Look of the decade

The curvy profile of Christian Dior's "New Look", with its tight bodice, narrow waist and full skirt, was the look of the 1950s…

The curvy profile of Christian Dior's "New Look", with its tight bodice, narrow waist and full skirt, was the look of the 1950s, although it first appeared in 1947. Bras were padded and underwired to emphasise the silhouette. Bright fabrics and floral prints were popular, and gloves were worn all year round. Men's fashions were slimline with the "drape suit": narrow-cut jackets with slim trousers and long, single-breasted jackets. The Teddy boy suit was an extreme version of this. Hats were no longer necessary for daywear.