Summer Must-Have: Crochet

❖❖❖

Crochet is one of this summer’s hottest trends. Available in an array of eye-catching tops, dresses, bottoms, swimwear and accessories, the look reflects laid-back summer months and bohemian style.

No longer personified by sweaters knitted by grandmothers, the art of crochet has evolved to the runways. Used by many top designers, the fashion reflects a 1970’s revival with a modern aesthetic. One cannot discuss crochet and knitwear without mentioning Missoni (pants shown above). Missoni has elevated knitwear to an artform. One of the first to graduate from the heirloom to the use of technology, Missoni designs are not only universally recognizable but perennial.

To keep your crochet look fresh, find pieces that can be layered with modern favorites. Try pairing an adorable crochet mini dress with some ankle boots. Or add a distressed tee or tank to a pair of crochet shorts, skirt or pants. Or add a little edge by replacing the plain tee with a vintage rock band tee.

Crochet pieces can be extremely versatile. A loose-fitting crochet top or tunic can be layered over a camisole, bikini top, body-con dress or maxi. Instantly providing weeks of wear.

During the warm summer months we often seek-out effortless fashion. Become a crochet-convert with a few of my favorite pieces:

Free People ~ New Romantics Crochet Variety Dress: $69.95 (sale)

Nightcap Clothing ~ Tribal Fringe Tunic: $275.00

Missoni ~ Phyliss Crochet-Knit Wide-Leg Pants: $516.00 (sale)

Free People ~ Crochet Monokini: $168.00

Urban Outfitters ~ Tallow Crochet Tote Bag: $49.00

Girl. By Band of Outsiders ~ Cleo Crochet-Knit Shorts: $469.00 (sale)

New Rules: Bright Whites

ΩΩΩ

Societal standards for seasonal clothing have been relaxed since the 1960s. Only those interested in following old-fashion/prehistoric rules believe that women are not supposed to wear white before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Throw those silly rules out the window, pick-up some bright whites and wear them whenever you like.

“Summer Whites” are crisp, clean and classic. Not only does the lighter color keep you cool by reflecting the sun’s rays on sweltering days, but nothing goes better with tanned skin.

Basic whites to have on-hand this summer, include:

› A classic white button-down is essential to any wardrobe. Worn over dresses, bikinis or on it’s own, a button-down will give just the right amount of coverage on summer days.

› Go beyond the basic white tank with a more detailed and flowy option. There are a ton of lace, crochet and embellished white tanks to choose from.

› White looks especially good with summer’s brightest tones. Colors like coral, yellow, turquoise even neons are universally flattering and make everyone look fresh and pretty. Try a white skirt and a bold top, or a crisp white blouse with a pair of hot-hued pants.

› Use white as an accent. Enameled white jewelry, bag or scarf will help you get your white fix without going overboard.

› A great-fitting pair of white jeans is a summer staple. Period. They look great with just about everything and every heel height, from towering stilettos to basic flats or sandals.

› To pull off an all-white look, go for a pair of nude or metallic shoes, you want a neutral that doesn’t detract from the white. To keep it from looking too ‘clinical’, show some skin in a low-cut blouse or shorts.

Look fresh in “summer whites” with these clean and crisp pieces.

AG Jeans ~ The Robyn Jacket: $198.00

Club Monaco ~ Kimberly Floral Tunic: 149.50

Rag and Bone ~ Dart Jacket: $535.00

BB Dakota ~ Rasalyn Tank: $ 65.00

Victoria’s Secret ~ The Boyfriend Shirt: $49.50

Kate Spade ~Park Guell Long Necklace in White: $128.00

Trina Turk ~ Enamel Brick Gold & White Bangle Bracelet: $98.00

Love Quotes ~ Linen Scarf in Peace: $98.00

Dolce Vita ~ Archer Flat Sandal: $69.00

J.Crew ~ String Bikini: $78.00

BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Runway Keylene Dress: $398.00

Zara ~ Skirt with Paillettes: $79.90

J.Crew ~ Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean in White Denim: $125.00

Nightcap Clothing ~ Fringe Shorts: 143.00

Splendid ~ Maxi Tube Skirt/Dress: $83.00