In 1947, Christian Dior debuted the "New Look" silhouette that would shape the decade to come: With its nipped-in waist, structured bust, and voluminous taffeta layered skirt, it was the antithesis of wartime outfits. Even the lighter garments that eventually became common fare among middle-class women stateside retained much of this femininity: cinch-waist dresses, full mid-calf skirts, and sweater sets.
