"Southern belle" (from French belle 'beautiful') is acolloquialism for adebutante or other fashionable young woman of European heritage in theplanter class of theAntebellum South, particularly as a romantic counterpart to theSouthern gentleman.[1]
The image of a Southern belle is often characterized by fashion elements such as ahoop skirt, acorset,pantalettes, a wide-brimmedstraw hat, andgloves. As signs oftanning were considered working-class and unfashionable during this era,parasols andfans are also often represented.[1]
Southern belles were expected to marry respectable young men, and become ladies of society dedicated to the family and community.[1] The Southern belle archetype is characterized bySouthern hospitality, a cultivation of beauty, and a flirtatious yet chaste demeanor.[2]
For example,Sallie Ward, who was born into theplanter class ofKentucky in the Antebellum South, was called a Southern belle.[3]
Dick Pope Sr., promoter ofFlorida tourism, played an important role in popularizing the archetypal image.[4] Hostesses at his famedCypress Gardens were portrayed as Southern belles in promotional materials for thetheme park.[5]
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