What body shape is most desirable? From Marilyn Monroe to Kim K here’s how the ideal size has changed over the years
The ideal body shape for a woman has changed over the years and we look back on the pin-ups of each decade
OVER the years fashions have come and gone and tastes have evolved, including the most desirable body shape.
Using Google data to analyse trends since the 1950s, cosmetic surgery specialist revealed that body image has changed drastically in the last half a century – but has now come full circle.
1950s Marilyn Monroe
In the 1950s pin-up girl Marilyn Monroe was the ideal woman, as the wartime years and rations came to an end.
After the Second World War, women with bigger breasts and fuller hips, having a cinched in waist, became the idealised look.
The hourglass figure - as personified by the Some Like It Hot star - represented the perfect look.
Hair was typically short with classier up-dos, while make-up trends saw a cat eye flick and a splash of red lipstick.
1960s Twiggy
In the 1960s the voluptuous look went out of fashion, as supermodel Twiggy defined the image of the swinging 60s.
In was an androgynous style, with her short pixie hairdo paving the way for cropped cuts, although the beehives and flicked out ends were still popular.
A slim build with long, slender legs was now popular, with false eyelashes making an appearance.
Make-up was big and colourful in the 60s, with eyeshadow colours such as blue applied liberally, but lips were kept fairly nude with pale shades.
1970s Farrah Fawcett
In the 1970s Farrah Fawcett graced our screens as one of the iconic Charlie’s Angels.
Her toned and athletic build became the new popular style, with people rushing out to buy bronzer to give them that sun-kissed glow.
A more natural look began to grow in popularity, with golden, shimmering hues used.
Her instantly recognisable hairstyle, flowing feathered locks which flicked out, was instantly a hit and a precursor to the big hair of the 80s.
1980s Cindy Crawford
In the 1980s perms, backcombing and crimping meant hair was bigger than ever.
Colour was back with a vengeance, with bright colours such as turquoise, pink and purple applied to the eyes and bold shades on the lips.
Supermodel Cindy Crawford was in her heyday, and the new body ideal body shape was strong and athletic.
1990s Kate Moss
In the 1990s fellow supermodel Kate Moss began her glittering career on the catwalk, and the new ideal shape was reminiscent of Twiggy in the 1960s.
Back was a thin, svelte frame, with the term ‘heroin chic’ used to describe the androgynous, gaunt look which was popular in the grunge era.
Not just in body, but dark lips and a smoky eye complemented the look, although hairstyles went through another experimental phase with accessories from scrunchies to butterfly clips making an appearance.
2000s Britney Spears
In the 2000s pop queen Britney Spears had taken the world by storm with raunchy dance moves in her music videos.
Britney flaunted a toned physique, with washboard abs becoming the envy of girls all over the world.
Out was the pale look of the 90s, and tanned was back.
Sparkly and bright eyeshadows were in, along with ultra-thin brows and nude lip-gloss.
2010s Kim Kardashian
By the 2010s the rise of Kim Kardashian and the rest of the Kardashian-Jenner clan has seen a return to the rounder, curvier figures being popular.
While big breasts and bums are sought after, flat stomachs are still desired.
Make-up has evolved significantly, with contouring and big, heavy eyebrows now popular.
Hair is less about style and more about colour, with dip dye, ombré and balayage all taking off.
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