SKU: 31477204522
women's empire line dresses

women's empire line dresses 215 Empire Dress

Sale price$24.80 Regular price$27.55
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Size: 4

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Description

women's empire line dresses 215 Empire DressMisses sizes SM 3XL. This high waisted dress known today as "empire" was worn in the period following the French Revolution in the late 1700s. Often called a "chemise gown" to satirize its scandalous brevity and lack of undergarments, it reflected a desire to return to simpler, classical Grecian dress after the excesses of the European nobility and patriot alike. Its peak of popularity was during the "First Empire" period (1799 1815); hence its name.

Misses sizes SM-3XL.

This high-waisted dress known today as "empire" was worn in the period following the French Revolution in the late 1700s. Often called a "chemise gown" to satirize its scandalous brevity and lack of undergarments, it reflected a desire to return to simpler, classical Grecian dress after the excesses of the European nobility and patriot alike.  Its peak of popularity was during the "First Empire" period (1799-1815); hence its name.  It was worn floor length or as high as knee length in front; trains were also worn for day or evening until 1806.  The Empire Dress has remained a favorite fashion silhouette through today.

Folkwear presents a sewing pattern for this classic in three lengths, with two sleeve options.  A narrow bodice is gathered into a slim A-line skirt front and side panels, and full gathered skirt back that falls to just below knee length, full length, or full length with train for weddings or formal wear.

On the traditional version, drawstrings fit the bodice firmly to the bust and tie at center back. For contemporary wear, we suggest a closed back and elastic in place of the drawstrings. Short puffed sleeves may be cut very high or slightly longer - both are authentic. The longer sleeves feature button and cord detailing. 

Suggested fabrics: Soft, lightweight or medium-weight fabrics such as cotton gauze, batiste, dotted Swiss, rayon challis, silk, very lightweight silk velvet with drape.

Yardage chart (.pdf)

Era: Regency, 1700s to early 1800s

This pattern is available as a Paper pattern and PDF pattern.  Choose the pattern format you want at the top.  The PDF pattern has instructions, and layered files for copy shop (36” and A0), projector, and print at home (A4 or 8.5”x11”).

Sewing Tip

Linda of Pine City, Minnesota, says this dress is popular with the Fur Trade reenactment crowd and she has made it several times. She says, "Some of us have a devil of a time putting together the little pieces that go around the armhole. The pattern markings are critical, and you should use tailor's tacks and position them carefully. I also suggest that you clearly mark the wrong side of each of the little pieces if your fabric's right and wrong sides are similar."

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SKU: 31477204522

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Ryan Miles
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Clean Look, Super Comfortable – Instantly a Favorite
Size: 9.5, Color: White Leather
These sneakers are exactly what I was looking for—sleek, minimal, and incredibly comfortable right out of the box. The white leather looks sharp and pairs easily with everything from jeans to chinos, even dressed-down office wear. What surprised me most was the comfort. The sole is lightweight with just the right amount of cushioning, making them perfect for walking around all day. I’ve worn them on long city days and never felt sore or tired. They fit true to size (I’m a 9.5 and they’re spot on), and the quality feels premium. If you're after a versatile white sneaker that balances style and comfort, these are 100% worth it.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2025
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Alain
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Comfortable
Size: 10.5 Wide, Color: Black Leather/Black
Very comfortable shoes, you feel like walking on clouds
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Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2026
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Gene and Karen
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 3
Not for all surfaces.
Size: 11.5 Wide, Color: Black Leather/Optic White
The sneakers look great and are comfortable on flat, smooth surfaces. Warning: The sole is very flexible and not well cushioned so a walk on rough or uneven surfaces can become uncomfortable quickly. Just understand the limitations.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2026
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BBZ
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Very nice, but sizing is inconsistent
Size: 10 Wide, Color: Ivory/White/British Tan
All of these Cole Haan shoes are extremely well made and I like the styling. On the other hand, the sizing is very inconsistent and you may end up having to do a lot of returns trying to find the right size. Then if you get a different color of it, you may find the sizing different yet again. If you find your right zie, they are really nice shoes at a very reasonable price for the quality.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2026
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Lofidelityrockr
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
I love this brand. These shoes look and fit great!
Size: 13 Wide, Color: Black/White/Black
I love wearing Cole Haan shoes. This is the second pair I’ve owned and the style just gets me. I’ve worn these to work at a great professional job every day, not just casual Friday. I wear these when I head out shopping or to dinner. They are functional, comfortable, built for regular and bigger wider feet and comfortable. I am 6 feet tall and my feet have changed size over the years to me needing a wider shoe to relieve pressure on my toes and front wide porting of my foot. So the 13W feels great and still walks the same as a regular 14 but more comfort for me. They look amazing and qualify in some offices as dress shoes (depending on company rules they will justify a sneaker as a shoe with the tan colored “gum” sole as a sneaker) so check company policy. The black sole on this makes it look more dressy. I am switching out the laces to match my previous Cole Haan because I think the white shoelaces look better. As an adult, aside from my Kenneth Cole boots Reaction boots and Doc Marten’s these are the only shoes I will pay 3 digits for. This looks like skater shoes but with a more mature look.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2025

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