Bare Midriffs - 1990

Yes, 1990. To me, this looks like it could have been designed by an American sportswear designer like Joset Walker or Carolyn Schnurer in the 1940s, but this midriff baring ensemble from 1990 is by Gianfranco Ferre. The top is in stretch jersey with the matching pants in silk crepe de chine. Bare midriffs were a hot trend in the early 90s. In the coming years, waistlines of pants and skirts will drop to reveal even more, but for now they remain at the natural or high waist. Check out this post of mine from 2009 about bare midriffs from 1945 for a comparison. And here are more looks from 1990 and 1991.

Louis Feraud, 1991

Krizia, 1991

Louis Feraud, 1990

Claude Montana, 1990

Givenchy, 1991

Bare Midriffs - 1960

Believe it or not, summer is coming and with it comes hot, hot weather. Are you ready to show more skin? Have you been toning those arms and doing your crunches? Have you sloughed off that dry winter skin with a body scrub or loofa? Have you had a pedicure? It's time!

Here for inspiration are some bare midriff clothes for sandal weather from 1960.

Short sleeve button front midriff top with matching full skirt by Cabana worn with a 4-strand bead necklace and a straw hat.

Ingenious separates by Cabana. The long dress is worn as a skirt by slipping the bodice off the arms and allowing them to drape as pockets. The bra-top transforms into a belt with the dress to keep the bodice from revealing too much. I wish I had a picture of this worn as a dress! Worn with a beaded necklace that has ethnic flair and thong sandals.

At left: Pink cotton seersucker dress with a halter top that ties at the neck and back by Sportwhirl.
At right: Blue gingham check midriff top and full skirt by Junior Sophisticates.

Wrap style bra top with a matching full skirt by Robert Sloane worn with gold hoop earrings.

1945 Bare Midriffs

It's 1945, the war is coming to an end, and your mama (or grandmama) is sporting a bare midriff. The bare midriff became popular for several reasons.

- It was all the rage in Hollywood, with film stars showing a peek of skin in evening gowns and resort wear.

- The two piece swimsuit had become acceptable by now.

- Wartime L-85 restrictions meant you were showing your patriotism by wearing less fabric!

Rayon bra top and skirt-like shorts for beach or play can be topped with the sharkskin beachcoat. All pieces by Junior Miss of California and sold by Jordan Marsh.

A straight skirt with deep trouser pleats with a cutaway halter bodice that is attached at the back by Huxley. Fashioned from cocoa brown rayon with the look and feel of linen.

Louella Ballerino two piece swimsuit in a California Authentics fabric.

At the top: Short peasant tops with puffed sleeves are matched to full skirts. Both sets designed by Carolyn Schnurer. At center: A tie-front top with matching skirt by Huxley.

Claire McCardell works a long sleeved top with matching wrap skirt in black wool jersey. The skirt has big pockets and white top-stitching accents both pieces.

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