Trend Report: The new look now

When designers Phoebe Philo, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons planned their 2012 collections, they turned back to Christian Dior’s 1950s New Look, channeling the designer’s spirit by sending wasp waists and fuller skirts down runways. — Janet Bennett Kelly

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Think of this suede knot belt as an outer corset to nip in the midsection of a knit dress or to whittle the waist of a full skirt, creating pleasing proportions for the wearer and her admirers. $38 at www.accessorize.com.

Accessorize /

Even if you already own several pencil skirts, consider adding this curve-hugger to your closet. The decorative belt lends a modern vibe, while the silhouette says timeless. Made of cotton, it has a touch of stretch to smooth your bottom line. Pair with a sleeveless silk blouse. Also available in blue or dark beige. $310 at www.stylebop.com.

stylebop.com

Jason Wu, who shot up in the fashion firmament thanks to Michelle Obama’s inaugural ballgown, has partnered with Target. The collection of clothing and accessories, many featuring femme prints and bold colors, is $19.99 to $59.99. Wear this pristine dress when you’re invited to lunch at the White House. Check with Mrs. O’s social secretary first, though. Flared dress, $59.99 at area Target stores and www.target.com.

Jason Wu for Target

A classic gold and black combination lends elegance to this chain belt. The versatile accessory can encircle a jacket or a cardigan, loop through trousers for a stylish day at work, or be worn slung low around the hips of a sleek cocktail dress. $35.90 in Zara stores in the District and Maryland and at www.zara.com.

Zara

We could call the new ladylike style the Michelle Obama effect, since the first lady, shown here at a December event in Washington, is as well known for figure-flattering belts as for sleeveless dresses showcasing her buff upper arms.

Linda Davidson / THE WASHINGTON POST

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In this image released by the Miss Universe Organization, Miss Washington USA 2012, Christina Clarke; Miss West Virginia USA 2012, Andrea Rogers; and Miss Wisconsin USA 2012, Emily Guerin compete in their swimwear by Kooey Australia and fashion footwear by Chinese Laundry during the 2012 Miss USA Presentation Show on May 30, 2012 at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino Theatre for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 2012 MISS USA Pageant will air LIVE on NBC June 3 at 9:00 p.m. ET from the Theatre for Performing Arts in Las Vegas. = RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT 'AFP PHOTO / Miss Universe Organization / DARREN DECKER' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS =DARREN DECKER/AFP/GettyImages

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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 30: Jon Stewart attends the Sesame Street Workshop 10th Annual Benefit Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on May 30, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)

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The SpaceX Dragon commercial cargo craft is seen in a camera on the end of the International Space Station's Canadarm2 robotic arm as it moves away from the station in preparation for its return to earth in this image from NASA TV May 31, 2012. REUTERS/NASA TV (SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

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Police investigate the scene where a man who was believed to have shot and killed several people earlier in the day shot himself Wednesday, May 30, 2012, in the West Seattle neighborhood of Seattle. A gunman opened fire at a Seattle cafe earlier Wednesday, killing three people and critically wounding two others and later a man believed to be the same suspect shot and killed a woman and took her car near downtown, abandoning it less than two miles from where the alleged shooter shot himself as officers closed in on him, authorities said. His condition wasn't immediately known. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

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LANDOVER, MD May 30, 2012 U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Fabian Johnson (23) hits a crossing pass to forward Herculez Gomez (9) for their 1st half goal against Brazil Men's National Team goalie Rafael (12) on May 30, 2012 in Landover, MD (Photo by Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post)

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Camels rest at a watering hole outside the town of Aleg May 25, 2012. REUTERS/Joe Penney (MAURITANIA - Tags: ANIMALS SOCIETY)

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HANDOUT PHOTO: Camera men film as the Soyuz TMA-04M spacecraft carrying the International Space Station (ISS) crew, U.S. astronaut Joseph Acaba and Russian cosmonauts Gennady Padalka and Sergei Revin, blasts off from it's launch pad at Baikonur cosmodrome, May 15, 2012. (Courtesy of Shamil Zhumatov/ADAY.org)

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