Cast your mind back to summer 2020, and you might remember the pop-culture phenomenon that was Harry Styles’s “Watermelon Sugar” video. The clip featured Styles among a group of revellers on the beach eating fruit while clad in an array of brightly coloured, vintage-printed swim- and resortwear.
The video also showcased an extensive collection of crochet, much of which Styles himself was wearing. Now, whether or not you like to believe in the power of the Harry Styles effect, it seems the popularity of crochet has risen exponentially ever since the on-trend video. In fact, according to fashion search engine Lyst, searches for crochet clothing rose by 85% in 2021, and specific searches for crochet dresses and shorts have seen an increase since.
Evidently, Styles is not the only one loving the retro-inspired trend, as several members of the fashion set have championed crochet this season. The handicraft has become the style of choice for beachside holidays and summer staycations for everyone from Lucy Williams to Bettina Looney and Chrissy Rutherford. Given our current obsession with all things nostalgia, we’re hardly surprised this ’70s-inspired trend continues to gain momentum.
Keep scrolling to see how the fashion set is wearing crochet, and then shop our edit of the best crochet pieces below.
There is no better way to showcase a trend than via an easy-to-wear dress. This head-to-toe instant outfit is an explosion of colour and texture and a masterclass in how to dress joyfully to make the most of summer.
Style Notes: Poolside style has never looked better. Here, Chrissy Rutherford opts for a colourful crochet maxi dress.
Style Notes: Lady Amelia Windsor wore a crochet minidress by crochet specialist label Cro-Che.
Crochet, but make it evening ready.
The most effective way to wear the trend? Colour mixing.
This also has a matching cardigan.
An eye-catching holiday look.
If you’re looking for the best selection of crochet on the market, look no further than Cro-Che. From dresses to hats, each piece is handmade to last.
Channel ’70s energy in this vintage-looking mini.
This is so elevated it could be worn for wedding, beach party or simply out to dinner.
For the curious minimalist, you needn’t compromise your usual refined style. Choose fine-knit crochet in neutral colours for a subtle nod to the trend.
We’re dedicated fans of the tried-and-tested jeans-and-a-nice-top formula, and what better focal point than a bright, easy crochet cardigan or tank top for the perfect throw-on-and-go outfit?
Style Notes: A crochet top is the perfect way to layer up, as evidenced here by Lucy Williams in Sea NY and Laura Klein in Ganni.
Style Notes: Layer a crochet top over a dress, or pair one with jeans for an easy instant outfit.
The grandad tank top we loved last autumn is sticking around for another year, but rather than thick, itchy wool, this crochet version is a lighter, transitional piece.
Take a minute to appreciate all the intricate details of this top.
The asymmetric hem and fringe details are a nice touch.
I’m quite into the matching trousers too.
Perfect for shorts, white denim, miniskirts and cropped trousers—in fact, this top will go with almost anything you already have in your wardrobe.
The high street is tapping into the trend in a big way, so you can find plenty of crochet pieces at around £30 and under, and there’s no excuse not to stock up.
The beachwear on most fashion influencers’ wish lists has one thing in common: plenty of crochet, whether it’s in the form of bikinis, tankinis, shorts or cover-ups. The best way to make a splash is wearing a boho-inspired piece by the sea.
Style Notes: Echo Bettina Looney’s holiday style in a crochet dress as a bikini cover-up.
As it turns out, crochet bikinis are having a moment too, so double up on the knit and wear it with your favourite crochet top like Sarah Corbett-Winder’s backward styling of this Rixo top.
Simply too pretty to ignore.
This is so chic I’m going all the way with the matching bottoms and skirt.
I’m a big fan of any kind of beach cover up to take my seaside look a bit further, and this intricate kimono is high up on my wish list.
The only thing this bikini needs is an equally colourful cocktail in hand. Vacation mode activated.
A white cover-up dress over a bright bikini is the hot-weather uniform we plan on wearing all summer.
Wear on holiday and back at home, too. Just add a white tee and chunky sandals.
Threads Styling knows good accessories, and with this pick and mix of bags, you can add a splash of colour and texture to even the simplest outfit to turn it into something entirely unforgettable.
Charlotte Kuhrt might have just convinced us that it’s time to trade in our raffia sun hats for crochet ones.
Soak up the sun in COS’s euphoric colour mix.
The best bags make a statement, and Fiorucci delivers in spades.
Any edit on the best crochet pieces would be incomplete without the Marni Market. The diffusion line of bags, accessories and homeware specialises in the crafty, artisan feel that crochet lends itself to.
Straw hats? Not this summer. Seek shade in a floppy bucket hat, the shorthand for cool-girl holiday styling.
I can easily picture this chic bag with a black bikini, oversized white shirt and slides.
Speaking of slides (and when it comes to summer, who isn’t?), the easiest and comfiest shoes in your wardrobe just got a colourful upgrade.
If the patchwork bag didn’t convince you, then perhaps this striped crochet will. It’s the perfect way to add a little dose of dopamine to your look.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
