Hi Laura, I too have been looking for mid-century work boots, and I just spotted these at Royal Vintage. I think they’d pass.

Fugawee also has some very like them.

They ain’t cheap but they ought to wear well. Hope that helps!

Thank you very much, Jennifer! I’m looking forward to graduating to historically accurate clothing for teaching heritage programs at weekend camp events.

Next challenge: work boots. Post Civil War working footwear for country women seems to be a gaping hole in costuming footwear—everything is too formal (heeled) or the wrong era (Regency) and all the modern boots have zippers in addition to laces because we’ve all evidently forgotten how to tie shoes.

The undergarments would be the same cut as fashion with chemise, drawers and petticoats. For a dress, a basic skirt and perhaps an overskirt for Sunday and nicer occasions, then a basic bodice. Fabric selections, rather than cut/style, is what sets lower class and working wear apart from “high fashion.” Check out the Truly Victorian pattern line in their 1870s or 1880s patterns and select basic shapes. Then make your ensembles in cotton or linen or wool.

Each pattern company has their own rules for this. I’d read their instruction notes to be sure. Generally you cut the pattern to the size chart as the pattern takes the uniqueness of the corset fit into the drafting.