The New Look (1950's Fashion)

What was the "New Look?"

The "New Look" is most recognizable by its curvy shape and line, a far cry from its immediate predecessors. The desired look was a womanly hourglass figure, with a tiny waist, full hips, and a plentiful bust. Shoulders were no longer squared, but rounded and natural. Jackets were pinched in at the waist, and dresses had darts to accommodate the fabric increase from small waist to large chest and hips. Skirts were mid calf and full, flowing with layers of nylon petticoats. The freedom and grandeur of the skirts gave both a glamorous feeling and appearance. (Christian Dior)

Hourglass figure (Christian Dior)

1950's Fashion

Fashion was popular in the 1950s. Brightly coloured clothes and accessories became fashionable in the 1950s and the bikini was developed. 1950s fashion, like all fashion, reflected the fears and aspirations of its time. Two decades of deprivation and struggle were relieved by the threat of global nuclear war. Wartime restrictions and rations were removed, disappearing for most by the mid-1950s; in America, and parts of Europe, a new prosperity blossomed out of the ashes.

There was a strict dress code for eveningwear in the fifties. Early evening was for cocktail dress, and then there was the dinner dress and finally the more formal theatre dress suitable for a night time show. The full evening dress was opulent and modelled on a ball gown, only worn after 10pm and then on stately occasions. Dresses had deeply cut necklines, and could be strapless, backless or off-the-shoulder. Cocktail dresses were usually shorter then the more formal evening wear and not as low cut. They were made of silk, tulle, chiffon, satin, lace and net and came in single colours as well as abstract print. Some had bows, beads and sequins.

Christian Dior with his models in April 1950

Dior would go on to invent more haute couture 1950s fashions, with names like the Princess Line, the Profile Line, the A Line, and the H Line. His influence remained high throughout the 1950s. Other fashion houses were forced to follow his innovations.

Before the 1950s, underwear consisted of simple, white pieces of clothing which were not to be shown in public. In the 1950s, underwear came to be promoted as a fashion item in its own right, and came to be made in prints and coloursThe Bullet Bra (featuring exaggerated pointing or cone-shaped cups) and Push-Up Bra (by Frederick's Of Hollywood) all debuted during this decade. Women now appeared to have breasts that almost reached their necks

Teenagers and young people not wanting to conform became Rockers or Beatniks. These counter-culture groups had their own particular fashion. Ladies who favoured the Rocker style wore tight sweaters, very tight trousers, nipped in at the waist by elastic belts and spiked-heeled mules. 

Nothing says 1950s fashion like circle skirts.  These were worn by teenagers with many petticoats underneath. These were often homemade and were hand decorated with appliqués.