, when you step in a puddle, your feet get instantly soaked, but just by walking around for a bit, they dry up again. Then these holes reduce the structural integrity of the shoe, so I expect the top to be the first part of the shoe that deteriorates, when usually for all my other shoes, it’s the sole that falls off first. With the holes, you can’t shine them the traditional way, you have to be more careful as you might get goo into the inside fiber. Finally you can’t run in these, they’re larger than your foot which is quite comfortable while just standing or walking, but I’m sure they’ll tear if you don’t watch your footing. If all that is okay with you, You’ll get quite a few compliments on it as you walk around, because these are beautiful and excellent as a dress shoe/loafer hybrid
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2025

recommand products