. . much time in trying to get my hair to look like Lizzy or Emma or Jane etc, and have come to the conclusion that hair pins are essential.
There are many variatiosn you can try, i shall try to decribe the basic style that i use (I do not profess to be an expert when it comes to doing ones hair, but my friends tell me . . :)

] I've looked online and have seen multiple descriptions of the era's style but nothing about how to do it! Any help? I'm not even sure if it is possible to style my hair like that, as it is layered -- the longest slightly below my shoulders and shortest slightly above.

Right. You should be able to do it quite easily with that length hair - though if it's very thin a hair piece may be necessary (though i have never used one myself as my hair is quite thick)
Very long haired pple can just tie it up in a kind of knot that requires almost no pins at all (i used to have hair well below my waist).
If you want a parting you will have to do it in two parts. If you want small curls at the front like Lizzy curling tongs will be necessary - i find this extremely difficult and have never quite managed it.
Oh dear - i have to go - d'oh! i will explain a.s.a.p. - when i have time, hopefully tomorrow moring
sorry
Hafsa:)