18cNewEnglandLife
Clothing & Accoutrements

Just Beginning to Dress the Part?  
The Basic 4 and Basic 5 Wardrobe

For women just beginning to pull together a wardrobe for our Revolutionary War period, the following is offered as a way of understanding what
is needed when the ideal is not possible.  Additional garments should be added. 

            *For Battle Road, in cold weather, when the 'outerwear garment' will not be removed--The Basic 4 Clothing items
                'Outerwear garment' refers to the mantle or cloak

            *When no 'outerwear' garment is worn; limited basics--The Basic 5

            *The docent at a historical site with limited options -- Basic 5 using the bedgown and adding an apron

Basic 4                                                                                            

Petticoats-preferably wool, and preferably 2                                          
Neckcloth                                                                                              
Mantle or Cloak, ideally with arm slits to keep closed                              
Cap                                                                                                    

Simple additions for warmth and to shed the rain or sun:
Staw Hat
Plain fingerless mitts  

 

 Basic 5    plus Mantle or Cloak if needed

Shift
Neckcloth
Petticoats-preferably woolen, and preferably 2
Choice of Bedgown or Shortgown,  or some less fitted Jackets
Cap

With either the Basic 4 or Basic 5 plain hose/socks and plain non-descript shoes are a given.One does not wear sleeveless bodices as on outer garment in place of a gown or jacket

From the Basics one would begin adding:
Apron
Pockets, drawstring bags are also handy
Stays or Jumps
Fitted gown or jacket worn over stays or jumps

And for warmth:
Mitts
Quilted bodice or waistcoat worn under a gown, whether a fitted gown, bedgown, short gown or jacket

 

And when you really get hooked --18th century style shoes!

Recommendations as the minimum dress requirements for Battle Road  by Rhonda McConnon

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