Crochet craze: How to weave the Seventies look into your summer wardrobe

The surprise hit of high summer, colourful crochet is everywhere right now.

What started on the spring/summer 2023 catwalks as more of a laidback, seaside-inspired look – with cream, custard and khaki beach dresses at Gabriela Hearst, Khaite and Ulla Johnson – has bloomed into a rainbow-bright riot on the high street.

The fabric – which is created by using a hook to weave loops of yarn – has fallen in and out of fashion throughout the decades.

Cut out backs and scalloped edges. The Lia Top delivers on all the little details (📸 @georgiajennings__) https://t.co/YjHrt97xAE pic.twitter.com/TLTOlBNHUo

— hush (@hushhomewear) June 9, 2023

The hippy heyday of the Seventies saw a massive boom in crochet clothing, in particular garments made from a patchwork of ‘granny squares’.

More recently, London Fashion Week designer Christopher Kane (known for his love of ‘granny chic’) put black and blue crochet on the catwalk, styled with leather and latex.

Singer Harry Styles – known for his love of Seventies styles – has inspired fans to weave their own crochet cardigans after he was spotted on stage in a patchwork design.

According to Klarna Shopping Index research, shoppers are embracing the retro look in a big way, with sales of crochet items up 81 per cent year-on-year.

The most popular garments are trousers (up 269 per cent), shirts (193 per cent) and skirts (140 per cent).

OK.... so it's been a while on this space😄. Well I'm back now and I might be off soon🤣🫠. Ps; I made this crochet top😇 pic.twitter.com/A2ajnalGS9

— Pelumi Victoria (@PMoruwawon) July 24, 2023

So how should you wear the trend now? This year’s revival is all about fun in the sun.

A mesh dress or cover-up is a beachwear must-have if you’re jetting off somewhere hot on holiday.

For a subtle Seventies look, team a bright crochet vest with wide-leg or flared jeans or denim cut-offs.

Heading to a festival? Go bold with a ‘granny square’ dress in a cocktail of colours or co-ord set in this season’s hottest hue: emerald green.

Green Machine: I love a good crochet moment for summer. This dress is so good because it looks just as great with sandals right now, as it will, with booties in the fall. pic.twitter.com/7RQnytyTX5

— Carla Rockmore (@CarlaRockmore) June 9, 2023

Accessorise your look with some vintage-style cork sole wedges or espadrilles (another classic trend that’s making a comeback right now) and add a woven beach bag for a cute finishing touch.

Here’s our pick of the best crochet pieces to shop this summer…

Boohoo Premium Patchwork Crochet Knitted Dress

Simply Be Orange Wide V Neck Crochet Jumper; Blue Crochet Straw Hat; Pink Wide V Neck Crochet Jumper; Bright Blue Crochet Wide Leg Trouser Co-ord

Pep&Co Cerise Pink and Yellow Striped Bodycon Dress

Roman Multi One Size Cotton Blend Crochet Cape; Light Denim Stretch Denim Mom Shorts

Matalan Pink Crochet Look Long Beach Dress

Monsoon Sleeveless Crochet Top with Lenzing Ecovero Green; Winnie Wrap Midi Skirt Black

V by Very Crochet Flared Sleeve Top; V by Very Crochet Shorts Green

Bimba y Lola Orange Crochet Top

Accessorize Pink Raffia Crochet Beach Shopper

Esprit Robyn Cotton Hobo Bag in Crochet Knit, La Redoute

FatFace Penelope Tile Crochet Sliders

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