In 1947, model Barbara Goalen shows off a Christian Dior evening dress, part of the "New Look" that Dior helped to popularize after the austerity of Word War II.
Then: Voluminous gowns —
In 1947, model Barbara Goalen shows off a Christian Dior evening dress, part of the "New Look" that Dior helped to popularize after the austerity of Word War II.
Keystone/Getty Images
This Monique Lhuillier gown, shown at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this month, features skirt yardage similar to Dior's dresses of the 1940s and '50s.
Now: Voluminous gowns —
This Monique Lhuillier gown, shown at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this month, features skirt yardage similar to Dior's dresses of the 1940s and '50s.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Actress Audrey Hepburn embodies ladylike fashion in a stunning black dress in "Breakfast At Tiffany's." Hepburn was close friends with Hubert de Givenchy, who made many of the dresses she wore in films and in her own life.
Then: Fashion darlings —
Actress Audrey Hepburn embodies ladylike fashion in a stunning black dress in "Breakfast At Tiffany's." Hepburn was close friends with Hubert de Givenchy, who made many of the dresses she wore in films and in her own life.
Keystone Features/Getty Images
Designer Carolina Herrera, left, poses with fashion muse and burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in February.
Now: Fashion darlings —
Designer Carolina Herrera, left, poses with fashion muse and burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in February.
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
In 1957, Pagan Grigg models a black-and-white window pane-check organza dress from Christian Dior.
Then: Full skirts —
In 1957, Pagan Grigg models a black-and-white window pane-check organza dress from Christian Dior.
Terry Fincher/Keystone/Getty Images
This Lela Rose dress shown during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2014 incorporates polished fabric and a full skirt.
Now: Full skirts —
This Lela Rose dress shown during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2014 incorporates polished fabric and a full skirt.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz
Actress Janet Leigh models a yellow short-legged jumpsuit with a wide belt, beaded shoes, and a neckerchief in the 1950s.
Then: Cropped pants —
Actress Janet Leigh models a yellow short-legged jumpsuit with a wide belt, beaded shoes, and a neckerchief in the 1950s.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Carolina Herrera designed these fitted, ankle-length pants for her fall 2014 collection.
Now: Cropped pants —
Carolina Herrera designed these fitted, ankle-length pants for her fall 2014 collection.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
The bolero-style bodice and fitted skirt on this 1950s dress emphasizes the waist of a feminine figure.
Then: Cinched waists —
The bolero-style bodice and fitted skirt on this 1950s dress emphasizes the waist of a feminine figure.
Chaloner Woods/Getty Images
The bodice of this Carolina Herrera dress from the Spring 2014 collection is a similarly seamed nod to a ladylike silhouette.
Now: Cinched waists —
The bodice of this Carolina Herrera dress from the Spring 2014 collection is a similarly seamed nod to a ladylike silhouette.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2014
A fitted waist and collar are the noticeably ladylike elements of this cardigan, circa 1957.
Then: Cardigans —
A fitted waist and collar are the noticeably ladylike elements of this cardigan, circa 1957.
Chaloner Woods/Getty Images
In 2009, President Barack Obama walks with daughters Sasha and Malia and first lady Michelle Obama -- all wearing cardigans. Michelle Obama wears a sweater from Dear Cashmere, a belt by Sonia Rykiel and a dress from Talbots.
Now: Cardigans —
In 2009, President Barack Obama walks with daughters Sasha and Malia and first lady Michelle Obama -- all wearing cardigans. Michelle Obama wears a sweater from Dear Cashmere, a belt by Sonia Rykiel and a dress from Talbots.
SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images
In "Mad Men," Joan Harris, played by Christina Hendricks, left, is the office manager for an advertisement agency and Peggy Olson, played by Elisabeth Moss, right, is a copy writer. The show has been lauded for its characters' costuming.
Then: At the office —
In "Mad Men," Joan Harris, played by Christina Hendricks, left, is the office manager for an advertisement agency and Peggy Olson, played by Elisabeth Moss, right, is a copy writer. The show has been lauded for its characters' costuming.
Frank Ockenfels/AMC
It might be considered casual in the most professional of offices, but this look from Kate Spade's presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2014 would fit in among many modern offices.
Now: At the office —
It might be considered casual in the most professional of offices, but this look from Kate Spade's presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2014 would fit in among many modern offices.
Cindy Ord/Getty Images