The high-waisted dress know today as "empire" dates back to the Directoire Period of France - the era directly following the French Revolution. 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 nobility and patriot alike. Its peak of popularity was during the "First Empire" period (1799 - 1815). This package offers this simple-sew classic in three lengths and two sleeve options. Suggested fabrics for the traditional version: white muslin, tulle, organdy, batiste. For the contemporary version use soft, light to medium-weight fabrics such as cotton gauze, batiste, dotted Swiss, rayon challis, silk, and very lightweight chiffon velvet with drape. Women's size 6-16, pattern for dress in two lengths with train option, simple-sew or authentic version.