empire style dresses 19th Century Empire Dress in Printed or Striped Cotton – Townsends
SKU: 96524034805
empire style dresses

empire style dresses 19th Century Empire Dress in Printed or Striped Cotton – Townsends

Sale price$26.18 Regular price$29.09
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Size: 4

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Description

empire style dresses 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: 96524034805

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Kimberly M
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 3
Comfy shoe, Not a great dupe
Size: 6.5, Color: Black Leather, Size: 6.5, Color: Black Leather
These are so cute and comfy and I love them. Minus two stars because I specifically bought them for the little silver SM on the bottom so they’d look better than the ones at Walmart. These did not come with the little silver logo on the bottom.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2026
C
Verified Purchase
Cydpea23
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 1
Super cute but came damaged & really annoying to walk in
Size: 8, Color: Black Leather, Size: 8, Color: Black Leather
Super cute but mine came damaged and the straps don’t stay up great… I love Steve Madden shoes, and own a few pairs already, so I had high hopes for these heels. I ordered these for a wedding coming up and I hadn’t opened the package right away as I was out of town, when I got back I was so excited to try them on only to find that they came already scuffed on the toes and heels!! It looked like they had been worn multiple times already, so that was upsetting. In terms of fit, I ordered a size 8, and it fit true to size as far at the sole goes, as for the strap that goes from in between your toes and around your heel, it falls off after taking 3 steps and is honestly really annoying! The strap that goes across the top of your foot was also wayyy loose on my feet and didn’t help the other strap stay in place much making it super difficult to walk in them, every step felt like they were about to fly off my feet! Unfortunately, I will be returning them.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2025
D
Verified Purchase
Dawn Goodreaux
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Comfortable and cute
Size: 9, Color: Coral Leather, Size: 9, Color: Coral Leather
Loved!!!
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Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2025
M
Verified Purchase
Mrs.Picky
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 2
Blue kitten heels
Size: 9.5, Color: Blue Leather
These are very pretty shoes with a comfortable heel height. The first time I wore them, they started slipping in the back. The strap that goes around the heel is not adjustable and they ended up flopping as I walked. I ordered my normal size and they fit perfectly so I couldn’t go down a size. Oh well…. Too late to return them.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2025
M
Verified Purchase
Marcie Ragano
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Love these shoes
Size: 5.5, Color: White Leather
These Steve Madden shoes are so comfortable. I can wear them all day. I also have them in.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2025

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