The first thing which struck me is that Belle and her dress are one signifier. A naked woman is another sign altogether. Belle in her sundress signifies innocence, sensuality and desire. She is just a few inches short of the limit to which society permits a good girl to display herself. But I also exude health, good fellowship, common sense.
Belle is the French Canadian version of the girl next door.
Belle has what I would characterize as an almost virginal quality. My own wife is an example. A student of mine, she seemed fresh and mysterious ten years ago. I realized too late that all of the appeal was in the freshness of her complexion. When that went, so did my attraction to her.