The 1950s witnessed a new doe-eyed femininity in women's fashion. The clothes became more conventional, and women wore scarlet lips and fingernails. Dior's New Look influenced softer shoulders, corseted waists, and fuller longer skirts aided by petticoats. This book is part of a series charting the development of women's and men's clothing from 1900 onwards. It includes complete descriptions of each garment and accessories, itemizing colour, cut, necklines, lapels, sleeves, pockets, fastenings, buttons and belts. The year-by-year format progresses through day wear, evening wear, sportswear, leisurewear, underwear, negligee and wedding wear. The text is accompanied by costume drawings by John Peacock, and includes a chart summarizing the evolution of fashion, garment shapes, and biographies of the outstanding designers of the decade.