We asked a group of women what it means to be a ‘Southern Belle’

Southern states are known for hospitality, and of course its charm. One of the things that contribute to the charm is the deeply-rooted values in which traditional ladies are raised. The values in which they are raised set them apart from other parts of America.

From the streets of Charleston, South Carolina to Raleigh, North Carolina  Southern Belles have a unique charm. I asked some native southerners to describe what they think it means and here’s what they said:

Haley, South Carolina, 17

“I think we have a lot more southern hospitality than a lot of other areas which I think sets us a part.

“We live by the beach and the good weather and nice people, that’s what qualifies it.”

Channing Botts, South Carolina, 30

“I think a Southern Belle is a sophisticated, well-mannered woman who can also be considered proper.

“They also often come from upper-class families and have the traits of a bless-you-heart type of lady.”

Reagan Hembree, South Carolina, 19 and Mary Kahn, South Carolina, 21 

Reagan: “I think a southern belle is someone who is born and raised in the south, and is very polite responding with yes m’am, no m’am. She is also very modest and respectful.”

Mary: “I think they are very modest and very religious. While they are very polite, they can also be judgemental of those around them.”

Karen Garn, Ohio

“I’ve been here for over twenty years and when I first came, it made me stop wearing blue jeans. When I first came I was amazed by how beautiful and proper the women were, and how they dressed in a classy manner.

“I noticed that the definition has changed since I moved here.”

Lucy Rohden, North Carolina, 17 

“In NC we define a southern belle as girl who is really proud of her southern heritage. But to me a little more stereotypical with it they tend to wear a lot of pearls and lily pulitzer clothing.“

“Here it is basically someone who loves the south with all her heart and more!”

Amy McKenna, South Carolina, 18

“I would say a southern belle is a girl who was obviously raised in the south. She likes to get dolled up but still enjoys downtime with her family.

“Pearls are essential, but family is the center of her life and close friends are important to her.”

Brittany Williams, Pennsylvania, 25

“I’m not from the south but I think a southern belle is someone who is born and raised in the south.

“They have good manners and are also really pretty.”

Even though there may be more than one way to describe a traditional southern lady, a southern belle will always be associated with deep family values that helped her get to where she is today.