How five Australian fashion people are styling crochet
image via @fleureganstyle / instagram
words by lara daly
We’re hooked on the open weave.
Last year, chain belts and lace skirts of the boho-moto kind swept across summer festivals like wildfire. This summer, expect to see macramé dresses and those tiny crochet skull caps everywhere.
I was personally triggered when I noticed crochet was trending. Somewhere deep in my mum’s Facebook albums exists a photo of me, aged 15, wearing a long black crochet singlet with a cream crochet waistcoat over the top and a cream crochet beanie, side fringe poking out underneath. That’s three pieces of crochet in a single outfit. I blame Ashlee Simpson for the inspo.
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I’ve since stopped committing to fashion trends so vehemently, but when I saw our latest print cover shoot, with model Zara wearing a crochet skirt atop her head, I wished I still had that outfit from 2009.
According to fashion writer and trend forecaster Mandy Lee, crochet hats are yet another example of fashion’s cyclical nature. The early 2000s referenced bohemian ’70s (sometimes problematically) and with the ongoing nostalgia for Y2K, it makes sense that the look is resurfacing.
When I asked some local stylists and fashion people how they’re wearing crochet, turns out they were smart enough to hold on to older pieces or even make it themselves.
Sally McKinnon, fashion stylist
“I bought this crochet dress from Vrg Grl last year, I imagined it as a great ’throw on’ over my swimmers on summer holidays, which is exactly how I’ve styled it. For me, crochet fosters nostalgic childhood memories and probably reminds me of my mum in the ’70s. I’ll be packing it for the same type of holiday in a few weeks and I can’t wait to wear it by the pool, sipping a cocktail, wearing a big sunhat, slides and sunnies.”
Thea Blocksidge, fashion stylist
“I made this top from macramé lace that I found and I like to layer it over baggy T-shirts during the day, or wear bare on balmy summer nights. I’ve styled it with a Marsh Workwear everyday tee, my favourite polka dot skirt from Mori Market and St Agni brown leather sandals.
Fleur Egan, fashion stylist
“My favourite way to incorporate crochet into an outfit is headwear, there’s so much out there at the moment. I literally throw mine on to add a pop colour and texture to an outfit and as a curly-haired girl, they’re great for hiding the frizz.”
Ashleigh Williams, model and actor
“I have this insanely sexy macrame dress that a very talented friend of mine made for me for my birthday. I’ve only worn it twice as it’s quite the statement piece. When I do wear it however, I don’t pair it with much else – a simple heel or boot will do. Along with any other crochet or macrame piece I have, I like to make it the centre of attention (to emulate the person wearing it) and I curate my outfit around it.”
Rachel Johnston, digital creator
“Personally, I love using crochet through accessories, it adds so much personality without overwhelming an outfit. My favourite is this little crochet cap I bought off of Depop, it feels playful and effortless!”
For more on styling crochet, try this.
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