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!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKD1l1I_0l3raHOMwkTMIrKe8VHUyz9mR9OGz8FnlqsUIid3AHS3hA0jTB1AYBlP0RqpTJmniW5j-mheHSzaz3rZLaKsKM06O4FOvmgbnekqw_R7HeAJm30xxMIjvehog6pvR/s400/bare1.jpg)
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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX8KfZs1VTTbPXM7KU5cDLH3_2F4jN30VYUrd5aBOSjXvAqecZY6vu2jsI2cXqy_-t4MXRdwZYq1_0v562nPhmz8LKPGpa_stz_XD5iDgMWsQU-8TRAUo8M43H9qify90kxk7/s400/bare3.jpg)
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 swimsuit 1945](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB92uAHrfoNSi6xTv4NckEEwT49bsmbNn3hVJeEZ6y3_CW67zNpAzdRc2Fy6YynPr3w9uw9unrxR3yKi8kIe_KhOMbhvUGZAyYW7oDkU72I9fNfr8vvEY7V8IA3wPoZqx49PbI/s400/bare2.jpg)
Louella Ballerino two piece swimsuit in a California Authentics fabric.
![carolyn schnurer bare midriff top and skirt, 1945](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1K6Oatg6VGPO5528MSXVL4O3zT5gcGsjzZ-MyrrMg8G2WULXdyHyQTq5Fnn8aX-qMnH8B2SK4OsRTGt9ww5bmaZk-Lza8L-WTMMh08IryHzp2LEC-1YMfAPFTp-qCTCVDtFM/s400/bare4.jpg)
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, bare midriff top and skirt, 1945](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSw8FqUTrX5-RD0ec5s5EB3i3UrtY_DQhVfTnTyBY-pUmC-5NSFvhuDOEHdsJ7UKThyHQRQecoZRr7_UpqZWMBpLfCTmd80xghyphenhyphen_JnpyE-xCDyJWjt2NU6adsx8R3ZnBlqJp6/s400/bare5.jpg)
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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