Glittery Pleated Empire Waist Sleeveless Formal Evening Dress A Brief History of the Empire Waist Evening dress. Culture: American. Date: ca. 1848. The female silhouette of the middle of the 19th century consisted of a fitted corseted bodice and wide full skirts. The conical skirts developed between Empire Waist Dress 1800s 19th Century Empire Dress in Solid Cotton Wiyuqeen Women's Empire Waist Sleeveless Tiered Dresses Elegant Square Neck Pleated Swing Maxi Dresses Casual Summer Solid Color Sundresses Walmart.com