The Anti-Trend Staple That's Sure to Define Summer Fashion (Again) (2024)

(Image credit: Courtesy of Gabriela Hearst; @cassdimicco; Courtesy of Maryam Nassir Zadeh)

No matter how much things change, they stay the same. Sure, time passes, but without fail, every season has its form of essentials—i.e., the experiences or items that feel as if they fulfill the trope that's associated with that period. For some, summer is defined by what you choose to eat, where you decide to travel,and even who you spend your time with. But for fashion people, it always comes back to what we're wearing. In our minds,summer isn'tsummerunless you're frolicking under the sun in"cliché" staples (e.g., sandals and a sundress).

As trite as that may sound, it's undeniable that clothing is just as much a part of the summer experience as anything else. After all, you can't make that quintessential pilgrimage tothe beach sans swimsuit. And you're sure as hell not going to leave for yoursummer vacation without packing clothing. So investing in summer basics is as much of a rite of passage for the season as any other activity. Of course, there's a long list of items one can consider essential for summer, but in my mind, there's one nonnegotiable: crochet clothing.

Like clockwork, crochet pieces always come back once warmer temperatures ascend. But make no mistake. This isn't another fleeting trend. Crochet pieces have become the epitome of summer style, surpassing the "trendy" status to become an anti-trend staple in its own right. Don't believe me?Ahead, I've pulled receipts to show how crochet continues to be an essential part of thesummertimeexperience. So let's get into it…

Crochet on the runway:

(Image credit: Courtesy of Interior; Courtesy of Victoria Beckham; Courtesy of Lanvin; Courtesy of Alejandra Alonso Rojas;Courtesy of Maryam Nassir Zadeh; Courtesy of Jil Sander; Courtesy of Roberta Einer; Courtesy of Gabriela Hearst; Courtesy of Simkhai)

Even though crochet has been cemented as a timeless staple, I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge how crochet pieces (in every form) reached that status. In part, the prevalence of crochet pieces has to do with how they've continued to be part of runway collections over the years. Spring/summer 2023 runways are no exception to that rule, as we saw designers take this "dated trend" and turn it on its head by using special weaving techniques.

For example,open cobweb-like weaves that looked like they were on the brink of unraveling (purposely, of course) were spotted in the S/S 23 collections of Victoria Beckham, Interior, Jil Sander, and Gabriela Hearst. At the same time, we saw gowns and tops adorned with crochet rosette appliqués at Roberta Einer andAlejandra Alonso Rojas. There were shirts, skirts, and dresses that featured ultra-dainty crochet that looked like vintage doilies at The Row, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, andSimkhai. Though the knitting technique differed between designers, the spring/summer 2023 collections showed crochet's continued staying power.

Crochet on the fashion set:

(Image credit: @deborabrosa;@emmaleger; @aishafarida; @sofiamcoelho; @monikh; @cassdimicco; @dawn.tan;@lefevrediary;@fiahamelijnck)

It's not just the runways that have shown crochet's continued relevance. Like ice cream on a hot day, crochet pieces have become woven into the visual iconography of what defines the season. After all, you can't scroll through social media without spotting a fashion person wearing some form of a crochet piece (even if we haven't reached the "official" start of summer). The pervasiveness of this trend can be boiled down to its versatility.

Not only can crochet pieces be worn byeveryone for almost any type of occasion, but there are also so many ways to embrace them. Fromcrochet swim cover-ups to woven tote bags, there's no shortage of ways to wear this staple in a way that feels signature to your sartorial preferences. It's that flexibility that's cemented crochet pieces as a perennial summer staple. But if you're still not sold, keep scrolling. I've rounded up the 45 best crochet finds for the summer.

Shop the best crochet pieces for summer:

H&M

Crochet-Look Shopper

Perfect for a day spent by the beach.

J.Crew

Limited-Edition Crochet Maxi Sweater-Dress

You can also shop this dress in a vibrant cobalt hue and a black version.

Staud

Crochet Bikini Top

Not your basic bikini.
Pair with the matchingCrochet Bikini Bottoms ($125).

Mango x Simon Miller

Knit Dress With Openwork Panels

Honestly surprised this collaboration still has anything in stock.

Magda Butrym

Crochet Wedge Sandals

I have no words for these wedges.

Reformation

Max Open Knit Two Piece

Love a matching set.

Zara

Combination Knit Top

How cute is this open-weave crochet top?

Diotima

Doilie Crocheted Cotton Midi Skirt

No onemakes crochet pieces as jaw-droppingly gorgeous as Diotima.

Proenza Schouler

Crocheted Fringed Open-Knit Dress

I will dream of this dress for the rest of my days.

Mango