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Christian Dior's New Look dominated the shape of fashion in the late 1950s and the first half of the 1950s. Two versions of fashionable silhouette prevailed: one with the full skirt, the other with along, straight, slim skirt; but both styles of dress had a fitted bodice, natural shoulder line and slender waits. the general effect was well-tailored and well-groomed, very neat, pretty and feminine, in a studied way. by 1950 short hair had returned and cosmetics (widely available again after the War) were used with enjoyment.

The second half of the decade saw a marked departure from the natural figure line with the most original designs being created in Paris by Balenciaga. the shape of the women's dresses became very artificial, the waistline was dropped or raised beyond its normal level, the torso was enlarged in ballooning shapes, collars stood away from the neck, and sleeves were shortened.

Throughout the 1950s the architectural shapes or women's clothes depended on skilful cutting and construction so for Parisian haute couture, which excelled in this, the period was a high point.

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