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
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Size: 4

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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/

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SKU: 53030732463

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Melissa
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Cute, Comfortable, Light-Weight Shoes, Perfect for School
Size: 11 Little Kid, Color: Pink/Lavender, Size: 11 Little Kid, Color: Pink/Lavender
These have turned out to be great everyday shoes for my 5 year old. She normally wears a size 10, but since that size wasn’t available, I ordered the 11 expecting her to grow into them. I was pleasantly surprised that they already fit her pretty well. There’s still a little extra room in the toe area, but the shoes fit securely around her ankles so they don’t feel loose or slip off while walking or playing. She says they’re very comfortable and loves how easy they are to slip on by herself. The lightweight design is nice for everyday wear, and they’ve held up well so far despite being worn almost daily. They've become her favorite shoes to wear! Also the pink/lavender color is really pretty in person. Overall, I’m very happy with them and would order again.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2026
A
Amazon customer
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Great shoe well made
Size: 13 Little Kid, Color: Pink/Lavender, Size: 13 Little Kid, Color: Pink/Lavender
Really good shoes at a fair price. My daughter loves the pink and purple gradient colors. Really beautiful. Shoes have proven themselves very durable. She's been wearing these a few times a week for the last couple months and they still look new aside from some dirt stains. Fit perfectly. Very comfortable. This is always her first pick in the morning when she's getting dressed. Good breathability you can wear these in hot summer weather without sweaty feet. Versatile shoe looks good enough to wear out and about or exercise in.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026
K
Verified Purchase
Kevin Keegan
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 3
Runs large
Size: 7 Big Kid, Color: White
Runs very large.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2026
L
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Lou
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
a little roomy for narrow feet.
Size: 6 Big Kid, Color: Black/Black
Nice shoes. My little one has narrow feet so they are a little lose. Overall, a nice shoe.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2026
K
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KNE
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
comfortable
Size: 7 Big Kid, Color: Black/Black
super comfortable!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026

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