Dresses Empire Waist

A slinky stunner in a pretty paisley that packs into next to nothing — and emerges a bohemian beauty. The cut is simple yet sultry, with an empire waist, spaghetti straps that tie halter style and a cascading maxi-length handkerchief hem in back. Below-knee length in front. Silk habutai. Unlined. Imported.

Price: $168.00

She'll cause an ocean of commotion in this sweet yet sporty maxi sundress, with its striking photo-realistic floral print and stay-put racerback styling. In lightweight cotton jersey, with gorgeous gathered tiers, it moves seamlessly from beach cover-up to party attire. Elastic empire waist. Low-calf length. Cotton. Imported.

Price: $29.00

The epitome of a pretty party dress: our very shapely summer frock with an embroidered mesh lace overlay is styled with a fitted bodice, an empire waist and a full gathered skirt. Scalloped edges at the surplice neckline and flirty hem make this a standout silhouette for a fete of the garden, graduation or wedding variety. Embroidered poly mesh over lightweight cotton. Imported.

Price: $138.00

The maxi trend is still going strong — and long. This feminine rendering features a breezy ruffle at the front, an empire elastic waist and a flowy skirt — a serene way to weather even the steamiest days. Adjustable spaghetti straps. Lighter-weight cotton/rayon/spandex stays cool to the touch. Imported.

Price: $98.00

This is the one: a made-for-movement dress that instantly turns her into a ballerina with its leotard-like poly taffeta bodice and tutu-like three-layer tulle skirt (with full petticoat!). Floral appliqués and faux-pearl beading along the straps and at front waist complete the fantasy. Scoop neck. Sleeveless. Empire waist. Tie-at-back sash. Covered center-back zipper. Calf length. Poly. Lined....

Price: $39.00

A charming nod to the quintessential '50s party dress (updated with of-the-moment patterns and colors), this handcrafted design has fluttery ruffled cap sleeves, a wide tie-back attached belt and a calf-length skirt with a full, swingy shape. Square neck. Empire waist. Keyhole opening with button at back. Decorative flower, with center button, at waist. Cotton. Fully lined. Crinoline petticoat. By ...

Price: $68.00

Pretty prints and pockets — two reasons to covet this season's surplice dress. With wide, bra-strap-friendly straps, a shaped empire waist and a gathered A-line skirt, it's the kind of dress that swings from everyday to, say, an afternoon wedding without missing a beat. Sleeveless. Pull-on style. Above-knee length. Cotton voile with voile lining. Imported.

Price: $128.00

The same gathered asymmetrical tiers girls rave about in a lightweight cotton jersey fabric that makes this punchy play dress even more comfy to wear. Dress up with sandals, or throw it on with flip-flops and head to the beach. Empire waist. Knee length. Imported.

Price: $24.00

When only something truly special and unique will do, this dress takes flight with its striking embroidery, stunning appliqué and poufy skirt with tons of tulle. Square neck. Spaghetti straps. Slight empire waist. Fitted bodice. Removable poly chiffon sash with tie. Ruffle at bottom. Below-knee length. Cotton. Lined. By Moxie & Mabel. USA/Imported.

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Sm...

Price: $99.00

Snag our classic tank dress, favored for its simple style and exceptional softness in earth-friendly Green Cotton with just a hint of spandex for a smooth, feel-good fit. Empire waist. Above-knee length. Imported.

Price: $51.00

With its deep V-neck and slim A-line silhouette, this dress is like a tall drink of water -- sleek and very cool. Signature twist at the empire waist. Three-quarter sleeves. Above-knee length. Cotton/spandex. From Velvet by Graham & Spencer. USA.

Price: $58.00

Make a bold statement in chintzed cotton voile saturated with colorful coral stripes. Feminine surplice neckline and an empire waist accented by an attached sash. Finished with a full, pleated skirt with hidden side zip. Sleeveless. Knee length. Lined. Imported.

This style is made of breezy summerweight cotton voile.

Price: $38.00

Coffee becomes the new black in our exquisite silk dress brimming with designer details. Surplice neckline with twisted straps falls to an empire waist. Draped and pleated georgette overskirt swoops gracefully from the bubble hem up the back to create a dramatic cape. Invisible back zip. Above-knee length. Lined. Imported.

Price: $98.00

Flattery will get you everywhere. Our crossover-neckline dress accentuates the positive in pure cotton voile to the knee. Cap sleeves. Fitted empire waist. Back zip. Fully lined in cotton. Imported.

Very fitted through the bust. If you are between sizes, order one size larger than your usual size.

Price: $68.00

Faux layers create the look of a mixed-print woven jumper over a jersey-knit top, without the extra effort or bulk. Fixed sash with bow adds a sweet finish. Crew neck. Empire waist. Decorative buttons. Exposed double petticoat ruffles at hem. Full, gathered skirt lined in cotton. Long sleeves. Invisible zipper at back. Cotton poplin. Imported.

Price: $24.00

A sublimely soft knit dress in pima cotton and modal. Dress it up with a wrap, jewelry, and heels, layer it with leggings, or throw it on over your swimsuit. Short dolman sleeves. Banded empire waist. Above-knee length. Imported

Price: $68.00

Luscious jersey knit and our own artistic prints beg the question, where did you find that? Surplice neckline dips softly in front. Empire waist; falls easily to above-knee length. Front pockets. Lined bodice. Viscose/elastane. Imported.

Price: $78.00

A covetable above-knee-length dress in a choice of pure cotton voile or eyelet is always unforgettable. We've made it even more alluring with a low neckline and elongating empire waist. Cap sleeves. Pull-on style. Cotton voile slip with adjustable straps. Imported.

The bodice seam of this dress sits directly under the bust. If you have a full bust you may wish to order one size up for best fit.

Price: $49.00

This dreamy dress can be customized to color-coordinate with a wedding or other special event with its removable sash (available in eight colors) and optional flower detail (in two colors). And don't worry if she gets it dirty -- while it looks like delicate silk, it's actually machine washable (you're welcome). Square neckline. Sleeveless. Spaghetti straps. High empire waist with full, but not pou...

Price: $34.50-$129.00