SKU: 83427557268
empire dress

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

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Description

empire 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/

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SKU: 83427557268

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4.6 ★★★★★
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A
Verified Purchase
Addie
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Very beautiful leather purse!
Color: Brown
I finally found THE purse that is perfect in every way. I love everything about it. It is a perfect size for me. Not too big and bulky and not too small. A medium size that holds a lot of stuff. It has double zippers on top which I really like. Comes in a dust bag, Crossbody strap is included. You can adjust the top handles to be shorter or longer. This bag is so nice, lightweight, a beautiful rich color, it is well made and smells wonderful.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2025
C
Verified Purchase
Choco S.
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Finally found the right purse for me!
Color: Brown
The leather is beautiful! The quality is great! The color is awesome! 100% satisfied customer! Do I need to say any more?
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Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
Jean Gray
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 3
Fake Leather
Color: Green
This purse is NOT REAL LEATHER!.It smells very strongly of chemicals. The lining is polyester. This is false advertising! The only leather is a small piece attached to the tag on the handle. For fake leather, the price is two or three times higher that it should be. I like the size and shape so it will keep it, but never buy such an item from Amazon/China again. Higher price for cheap quality and with false advertising is not good business or a good deal.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2026
L
Verified Purchase
Lori
Boise, US
★★★★★ 4
PERFECT LINING
Color: Coffee
**4/28/2026** Purchased the Coffee Color I am OCD about my bag lining. The lining in this bag is perfect for me. Stitched directly to the bag how purse linings should be. The color is gorgeous and the bag stands up well while the leather is soft. For the size it has a lot of room. Enough for everything I carry, (including my S7 tablet. Tight fit w my case on, but it fits), with room to grow. **4** stars because the adjustable handle has limitations. Sometimes I like my bag hanging to my hip, other times I like under my arm. This will NOT adjust higher than my hip and I am 5`2. I have been looking for a long time for a satchel type purse that ticks everything I look for in a purse, and other than the adjustable strap, this big is it. Will update as time goes by but for now I would recommend this bag.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Anna Garcia
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
It's leather and smells good
Color: Brown
It's a little smaller then in the picture, but it's of good quality.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2026

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