Allow me to guess. You've either spent the last week reclining in the sun, outdoors in a beer garden, or clinging mercilessly to a fan. It's been an incredibly hot start to summer 2023, and getting dressed to tackle the heatwave has been a challenge in itself. On the one hand there are the obvious warm-weather staples: the tank tops, the sundresses, and of course, lots and lots of linen, but if you've found yourself retreating to the safety of the same cotton shirt on repeat and are looking for something a little different, you've come to the right place.
As soon as the sun appears we gravitate to looser, lighter layers with plenty of ventilation, and if billowing dresses aren't your thing, you're going to need some clever separates that bridge the gap between looking good and feeling good, and there is one unexpected piece popping up all over social media that might be exactly what you're looking for.
Crochet for summer? Groundbreaking. No, really. If you immediately think of lurid colours and halterneck tops at festivals, crochet is actually having a very chic update, and it's come at exactly the right time. These easy-to-wear, no-iron shirts take 5 minutes to throw on and pair with everything from baggy jeans to maxi skirts, and they look even better sized up and loosely worn to maximum cooling effect.
Need proof? Just check the comments section on Angie Smith's tonal outfit post. Her luxe spin on Marks and Spencer's Collared Knitted Top nearly send users into meltdown, with followers immediately searching for the top that is currently being added to baskets twenty times an hour. It could be down to the fact that the top looks supremely expensive, it could be the fact it would make a great cover-up over swimwear, it could even be that crochet and open knits are the ventilation we need right now, but whether you're running weekend errands or going for drinks after work, a top like this rises to the dress code. Did I also mention it's available in cream, navy stripe and green?
SHOP THE MARKS AND SPENCER KNITTED TOP
Don't believe that crochet is about to be huge this summer? Check the stores. Everyone from Net-A-Porter to Nobody's Child are investing heavily in in the knit style this season, and it's the lazy-girl hero I've been counting on. Sorry crochet dresses and bikini tops, you've had your moment. Right now we're looking for boxy, oversized shirts and cardigans that look effortlessly chic no matter the weather. Keep scrolling to shop the very best crochet shirts on the market now, and to catch some more of Marks and Spencer's new-in goodness.
Emma Rose Thatcher wears Whistles Crochet Stepped Stripe Shirt.
SHOP MORE CROCHET TOPS
I'm obsessed with these colours.
A long-sleeved option is perfect for when the sun sets.
Wear open over a bikini top and wide-leg linen trousers.
This colour pairing is proving popular.
Wallflowers need not apply.
It's no surprise that stock is already running low on this cute cardigan.
An influencer favourite.
The oversized fit is just so chic.
This would look so cool with straight-leg blue jeans.
This whole look is perfection.
SHOP THE BEST NEW-IN PIECES IN MARKS AND SPENCER
The only thing I want to wear to work right now.
The summer alternative to dark blue jeans.
Just add a tank top and leather sandals.
No one will believe this isn't designer.
Stop, Marks and Spencer! You're spoiling us!
The classic summer staple.
Bar or beach, you'll find me in this.
The cargo trouser trend shows no signs of slowing down.
Wedges are having a chic rebranding, here's conclusive proof.
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