Southern Belle dresses, Southern Belle costumes, and Southern Belle sewing patterns from the Victorian Civil War era all have a vintage charm to them. The Southern Belle outfit was made popular by the 1939 movie Gone with the Wind‘s Scarlett O’Hara character. Her rich gowns of white lace flounce contrasted with her make-do-during-the-war green curtain gown, yet both are elegant examples of clothing during the 1800s, specifically the 1860s. The dresses were large hooped skirts with tightly corseted bodices and sleeves for the day, or they were sleeveless for evenings. Large ruffles, flounce, draping, bows, and flowers decorated the dresses into fancy attire. Plain colors, plaid, and small floral prints made up the simple day dresses. Ladies wore gloves, bonnets or large sun hats, and lace-up boots. They may have also carried a parasol or hand fan to stay cool in the hot southern sun.
Browse these affordable Victorian dresses and costumes that span the 1840s to 1900s. Among them are many Southern Belle dresses of the Civil War era and others that embrace the later bustle era and natural form as well. Complete your look with all the Victorian era accessories you desire.
