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

by Maxine Eggenberger

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.

Photo:

@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.

Photo:

@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.

Photo:

@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.

Photo:

@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.

Photo:

@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?

Photo:

@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.

Photo:

@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.”

Photo:

@biancaffoley

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

Photo:

@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.

Photo:

@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.

Photo:

@kat.shearer

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

CROCHET-TOP OUTFIT INSPIRATION

SHOP THE BEST CROCHET TOPS

Related stories