It’s time to get on top of the trends for your vacation wardrobe. This year’s summer collections are bringing with them a resurgence in all things crochet, from tops and rompers to frilly dresses. As part of an overall fashion focus on craft and handmade fabrics, crochet can be both elegant and appropriately airy for your resort wardrobe needs. It’s also an alternative layering option to sweaters and cardigans and adds details and texture.

Forget about the image of your granny with knitting needles and wool sitting in her rocking chair, as crochet is having a high impact this summer. From provocative open weaves to knitted pullovers, the effect is bohemian and stunningly cooler than the crochet pieces you might have seen in your grandmother’s wardrobe. The look is modern and stylish, adding a dose of retro 70s’ chic to any look.

From craft bags to over-the-top shoes, style-makers have put together a stunning collection on how to wear crochet clothes this summer. You can go as far as you want, whether adding a single blouse to your wardrobe or decking yourself out head to toe. You can go bold and wear a crochet dress or a matching set. Or you can be more classical and opt for a crochet top or skirt and pair it with other textured garments. 

Just make sure to complete your look with the right shoes and accessories. A crochet top can be teamed with jeans, shorts or skirt in all kinds of colours or patterns. Though white is the most common choice for crochet pieces, you can also try pastel shades or black.

Update your summer style with these options on how to wear crochet:

A crochet embroidered top teamed with denim shorts. 

A cropped top and pants in lightweight crochet make for a glamourous summery pairing. 

Different crochet stitches are used on this dress, resulting in a patchwork effect. The crochet theme is also applied to the multi-coloured tote bag and shell-embellished shoes.

Hyperbolic crochet ruffles add dimension to the linear patterned red, black, and white yarn of a dress. 

To complement the look, try wearing crochet sandals for an urban-bohemian vibe.

A version of this article appears in print in the 4th May, 2019 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly