No, not for me to wear - but just to correctly describe.
Clearly I'm a male so there will never, ever be any real hope of my getting it right... But - I am just wondering if there is a good, basic guide somewhere so that I can identify the difference between all the different tops, skirts, dresses, suites and - and -and...
HELP!
It would be nice to at least have some degree od accuracy...
Thanks
David
When I needed a dress for a female character in Adelaide, Australia I simply googled a dress shop in Adelaide, picked one and described it.
Working out what is available to the character is first. Is budget an issue? Then think about her age, size and what she is using the clothes for. Is she quite feminine? Even if she usually wears skirts she's less likely to if she's travelling anywhere.
Most women wear what flatters even if they'd prefer something else. Unless you are writing about the 'People of Walmart' of course.
It's a nightmare, mate.
I had a (relatively wealthy) female character wearing a silk nightgown in 1808 until I was advised, by one who knows, the fashion at that time was for muslin...
What a character wears would be determined by personality and circumstance. Unless you are writing about fashion, the details won't matter? Maybe try watching a movie or reading a book on a similar theme?