Dress the Part of a Literary Heroine

by Karen

Some characters draw us in because we feel their emotions matching our own. Others draw us in because we secretly want to be like them. While still others are nothing like what we would want in ourselves; but their lives seem fascinating. Literary heroines come from all walks of life and intrigue readers for so many special reasons.

Dress the Feeling

The characters below should evoke some deep set feeling in readers. If they did when you read their story wouldn’t it be nice to draw on that feeling of empowerment, or courage, or spunk, and dress the part of a literary heroine? It would be easy to say that any dress makes you feel sexy, but maybe you need just a little inspiration from a literary heroine.

Jane Eyre, Jane Eyre

She is powerful and independent. Many women admire the courage and passion she devotes to situations she gets involved in. From dealing with incivility among family members to attending a dreadful private school, Jane simply holds her own. She is passionate and plain at the same time.

Hester Prynne, The Scarlet Letter

Not a traditional response to literary heroines, but one just the same. Hester is a bit rebellious for her time. She speaks with power and conviction while maintaining her tact and tenacity. NPR has described her as being “among the first and most important female protagonists in American literature. She’s the embodiment of deep contradictions: bad and beautiful, holy and sinful, conventional and radical… can be seen as Hawthorne’s literary contemplation of what happens when women break cultural bounds and gain personal power.” This dress seems like a tribute to Hester Prynne. Feel the devotion to your family and beliefs and acknowledge your passion.
Vintage Inspired Dress in red
Dress the Part of a Literary Heroine

Elizabeth Bennett, Pride and Prejudice

This one is truly a lady. It doesn’t matter the situation, she is calm and full of grace. Elizabeth lets nobody talk down to her. If there is anything that is most appealing about her; it is her wit and way with words. Her sarcasm and spunk show a truly authentic woman. While somewhat of a rebel, it is not likely she would resort to anything more than a tongue-lashing in scolding her opposition. No rebellion here, the Elizabeth of today would love to grace any event in this one.
Dress the Part of a Literary Heroine
Dress the Part of a Literary Heroine

Scarlett O’Hara, Gone with the Wind

This character was everything society told her not to be; shrewd, abrupt, a drinker, etc. She didn’t try to be anyone but herself. She was ambitious and got everything she thought she wanted. Until the end of this story, when she realized; all the riches in the world could not satisfy her. Love is what she needed. From the opening line; “Scarlett O’Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it…,” her role was laid out. She knew how to manipulate those around her to her benefit. This one brings to mind a more modern Scarlett O’Hara, don’t you think so too.
Scarlett O’Hara Short Dresses
Dress the Part of a Literary Heroine

Celie, The Color Purple

A protector in a time when women were not meant to be. She is beaten and raped and abused throughout her life. But when her sister is in danger, she steps in to help; going against all norms and putting herself in danger. She is a strong woman that finds she can stand up to the men in her life and redeem her self-worth. Think about how you would feel in a dress like this, would it scream Celie and bring you a sense of strength?
Celie, The Color Purple Dress
Dress the Part of a Literary Heroine

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