I'm a Shopping Editor and Think This Summer Trend Is the Epitome of Cool

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. 

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(Image credit: @rayan.xasan)

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. 

How the style set are wearing crochet: 

1. THE CROCHET DRESS 

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. 

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(Image credit: @chrissyford)

Style Notes: Poolside style has never looked better. Here, Chrissy Rutherford opts for a colourful crochet maxi dress.

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(Image credit: @amelwindsor)

Style Notes: Lady Amelia Windsor wore a crochet minidress by crochet specialist label Cro-Che. 

SHOP CROCHET DRESSES:

2. THE CROCHET TOP 

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?

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

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.

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(Image credit: @lauraelizabethklein)

Style Notes: Layer a crochet top over a dress, or pair one with jeans for an easy instant outfit. 

SHOP CROCHET TOPS:

3. CROCHET BEACHWEAR 

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. 

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(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

Style Notes: Echo Bettina Looney's holiday style in a crochet dress as a bikini cover-up.

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(Image credit: @sarah.corbettwinder)

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. 

SHOP CROCHET BEACHWEAR:

4. CROCHET ACCESSORIES

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(Image credit: @threadsstyling)

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.

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(Image credit: @charlottekuhrt

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Charlotte Kuhrt might have just convinced us that it's time to trade in our raffia sun hats for crochet ones.

SHOP CROCHET ACCESSORIES:

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Next up: I'm Embracing Sandal Season—These 6 Styles Are in My Future

Remy Farrell
Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.