Southern Belle is a subculture common in the American South which is associated with upper class white women.
Contents
- 1 History
- 2 Criticism
- 3 Visuals
- 4 Values
- 5 Fashion
- 6 Media
- 6.1 Literature
- 6.2 Movies
- 6.3 TV Shows
- 7 Resources
- 7.1 Vendors
- 8 Gallery
History[]
The Southern Belle came about in the mid-19th century among the Southern plantation class. These women were the daughters of wealthy landowners who lived lives of leisure due to the fact that their families owned slaves. When they grew up, they married other wealthy landowners, forming a network of families with shared values who controlled society and politics.
The American Civil War put an end to the Southern Belle - without slaves, the lifestyle could not continue. The cost of rebuilding plantations destroyed during the war was immense, due to economic inflation. Many families relocated to England, marrying into the British aristocracy and European nobility. Those that remained in the South struggled but clung to their roots - their family names.
The modern Southern Belle might have her own career, but domestic skills like cooking and hosting parties are considered valuable ones. After marriage, she might quit her job to become a stay-at-home mother. She might distance herself from negative stereotypes by embracing Americana style Southern Pride rather than Confederacy style Southern Pride. There is some crossover with the Tradwife movement, evidenced in the desire to please her husband and reflect well on him.
There is also the Black Southern Belle, a Black upper class woman who values Black history and tradition. She is a supporter of Black owned businesses, and the preservation of Black history. She may be a graduate of a HBC (Historically Black College) and/or a member of the Black Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.
Criticism[]
The issue with the appreciation and romanticization of the Antebellum South is of course the issue of how they received their wealth: chattel slavery. The plantation homes, elaborate dresses, and bounty of food were all produced by slaves, who were abused, killed, and dehumanized for the sake of enriching the white slave-owning class.
People who are able to gloss over this aspect often are oblivious or willfully ignorant of the horrors of slavery. This continues racism present in this day, as understanding the history of the South explains why Black Americans continue to be disenfranchised in contemporary society.
Aesthetic appreciation for Antebellum Southern society is also one of the ways modern Confederate supporters encourage sympathy for the "Lost Cause."
Visuals[]
- Big, poofy dresses
- Large hats
- Parasols
- Large plantation houses
- Immense lawns
- Brightly colored flowers
- Peaches
- Cotton fields
- Spanish moss
Values[]
- (Christian) Faith
- Community
- Family
- Femininity
- Hospitality
- Material wealth
- Tradition
Fashion[]
The 19th century Southern Belle wore huge poofy dresses stretched out over hoopskirts or crinolines. Nowadays this is worn only as a costume for a Founder's Day parade or history related special event.
- pearl stud earrings
- pearl necklaces
- gold lockets
- large straw hats
- floral print dresses (Lilly Pulitzer is a popular brand)
- tea length dresses in pastel colors
- eyelet lace dresses
Media[]
Literature[]
- "Désirée's Baby" by Kate Chopin
- Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
- A Southern Belle Primer by Maryln Schwartz
- Some Day You'll Thank Me for This by Gayden Metcalfe and Charlotte Hays
- Suck Your Stomach in and Put Some Color On! by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson
- Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon
- Southern Girl Meets Vegetarian boy: Down Home Classics For Vegetarians (and the Meat Eaters Who Love Them) by Damaris Phillips
Movies[]
- Gone with the Wind (1939)
- Jezebel (1938)
- Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
- The Beguiled (2017)
- The Fox Hunter (2020)
- The Notebook (2004)
- The Princess and the Frog (2009)
TV Shows[]
- Hart of Dixie (2011-2015)
- Mercy Street (2016-2017)
- Southern Charm (2013-)
- True Blood (2008-2014)
Resources[]
External links to help get a better understanding of this aesthetic.
- Southern Belle on Wikipedia
- Southern Belle on TV Tropes
- Southern Living magazine
- Black Southern Belle.com
Vendors[]
Gallery[]
The Belles from Hart of Dixie
Charlotte la Bouff from The Princess and the Frog
Southern plantation house
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the cultural nuances of the American South, particularly the Southern Belle subculture, I bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding to shed light on the history, values, fashion, media, and criticisms associated with this unique phenomenon.
History: The Southern Belle emerged in the mid-19th century within the Southern plantation class. These women were affluent daughters of landowners who enjoyed lives of leisure, sustained by slave labor. The American Civil War marked the decline of this lifestyle as it relied heavily on slavery. Post-war, some families relocated, marrying into European nobility, while others in the South held onto their roots amid economic struggles.
Values: Central to the Southern Belle's identity are Christian faith, community, family, femininity, hospitality, material wealth, and tradition. Despite modern adaptations, these values remain integral to the portrayal of a Southern Belle.
Fashion: The iconic 19th-century Southern Belle fashion involved large, poofy dresses, often worn with hoop skirts or crinolines. Contemporary expressions include pearl stud earrings, necklaces, gold lockets, large straw hats, and floral print dresses, with brands like Lilly Pulitzer being popular.
Visuals: The Southern Belle aesthetic is characterized by big, poofy dresses, large hats, parasols, plantation houses, immense lawns, brightly colored flowers, peaches, cotton fields, and Spanish moss.
Media: Literature and media play a significant role in shaping the Southern Belle image. Notable works include "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell and "Désirée's Baby" by Kate Chopin. Movies like "Sweet Home Alabama" and TV shows such as "Hart of Dixie" contribute to the perpetuation of this cultural archetype.
Criticism: While the Southern Belle is romanticized, criticism arises due to the historical context of wealth accumulation through chattel slavery. This critique underscores the brutal realities of slavery and its enduring impact on contemporary race relations.
Black Southern Belle: The existence of the Black Southern Belle subculture is acknowledged, emphasizing Black history, tradition, and support for Black-owned businesses. Graduates of Historically Black Colleges and members of Black sororities, such as Alpha Kappa Alpha, embody this cultural expression.
Resources: External links, including Wikipedia and TV Tropes, provide additional insights into the Southern Belle aesthetic. Magazines like Southern Living and platforms such as Black Southern Belle.com serve as valuable resources.
Vendors: Notable vendors associated with the Southern Belle style include Draper James, Lilly Pulitzer, and Spartina 449.
In essence, the Southern Belle is a multifaceted cultural phenomenon deeply rooted in history, values, and aesthetics. Understanding its complexities requires a nuanced perspective that navigates both its romanticized allure and the critical examination of its historical underpinnings.
