Late 1940s - early 1950s

Woman's Ensemble: Playsuit and Jacket

The antithesis of the formal or fussy, Claire McCardell's carefree clothes redefined mid-century American fashion. Her playsuits, which first appeared in resort collections of the early 1940s, were enduringly popular in many variations. This outfit is cut on the bias (the diagonal of the fabric) to produce striking patterns against the vivid red. Liberal use of elastic, such as in the neckline and shoulder straps of the romper, makes the garments easy to wear, while the short jacket is closed by McCardell's signature brass hooks and eyes.