Simple Black Top Six Ways - 1945

During the years of WWII, fabric restrictions limited the amount of fabric manufacturers could use in garments.  Designers adapted by making skirts slimmer and shorter and eliminating fussy details.  Women became more creative with their use of accessories.  Here, from the summer of 1945, 6 ways to wear a simple black top.

Left:  A dress with cutaway shoulders and high neck, black on top, chestnut brown on bottom.  Worn with a leather belt and multiple necklaces.
Right:  One shoulder dress, black on top, red on bottom.  Worn with a leather belt and multiple bangle bracelets.  Both dresses by Henry Rosenfeld.  Sold for $15 in 1945 (about $188 in today's dollar.)

A simple rayon crepe top is worn with a beige rayon shantung skirt that ties at the front.  Both pieces are by B.H. Wragge.  Set sold for $23 in 1945 (about $289 in today's dollar.)  The model wears a Lilly Dache snood in her hair.

The same B.H. Wragge top is paired with a long sarong skirt in black and white cotton batik by Mady Martell.  A sparkling brooch is pinned at the top of the sarong wrap.  Skirt sold for $95 in 1945 (about $1,193 in today's dollar.)

A black surplice jersey knit top worn with a rayon taffeta evening skirt in red, white and green plaid.  A gold metallic belt finishes the look.  Sold for $35 in 1945 (about $439 in today's dollar.)

A Minx Modes sundress looks like separates.  The top has wide shoulder straps and swirling embroidery.  The skirt is striped in yellow, black and gray.  Sold for $18 in 1945 (about $226 in today's dollar.)

Fall 1975 Vogue Pattern Magazine

We're seeing a lot of 70's influences in Fall fashion this year, but what was Vogue Pattern Magazine showing in 1975? How about a bit of Bohemian peasant?

Two skirts - one worn over the other for a gypsy look. The striped overskirt is worked in wool challis with a decidedly ethnic feel. It is worn over a burgundy cotton skirt with a deep ruffle at the hem. A clever touch is seen in the use of a stripe cut from the challis and appliqued as a border at the hem of the ruffle. The shawl is worn here over the head, but you could also tie it around the waist for another layer. The peasant style blouse has puffed sleeves and a square neckline. The model also wears a wrap belt made from the burgundy cotton and a pile of bangle bracelets.

The skirts and shawl were made from Vogue pattern 9228, the blouse 9247, and the belt 9255. Here are the pattern sketches:

Sweaters and Skirts 1950

Sweaters and skirts from the 1950 Fall-Winter issue of Simplicity Pattern Book. Its time to go back to school!