Take It From Me: This Is 2022's It Top Trend

Along with tan sandals, denim cut-offs, and floral dresses, one major sign that summer is on the horizon is the latest influx of crochet that's woven itself into the shopping sphere. Everywhere I look right now, I’m presented with pieces in this nostalgia-inducing fabrication. Naturally, bags were the first to drop, with crochet totes being served up by the likes of J.W Anderson and Chloé as early as January. But as we allow ourselves to begin to daydream about the warmer months ahead, I’ve noticed that crochet clothes have also started to trickle in—specifically crochet tops.

The craft certainly has roots in the grandmother aesthetic. (I used to eat meals from floral plates set upon crochet mats whenever I visited my Scottish granny, so crochet holds a very special place in my heart.) And over the past few seasons, we’ve seen a resurgence in the ’60s and ’70s trends on the runways, which has brought the bold and beautifully retro fabric back into the style spotlight.

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(Image credit: @sstephs)

Crochet tops are trending in a big way for 2022. 

Synonymous with free-spirited dressing, crochet reliably makes a comeback around festival season. And perhaps it feels particularly prevalent and in demand right now because some of our favorite festivals have been given the green light this year. What’s the easiest way to wear crochet? As a top, of course!

Fashion people have already given the crochet top their stamp of approval, wearing it with everything from wide-leg jeans to pretty floral dresses. But don’t think crochet is just Instagram and TikTok fodder. Pinterest confirms that interest in the trend is peaking in 2022, as crochet tops have been pinned upwards of 316,000 times this year alone. Crochet also nestles comfortably into the Y2K aesthetic (which crosses over with the granny aesthetic more than you might think), cementing it as a must-buy in the eyes of many this season.

So how should you be wearing your crochet tops? And which are the best crochet tops to invest in? I can answer both of these questions for you below.

CROCHET-TOP OUTFIT INSPIRATION

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(Image credit: @alexachung)

Style Notes: You know a trend is wholly worthwhile when Alexa Chung jumps on it. I wouldn’t have thought of pairing crochet with black tailored trousers, but alas, Chung’s touch prevails.

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(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Style Notes: Colour is key when it comes to crochet, and I appreciate how Grece Ghanem has upped the ante by adding a pair of Kelly-green mules to the mix. 

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(Image credit: @dronme)

Style Notes: Ease yourself into the crochet trend by layering a vest over some of your existing wardrobe staples. For me, it doesn’t get better than this combination of crochet and florals. 

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: While we’re on the subject of layering a crochet vest, why not try doing so over your favourite white blouse to give it some 2022 flair? 

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

Style Notes: Or you can wear the vest on its own just like Claire Most has. Her wide-leg jeans and chunky sandals give the twee fabrication some seriously cool credentials. 

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(Image credit: @annasarlvit)

Style Notes: Is a crochet top not enough for you? Why not style it with a matching or clashing crochet skirt for an outfit that screams "summer.” 

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(Image credit: @biancaffoley)

Style Notes: Until temperatures rise, make like Bianca Foley and wear a crochet cardigan as a top. Finish the look with classic outerwear. 

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(Image credit: @jen_wonders)

Style Notes: To really up the springtime feel of your crochet tops, try wearing them with white or ecru denim in place of blue and black. 

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(Image credit: @moeblackx)

Style Notes: Halters are my favourite crochet-top iteration, and I’d very much like to wear mine just as Monique Olivia has: with denim Bermuda shorts, beaded jewellery and white kicks.

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(Image credit: @kat.shearer)

Style Notes: Crochet bra tops are absolutely a thing and look incredible paired with colour-block separates. Roll on, summer! 

SHOP THE BEST CROCHET TOPS

Next Up: Spring/Summer 2022 Trends: The Only 17 Looks You Need to Know About

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.