As a teenager, Gone with the Wind was one of my favorite movies, and as it turns out, one of America’s favorite books. Even though in the back of my mind, I knew I always wanted to read the book by Margaret Mitchell, it wasn’t until this summer that I actually picked it up. Pick up being a relative term because I actually downloaded it onto my Nook e-reader, saving myself the pain of lugging around a 998 page book. As I dug into Gone With the Wind, I was inspired to do an outfit post inspired by the two female protagonists: Melanie (Melly) Hamilton and the infamous Scarlett O’Hara. Keep reading to find out what my take is on how Melly and Scarlett would dress today.
Dress Like Melly
Melanie represents all that is good and right with feminine culture in the South both before and after the Civil War. Though she’s a hard worker who does very little to stand out when it comes to her clothes, she is always refined and put together. If you relate to Melly, you’re more likely to gravitate toward functional pieces that have a little bit of personality to them. When it comes to accessories, you’ll more often choose necessity over fashion–perfect for the woman on the go.
Dress Like Scarlett
Scarlett O’Hara is the complete anthesis of what a proper Southern woman should be in the Antebellum Period and the Reconstruction. Scarlett speaks her mind, dresses provocatively and kisses men–lots of them. If you relate to Scarlett, you like to take risks by showing off your best features while still keeping an air of conservatism–that is to say, you should some things but not everything. You’re into high style while at the same time you are up to date on all the latest trends. You don’t mind wearing something that others may see as ridiculous so long as you think it’s fashionable.
Are You a Melly or a Scarlett?
These two archetypes of women repeat themselves through literature and film–which one do you relate to more? Share by commenting! These days, I am much more like Melly, though I certainly do have my Scarlett moments especially on date night. Life is too short to be just one or the other!
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I am definitely a Scarlett. I love that you found inspiration from such a classic book and made it perfectly modern! Its funny- I only recently saw Gone with the Wind for the FIRST time! I’ve never read the book but I think you’ve piqued my interest!
xo
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I’ve done it a few times before, and was literally waiting for the next opportunity to do it. It struck me on the train on my way home that Gone with the Wind would be the perfect opportunity to do it again.
The books is rather long, but I must admit that I’m loving it and can already tell that I’m going to be sad when it’s over.
Gone with the Wind has to be one of my FAVORITE movies of all time! I must have watch it a million times! I actually have the door stopper size book at home, I just haven’t gotten a chance to finish it all. Love the dress you picked for Scarlett. That is definitely her!
I’m usually more of a Melly though lately I’ve been having a lot Scarlett moments!
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I think it will take me until the end of July to finish the book! It spans pre-Civil War until post-Civil War–I don’t know why I was so surprised it was 1,000 pages long!
It was interesting trying to pick a dress for Scarlett! She’s tasteful yet edgy.
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