Have you ever wondered, what are the most important elements of dressing like a Southern Belle? Well, question no more, VIP readers, because the VIP is here!

Okay–for starters, you don’t have to be a true Southerner to dress like a Southern Belle because rule no. 1 of Southern style is keeping it classy! So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the VIP’s three ways to dress like a Southern Belle! Below are the essentials:

1. Pearls, pearls, & MORE PEARLS

2. Coastal/Beachy Apparel

3. BIG hair–DUH wink

PEARLS–they’re given to us by our mommas, grand-mommas, and best friends. They are the true definition of a timeless accessory that has the ability to dress up ANY ensemble ANY time of year. Whether you’re investing in cheap pearls or the real deal, you cannot go wrong with layering beautiful strands together.

COASTAL/BEACHY APPAREL–Because we Southerners love to travel to the coast during the summers (I mean, who doesnt?!), embracing a beach-inspired style is a total no-brainer *wink* And brands like Simply Southern, Lauren James, and Lily Pultizer make it super easy for all ladies to rock the style all year long!

BIG HAIR–I don’t think I have to explain this one very much *wink* Dolly Parton is a PRIME example of how we Southern women love teased and hair-sprayed hair. The higher the hair, the closer to heaven *hands in air*

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

For those of you who have been following VIP since the beginning, y’all know that I started the blog when I was living in the middle of nowhere in Mississippi struggling with Hughes Net *wink* While a lot has changed in four years, and I have since moved to Birmingham, Alabama and now Johnson City, Tennessee, I still hold true to my classy Southern roots.

*Photo taken in my hometown in Mississippi, 2012.*

Being reared in a Southern home, I witnessed some of the most fabulous fashions from my momma, grandmothers, and great Aunt Jo and Judy. There’s no denying their Southern Belle lifestyle rubbed off on me–I always say yes ma’am and no ma’am, I have too many pearl necklaces, and I am a sucker for a tall glass of sweet tea *wink*

So, for this week’s Weekly Whistle ensemble, I am embracing simple Southern style with a steal-of-a-deal Simply Southern tunic blouse I picked up on my mini road trip to Asheville. Check out the outfit details + awesome photos below taken in downtown Johnson City, Tennessee.