Perfect empire waist pattern for Bridgerton or Jane Austin fans.

By the end of eighth grade, I had read every Jane Austin novel. I think I’ve seen every adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. I even read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. You can likely guess that I binged Bridgerton.

I soon started plotting my own empire waist dress. I didn’t want it to look too costumey and needed it to be not too complicated. After several Google searches and asking Reddit, I landed on Folkwear #215. I used a super lightweight dotted swiss. I modified the pattern by removing the sleeves and using a bias tape binding with directions from In the Folds.

The pattern is pretty forgiving. I had the most difficulty attaching the waist channel for the elastic. I unpicked so much and this fabric wasn’t quite great for that. I also did the expanded bust since I am a D-cup.

I’m pretty happy with the finished product. It pairs well with a jean jacket (which is what I envisioned). Though, I feel like I need a big hat to complete the look.

I won’t likely be playing too much dress-up in it (pretty sure my regency hair looks more like 90s prom). Since I’m already married, I won’t be attending any balls or dances though I think scheming isn’t off the table.