The New Look decade: couture at its peak, Hollywood icons and the birth of teenage style.
By Shreya S · Last reviewed 2 November 2026
What did women wear in the 1950s?
The silhouette of Dior’s New Look: a fitted bodice, a cinched waist and a full, mid-calf skirt worn over petticoats, or a narrow pencil skirt. Outfits were polished and complete, with gloves, hats and matching accessories.
Which designers defined the 1950s?
- Christian Dior, whose new silhouettes each season made headlines
- Cristóbal Balenciaga, who loosened the body with the sack dress and baby-doll
- Hubert de Givenchy, who dressed Audrey Hepburn
- Coco Chanel, who reopened in 1954 and launched her bouclé suit
Read on Ayerhs: Christian Dior – The complete guide · Hubert de Givenchy – The complete guide
How did teenagers change fashion in the 1950s?
For the first time, young people had their own money and their own style. Inspired by rock ‘n’ roll and stars such as James Dean and Marlon Brando, they wore jeans, white T-shirts and leather jackets, while girls wore circle skirts and saddle shoes.
Read on Ayerhs: The White T-Shirt · The history of denim
Who were the style icons of the 1950s?
Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe, each representing a different idea of femininity: gamine, elegant and glamorous.