Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request in English. Please answer in English.

### Instruction:
Debora has 12 more dresses than Melissa. Melissa has half the number of dresses Emily has. If Emily has 16 dresses, how many dresses do the three of them have in total?

### Response:
Melissa has half the number of dresses Emily has, which means Melissa has 16 / 2 = <<16/2=8>>8 dresses.
Debora has 12 more dresses than Melissa, which means Debora has 8 + 12 = <<12+8=20>>20 dresses.
In total, the three of them have 8 + 20 + 16 = <<8+20+16=44>>44 dresses.
#### 44