19th Century Empire Dress in Printed or Striped Cotton Townsends A Line Strapless Red Lace Appliques Empire Waist Sleeveless Long Forma Modsele A Brief History of the Empire Waist The empire waist reshaped fashion in the early 19th century. It borrowed from classical antiquity and rejected the ridgid styles of the 18th century. While the fashion looked more relaxed, the societal TIERED EMPIRE WAIST WEDDING DRESS Dave & Johnny 19th Century Empire Dress in Solid Cotton