An editor's guide to crochet: How to wear summer's most joyful trend


From Prada totes to colourful cardigans, these are the chicest ways to incorporate crochet into your SS26 wardrobe


crochet comp image

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Tania Leslau
Tania LeslauFashion Features Editor
Updated: 3 days ago
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Once written off as a retiree’s hobby, crochet has been embraced by Gen Z and elevated to It-status. The quirky sister of traditional knit, crochet exudes festival flair with ease, due to its rainbow-hued colourways, counterculture connotations and crafts aesthetic. 

Yet, not everyone who is tempted by crochet wants to look as if they are headed to Glastonbury. Many fashion-forward individuals want to pepper their spring/summer wardrobes with a touch of boho brilliance, rather than fully submerge it in the peace ‘n’ love aesthetic that crochet conjures up.

Brands such as Prada and Fendi have successfully introduced crochet into the luxury sphere. Crocheted accessories including totes, bucket hats and Baguettes have become cool-girl staples, moving the craft towards high fashion and away from Worthy Farm.

 Emily Ratajkowski arrives at Variety Women of Power in crochet© GC Images
Emily Ratajkowski arrives at Variety Women of Power in crochet

If that wasn't enough to convince you, then this might be. The trend isn't just sticking around for summer - it's heading full steam ahead into autumn/winter 2026. Prada and Stella McCartney funnelled kitschy-cute crocheted scarves down their AW26 runways, proving the versatility of the artisanal textile. Chemena Kamali leaned into her signature boho-chic aesthetic for Chloé's runway spectacle, cladding models in pink hooded cardigans topped with floral motifs. 

Chloé AW26© Imaxtree
Chloé AW26
Sacai AW26© Imaxtree
Sacai AW26
Prada SW26© Imaxtree
Prada SW26
Stella McCartney AW26© Imaxtree
Stella McCartney AW26

Meanwhile, Sacai translated the look for the menswear market, proving that crochet is for everyone, while Jonathan Anderson took a bolder approach for Dior a season before, fashioning swathes of chunky crochet into slouchy jumpers, ponchos and knit dresses for SS26.

It’s no surprise that crochet still holds such strong bohemian connotations. Crochet became synonymous with hippie culture in the 1960s and 70s, embodying the era’s spirit of individuality and self-expression. Handmade crochet vests, bikinis, and maxi dresses reflected the movement’s rejection of mass production and embrace of DIY artisanal craft. 

Dior SS26© Imaxtree
Dior SS26

Today, in a landscape ruled by fast fashion, crochet is a welcome shift toward mindful making with a wearable chic twist. And no, camping needn’t be involved.

Discover the best ways to style out crochet this season and inject your archive with some kaleidoscopic elegance. 

How to style crochet:

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Bucket Moment© Getty Images

Bucket Moment

Bucket hats are a festival essential yes, but they can also make for the perfect summer-in-the-city accessory. Simply pair yours with a silky mini, boots and structured bag for the perfect dose of contrast.

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Occasionwear Opulence© Getty Images

Occasionwear Opulence

Crochet can be a breezy yet beautiful option for summer evening events. Elegant with a bohemian edge, crochet numbers like the Zimmerman option above are both timeless and playful. A win-win.

3/10

Totes Amazing© Getty Images

Totes Amazing

The crochet tote will never lose its shine. Fun, eye-catching and nostalgic, a colourful crochet tote will take you from beach to bar with ease. 

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Countercoulture Charm© Getty Images

Countercoulture Charm

Bag charms were undoubtedly one of 2024's hottest trends - and now they're going hippie. Add a touch of bohemian flair to your arm candy for a unique artisan accent.

5/10

All-Black Everything© Getty Images

All-Black Everything

The easiest to make crochet festival-proof? All-black everything. Black crochet, as demonstrated by this gorgeous Jil Sander number, is perfect for city strolling. Team yours with black ballet pumps for a gothic yet girlish look.

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BERLIN, GERMANY - AUGUST 13: Karin Teigl seen wearing Loewe oversized cat-eye sunglasses, colorful playful beaded necklaces including a cherry pendant, Van Cleef & Arpels gold Alhambra necklace, Edited white cotton bandeau-style cropped crop top, Miu Miu colorful rainbow crochet cardigan featuring horizontal stripes, Loewe olive green high-waisted wide-leg trousers in a voluminous draped silhouette, Oura gold smart ring, Cartier Panthere steel yellow gold watch, Cartier yellow gold juste un Clou bracelet, Loewe burgundy leather bag with a chunky gold chain strap, on © Getty Images

Light Layers

Opt for a light layer this season. A crochet cardigan is a vibrant yet failsafe option for cool European summers, when the weather could bring rain or shine. 

