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The Style of Scarlett O Hara

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By kellyfilmgirl


Scarlett O Hara: Queen of Southern Civil War Era Fashion

Close your eyes and think of the name "Scarlett O Hara." What do you see? No doubt you hear certain movie quotes and maybe think of her spunk, but chances are, you see her wardrobe just as clearly as any of that.

So many scenes within Gone With The Wind were defined by Scarlett's wardrobe. From the drapery scene to the inappropriate red dress, pop culture has had quite a love affair with the clothes of Scarlett O Hara.


Who Designed Those Gowns?

Though he went uncredited on the film, Walter Plunkett was responsible for giving Scarlett O Hara her sense of style.

Known for his period style costumes in films such as Little Women, Showboat and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Plunkett brought his flair for fashion past together with Scarlett's fiery personality and designed some of the most memorable film costumes to date.

Rarely do costumes themselves become their own character within a film, but Plunkett's gowns for Scarlett did just that. They also made bold statements about the character such as Melanie's proper, high-collared gowns or Ashley's costumes which were just a little too frou-frou for his own good.


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The BBQ Gown

When we think of "Fiddle Dee Dee" and Scarlett's life before Rhett, it's possibly this gown that comes to mind first.

Green and white with off the shoulder ruffles, Scarlett's dress worn to the BBQ at Twelve Oaks encapsulates who Scarlett was during the days of the old South when everything was handed to her and she fought for nothing.

It's a flirty, innocent gown and one of Scarlett's most popular inspiring numerous reproductions and adorning dolls from Barbie to Madame Alexander's. It's the very definition of "Southern Belle."

Of course, the dress is incomplete without Scarlett's oversized straw hat. With its green sash tied under the chin, it brings the hat together with the green in the dress and makes Scarlett truly look like the innocent girl she really isn't.


Scarlett O Hara's Garnet Gown

"Nothing modest or matronly will do for this occasion!"

Rhett Butler demanded Scarlett wear the gown to Ashley Wilkes' birthday party. Despite the fact that it was supposed to do nothing more than make Scarlett look like the improper woman she was, it has continued to be a fashion icon and has inspired countless reproductions.

With its feathers, rhinestones and low-cut bustline, it became a plot device within the film as Rhett sought to humiliate Scarlett by having her thrown from Melanie Wilkes' home.


The Green Drapery Dress

What's a woman to do when she's destitute and has only the drapes on her windows? She makes a dress of her velvet drapes, that's what.

It's one of the most memorable scenes in Gone With The Wind, with Scarlett ripping the drapes from the window in order to have a suitable gown. It's a unique gown and with its tassled belt and billowy sleeves, there's no question that the fabric in question was never really meant to be a dress, but Scarlett wore it with flair and made it into one of the most recognizable gowns of all time.

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glassvisage profile image

glassvisage  says:
2 years ago

I've never seen this movie, but the dresses are enough to inspire me to :)

kika83  says:
2 years ago

I love this movie, i have lost count the times i have seen it. If you have not seen it itis time to the light and watch it......

belu  says:
17 months ago

i simply adoreeeeeee this movie. I totally love Scarlett; she is one of the most determinated and inspiring women of the literature and movies as well.

Shannon   says:
9 months ago

uhm, determinated? i think you mean DETERMINED.

daniella  says:
9 months ago

Really like the book,but sadly haven't watch the entire movie...

Scarlett is such a tough woman. I love it when she's pregnant with Kat and still managed to "rebuild" Tara.

awesome!

Rick Edward  says:
7 months ago

Where can I buy these fantastic photos of Scarlett O'Hara!

Rick, red4862@comcast.net

Janetta profile image

Janetta  says:
2 months ago

You had me at Scarlett lol :)

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