Crochet is back – the high street’s top picks including a Mango dress ‘perfect for festival season’

THIS summer, crochet is returning to the streets.

If you want to add a touch of texture to your summer wardrobe, now is the perfect time to take a chance and invest in crochet.

The popular ’70s trend has officially returned, as celebrities Kady McDermott and Stacey Solomon were recently spotted wearing crochet looks.

And don’t think they’re all cheesy retro styles—from breezy beachwear to chic special occasion dresses, intricate crochet details are a standout look for next season.

If you’ve been thinking about adding some new pieces to your summer wardrobe but need a little summer style inspiration, see how our fashion team is styling it.

Tracey Lea Sayer, 52, fashion director

5

• Shirt, £27.99, H&M – buy here BUY NOW
• Scarf, £15.99, Zara – BUY NOW
• Trousers, £12.99, H&M – BUY NOW
• Sunglasses, £15, Marks & Spencer – buy here BUY NOW
• Sandals, £37.99, Zara – buy here BUY NOW
• Hat, £37.99, H&M – BUY NOW

Crochet has always made my teeth stand on edge!

Maybe it’s because I’m a child of the 70s and I’ve had a crochet blouse that was really itchy, but it’s always been something I’ve avoided.

A quick Google and I can confirm that most crochet is still not for me!

Then I found this cool cabana style top at H&M. I love the laid-back beach vibes.

Cabana tops are great for dressing up a bikini and taking you from the beach to the bar, and they also look great with loose-fitting pants for a more nighttime vibe.

For this daytime tourist look I added baggy beach pants, a cool straw hat, neck scarf and a pair of cat-eye sunglasses.

Now I just need to book a flight to get out of here.

Abby McHale, 29, deputy fashion editor

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• Cardigan, £145, Kitri – BUY NOW
• Bag, £24.90, Uniqlo – buy here BUY NOW
• Boots, £225, Dune London – buy here BUY NOW
• Sunglasses, £2.50, Primark – buy here BUY NOW
• Skirt, £25.99, Stradivarius – BUY NOW
• Necklace, £38, Orelia – buy here BUY NOW

I have a calendar full of action this summer so I have a long list of outfits I need to pick out.

Glastonbury arrives in a few weeks and I’m already looking at the crochet options available on the high street, ready for the festival.

I love this crochet cardigan from Kitri, it’s colorful, thin but still covers your arms so well when the temperature drops at night.

I’ll pair it with trusty denim shorts and cowboy boots for a fun and stylish festival look.

I’m also going on vacation this summer and this cardigan would look great with a satin midi skirt and flat sandals for dinners out.

I finish off the look with my trusty Uniqlo crossbody bag, sunglasses and jewelry – crochet is the perfect combination for my summer plans.

Emily Regan, 24, fashion assistant

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• Dress, £49.99, Sleeve – BUY NOW
• Beaded bracelets, £22 each, Bella and Rose London – buy here BUY NOW
• Belt, £17.99, Sleeve – BUY NOW
• Boots, £45, Boohoo – buy here BUY NOW
• Sunglasses, £85, Messy Weekend – buy here BUY NOW
• Bag, £109, JW Pei – buy here BUY NOW

I’ve always been a big fan of crochet, especially in the summer. There’s something about him that makes any look so cool.

When I saw this Mango dress, I immediately went to the checkout, because it will be perfect for festival season.

It’s super versatile – great for a summer barbecue, wearing a bikini, or dressed up for a night out on vacation.

I paired it with a big, oversized belt to cinch it around my waist and keep things neutral.

I’m heading to the Parklife Festival this weekend, so for practicality’s sake I’m going to style it with some cowboy boots.

To complete the look, I accessorized with a beautiful studded bag from JW Pei, some orange sunglasses and these beautiful beaded bracelets.

Clemmie Fieldsend, 33, fashion editor

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• Cardigan, £54.99, H&M – BUY NOW
• Superior, £14, Next – BUY NOW
• Bag, £130, JW Pei – buy here BUY NOW
• Shoes, £29.99, H&M – buy here BUY NOW
• Skirt, £35, River Island – buy here BUY NOW
• Sunglasses, £19.99, Mango – buy here BUY NOW

I’ve always avoided crochet for fear of overheating or looking like a giant napkin.

But now I’m a convert.

I love this cardigan from H&M, it’s so delicate and light, nothing like the heavy yarn I had on my head.

Even though it’s covered in holes, I think it’s great for summer nights when there’s a bit of a chill in the air – whether at home or outside.

As the cardie has a crochet texture and an almost peplum shape, I wear mine with elegant and simple pieces, like a brown maxi skirt and leather bag.

I would wear a tank top underneath and I love these racer collar vests from Next, they are so premium and expensive and hold their shape really well.

Hottest trends for spring/summer 2024

Fabulous fashion editor Clemmie Fieldsend shared the biggest trends on the high street and runway this spring/summer.

SHORTS

I know, shorts for the summer. Innovative. But you’ll see them everywhere this year, from micro hotpants to long pants, denim shorts styles to tailoring and everything in between, they’re a must-have for any occasion.

WHITE

White often goes hand in hand with summer holidays, but whether you’re in the UK or abroad, you’ll see plenty of head-to-toe white looks.

The street is already a white wash with the trend including shoes and accessories.

HIGH SHINE

Whether metallic or sequins, for 2024 glitter isn’t just for Christmas.
Expect to see shimmery looks at festivals, weddings, or even a barbecue in your neighbor’s back garden, paired with bright blocks or simple whites.

LOOSE FUNDS

Baggy, baggy pants dominated our wardrobes from fall through winter, but as we head into the warmer months, expect baggy pants.
From cool cotton to lightweight linen, flowy pants should have a firm place in your wardrobe.

BOMBS

Ballet flats and Mary Janes have been making their way back into our good books for a while now, but for summer they feel less ballerina and more beach-ready.

Woven styles and knitted textures are hot on the runways and streets, think of the 2024 jelly shoe.

GO GIRL

All things romantic and feminine are in for spring with sheer fabrics, pastel shades of blue, yellow and pink dominating the runway. Embellished with bows, lace or flowers, most looks should have a hyper ‘feminine’ element.