In the decade or so since Gone with the Wind, Scarlett O'Hara had dispensed with her full-skirted gowns swaying over enormous crinoline frames, in favor of the newly fashionable line that was flatter at the front of the skirt but fuller at the back—soon to become the bustle.

The simplicity of the design of the overdress sets off the original silk, brocaded with lively flowers, from which it has been made. Although panels or pieces of original fabric are frequently integrated into a costume, it is less usual for a whole garment to be made from them as old fabrics are generally too fragile to withstand [not readable] survive only in short lengths.