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.)