in just a little over 2 years I am hopping to throw an 18th cent/regency costume party. Yall are invited.
I have friends and family who will need guidlines. a reccomended book and website list is rather easy though time consuming.

If you are not going for 100% accuracy, here are some ideas I am going to throw out. trying to be cheap and simple.

I feel a woman needs the shift and stays.
the smock pattern generator could be used to good effect, though I am thinking that the sleeves should be 3/4 or shorter rather than full length.
Mara Riley's shift pattern instructions are of course lovely
Marquise shift pattern may not be as simple to a noob?
Northwest Territory Alliance shift pattern PDF
I guess one could use Simplicity 3635  Or Simplicity 2621 but the patterns are really only worth a buck or two so get them on sale.

Stays
once again the Corset pattern generator could be used
Which is in fact what Mara Riley talks about on her page (with a review of Butterick 4254)

One could use Simplicity 3635  Or Simplicity 2621 Or Butterick 4254 (back only lacing and front and back lacing with victorian corset) Or Butterick 4484 (front and back lacing only with pocket hoops) but the patterns are really only worth a buck or two so get them on sale.

and now I am tired, more later