7/10

Evi Wave is seen wearing a dark brown high-shine puffer jacket, oversized and voluminous with a high neckline from Oval Square; subtle silver rings from Ariane Ernst; an open blue crocheted beanie-style hat from Kroon02; her brown hair is worn loose on September 18, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (© Getty Images

Skull Cap

Crocheted skull caps are taking Gen Z fashionistas by storm. Beloved by the Scandi style set, these twinkling, sequin-dotted accessories never fail to make a statement - and can often be scooped in up your local charity shop. 

8/10

Beach Babe© Getty Images

Beach Babe

It doesn't get better than a classic long-sleeved white crochet dress. Complete with fluted sleeves and a V-neckline, these Seventies-inspired dresses will forever be en vogue. Beachwear goes street.

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A guest wears knitted head scarf, brown bag, long sleeved beige dress outside Skall Studio during Copenhagen Fashion Week day two on August 05, 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (© Getty Images

Whimsy Wonder

'Whimsy', AKA the 2026 word of the year, is dominating Euro-summer street style. Tap into the ghostly trend with a crocheted headscarf which can be styled to drape beautifully down your all-white outfit of choice. 

10/10

Maxi Magic© Getty Images

Maxi Magic

A striped maxi is a wardrobe hero. Perfect for an array of occasions from coffee dates to poolside lounging, these dopamine-inducing slip-ons are chic and cute in equal measure.

Shop our favourite crochet pieces:

  • Striped crocheted cotton cardigan

    Striped Crocheted Cotton Cardigan

    Zimmermann

    A house that's infused with bohemian flair, Zimmermann is brimming with crocheted delights to invest in. We love the pastel tones and striped design of this sweet designer button up. 

  • clover knit top

    Clover Knit Top

    Alemais

    Featuring a striped design with an earth-toned palette and crocheted trims, Alemais' Clover Knit Top will pair perfectly with your favourite linen trousers and sandals this summer. 

  • Dress in Striped Crochet

    Dress in Striped Crochet

    Ganni

    An unmissable choice from Scandi brand Ganni, this crocheted mini dress is a maximalist delight. Scalloped edges and a shift silhouette culminate in a rainbow-tinted summer stunner. 

  • Beaded crochet bag

    Beaded Crochet Bag

    Crochet

    Dotted with twinkling, ocean-hued crystals set against a rich chocolate tone, Sandro's crocheted bag is set to house your summer essentials in boho-chic style.

  • Crochet ankle strap ballerinas

    Crochet Ankle Strap Ballerinas

    Mango

    Step into summer with a helping hand from Mango. The brand's crochet ballet flats in silver are destined to be an adorable addition to your shoewear arsenal. 

  • LESTER Skirt

    Lester Skirt

    Rouje

    Heading to the top of our wish list is Rouje's Lester Skirt - a versatile summer staple piece cut from cream-coloured crochet with a timeless midi silhouette.

  • Elli Loni Stripe Crochet Short

    Elli Loni Stripe Crochet Short

    Triangl

    Crafted from a soft-touch fine knit, Triangl's multicoloured crochet shorts are set to pair perfectly with your favourite bikini during sun-drunk holidays. 

  • White Crochet Style Midi Knit Dress

    White Crochet Style Midi Knit Dress

    Bhoem

    With its feminine, sleevless cut and cream hue, Bhoem's white crochet midi looks oh-so expensive, but the price tag is a seriously nice surprise.

  • Summer Banana Tote Bag

    Summer Banana Tote Bag

    Chloé

    Chloé's Summer Banana Tote Bag is beloved by the style set - and for good reason. Featuring a radiant pistachio hue and a crochet-raffia construction, this designer gem can be styled up with kitsch charms for a personalised finish.

  • Giselle sweater

    Giselle Sweater

    Atelier Solana

    Recently seen on Off Campus star Mika Abdalla, Atelier Solana is a brand to keep firmly on your radar. The ethical label is beloved for its knitted and crochet styles, crafted from natural fibres for a home-grown feel. The hand-crocheted Giselle Sweater is a lesson in artisanal craft, finished with three-quarter length sleeves and a dusty pink hue.

  • Crochet cotton bra top

    Crochet Cotton Bra Top

    Anna Kosturova

    Handcrafted by generational crochet artisans, Anna Kosturova’s pure cotton blue bra top features intricate detailing and adjustable shoulder straps. 

  • Media Image

    Knitted Metallic Crochet Mini Dress

    Topshop

    Showcasing a dreamy silver-gold hue, Topshop's crochet mini dress is a lesson in after-hours glamour. team yours with kitten heel mules and chunky jewellery.

  • staud crochet bag

    Timmy Bag

    Staud

    Intricately crocheted from raffia and fabric strands, Staud's Timmy shoulder bag features leather trims, a detachable strap and roomy interior.

  • London Multi-Colour Striped Knit Midi Dress

    London Multi-Colour Striped Knit Midi Dress

    French Connection

    Crochet needn't be reserved for the beach. Master breezy city style with French Connection's crocheted midi dress, perfect for warmer days spent in the office or out and about.

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