Scarlett O'Hara Costume
Channel classic Hollywood glamour in Scarlett's most unforgettable Southern belle gowns.
Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind is one of cinema's most famous heroines, known for her fierce determination and stunning wardrobe. Costume seekers typically choose between her two most famous looks: the green velvet 'curtain dress' or the scandalous red velvet party gown. This guide focuses on her iconic green velvet curtain dress, representing her resilience and classic Southern style.
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $80–250
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What you need for a Scarlett O'Hara costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Scarlett O'Hara costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Green Velvet Gown
A heavy, dark green velvet or velour floor-length gown with long, fitted sleeves, a structured bodice, and a full hoop skirt silhouette.
DIY: Modify a thrifted green velvet maxi dress by adding a gold-trimmed sash and drapery-style shoulder details.
Gold Tassel Cord Belt
A thick, braided gold rope cord tied around the waist with long hanging tassels, mimicking curtain tiebacks.
DIY: Buy thick gold drapery cord from a craft store and knot the ends into tassels.
Crinoline Hoop Skirt
A multi-tiered white hoop skirt petticoat worn underneath to give the dress its dramatic, wide Victorian bell shape.
Green Velvet Hat
A matching dark green velvet cocktail hat or bonnet, decorated with a gold trim or a faux green feather.
DIY: Cover a small straw hat in green velvet fabric and pin a gold brooch and green feather to the side.
White Lace Handkerchief
A delicate, vintage-style white lace handkerchief to carry as a classic Southern accessory.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Scarlett O'Hara costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on your undergarments and slip into the crinoline hoop skirt first to establish the wide silhouette.
- 2
Carefully step into the green velvet gown, pulling it up over the hoop skirt, and zip or lace up the back.
- 3
Wrap the braided gold tassel cord around your waist twice, tying it in a loose knot on the side so the tassels hang down the skirt.
- 4
Style your hair into a classic 1860s half-up do with curls, then secure the green velvet hat slightly tilted to one side.
- 5
Put on simple gold drop earrings and carry the white lace handkerchief in your hand.
Makeup & hair
Style dark brown hair into a center part with tight, bouncy ringlet curls framing the face, pulling the top half back. Keep makeup classic with a porcelain complexion, defined dark eyebrows, a touch of rosy blush, and a bold matte red lip.
Scarlett O'Hara for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with Rhett Butler wearing a sharp 1860s grey or black Victorian tuxedo tailcoat, white ascot, and a dashing mustache.
- group
- Group with Melanie Wilkes in a modest grey Victorian dress and Mammy in a red petticoat and white apron.
- kids
- A miniature version of the green curtain dress with a smaller hoop skirt and a matching green hair bow.
- Plus size
- Look for velvet gowns with lace-up corset backs to allow for an adjustable, comfortable fit over a hoop skirt.
Tips
- Hoop skirts can be difficult to sit in; practice gently lifting the back hoops when sitting down so the front doesn't fly up.
- Velvet can get very warm, so opt for lightweight velvet blends if you plan to wear this costume indoors or at a crowded party.
- Walk with slow, gliding steps to keep the hoop skirt moving gracefully without swaying wildly.
Scarlett O'Hara costume FAQ
- What is the story behind Scarlett O'Hara's green dress?
- In the film, Scarlett is destitute but needs to look wealthy to ask Rhett Butler for money. She tears down her mother's green velvet window drapes and sews them into a stunning gown, complete with the gold curtain cords as a belt.
- What do I wear under a Scarlett O'Hara dress?
- You absolutely need a multi-ring hoop skirt (crinoline) to give the skirt its historically accurate bell shape. Wearing a corset underneath is optional but helps achieve the cinched Victorian waistline.
- Can I wear the red dress instead?
- Yes! Scarlett's other iconic look is the scandalous burgundy-red velvet column gown adorned with ruby rhinestones and ostrich feathers, which she wears to Ashley's birthday party.
Did you know? The original green curtain dress designed by Walter Plunkett for the 1939 film actually used real, heavy wool-rayon faille to look authentically like sun-faded drapery fabric.