A working class woman likely only had two or three everyday dresses, one Sunday best outfit, and maybe the newest everyday dress reserved for going to town or visiting people.
**can you imagion ladies dressing like this NOW?
Layers of Womens Clothing
Here's a list of the Civil War womens clothing that they wore starting next to the skin and working out in layers:
Layer 1
* Drawers (underpants) made of cotton or linen and trimmed with lace
* Chemise (long undershirt) usually made of linen
* Stockings held up with garters
Layer 2
* Corset or stays stiffened with whale bone
* Crinoline, hoop skirt, or 1 or 2 petticoats (dark color if traveling due to mud and dirt)
Layer 3
* Petticoat bodice, corset cover, or camisole
Layer 4
* Bodice
* Skirt, often held up with "braces" (suspenders)
* Belt
* Slippers made of satin, velvet, done in knit, or crochet
Layer 5 (outerwear for leaving the house)
* Shawl, jacket, or mantle
* Gloves or mitts
* Button up boots
* Parasol
* Bonnet or hat
* Bag or purse
* Handkerchief
* Fan sometimes made of sandalwood
* Watch pocket
