The fashion industry is dynamic and ever-changing, with trends constantly shifting and evolving. While some styles come and go quickly, others have the power to endure for decades. Recently, we have seen a resurgence of fashion trends from the 70s, with flared pants, bold prints, and platform shoes making a comeback. However, the appeal of vintage fashion doesn't stop there. In the current fashion landscape, there is a growing interest in the fashion of the 1960s, with crochet clothing proving to be one of the most in-demand items for the upcoming spring season. This trend is expected to continue well into the summer of 2024, with many designers and retailers incorporating crochet garments into their collections.
At Melrose, we have grown a small crochet clothing collection with varieties showcasing dresses, two-piece sets, and tops. Some pieces are more simplistic in pattern and design than others. This week, we want to share a few of our crochet pieces for juniors, ladies' extended sizes, and women's shoes while educating more about the crochet trend and its role in culture from the past to the present.
An Introduction to Crochet Clothing in Modern Fashion
During the late 1960s, crocheted clothing emerged as a popular fashion trend amidst social and political unrest. The Vietnam War was raging on, and there was widespread disillusionment and a sense of hopelessness about its outcome. The assassinations of two critical leaders, Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, added to the already existing sense of despair.
The late 60s was also a significant period for the feminist movement in its early stages of the second wave. Betty Friedan's groundbreaking book, The Feminine Mystique, published in 1963, questioned women's traditional societal roles and sparked a call for gender equality. Women were no longer content with being relegated to their pre-defined roles as homemakers and caretakers. They demanded equal rights, opportunities, and recognition in all spheres of life. This led to a reevaluation of conventional gender roles and the fight to end sexist discrimination.
The era of psychedelics and hippies began in late 1960s pop culture, leaving sophisticated prim and proper conservative fashion behind for free-flowing garments that went well with crocheted items. Hippies focused on loose natural fibers like cotton and hemp, so anything handmade was a treasure in their wardrobe. Crocheted clothing, however, started in the modern fashion movement with more traditional feminine cardigans, macrame vests, dresses, and shawls.
In the 1960s, crochet clothing was part of a contemporary movement and a social counterculture; in 2024, the association had a more superficial spin as it's now typically seen in fashion and, particularly, music festival scenes. But, one might argue that the 2020s counterculture has stark similarities to the 1960s. Therefore, crochet is on par with trending pieces. Another point regarding crochet is that it can be a small positive part of one of the most significant global call-to-action movements that Gen Z resurfaced from their hippie predecessors, which is environmentalism, in this case, the conversation around sustainability.
Crochet Dresses for Juniors and Ladies' Extended Sizes
Melrose has a carefully curated selection of crochet dresses (and more in-store) for juniors and plus-sized women. Our selection includes a variety of colors, styles, and lengths to suit every taste and preference. Take a look at the slides to peek at our current pieces.
For juniors, we feature two crochet dresses that will turn heads. The first is the blue "No Comment" 34" Crochet Tank Dress, perfect for a day out with friends or a casual summer event. The dress features a delicate crochet design on the front and back, with a flattering cut that highlights your curves.
The second dress we showcase for juniors is the white "No Comment" 46" Spaghetti Strap Long Crochet Dress. This dress is perfect for more elevated occasions, such as graduation ceremonies. The dress features a beautiful crochet design that runs from top to bottom, with a slit and elegant silhouette that is sure to make you feel like a princess.
Suppose you are exploring our collection of extended sizes for women. In that case, we have a stunning "Almost Famous" 45" Spaghetti Strap Tie Long Crochet Dress in a beautiful brick color perfect for an outdoor festival or a casual hangout with your friends. The dress's fitted silhouette is designed to accentuate your curves, while the tassel trim adds a playful touch to your overall look.
If you prefer a shorter dress, we also have the "Almost Famous" Spaghetti Strap Tie Short Crochet Dress. This dress features spaghetti straps tied at the shoulder and a princess dress hem that gives it a chic and flattering finish. The knit of this crochet dress is closer and, therefore, less see-through than its long counterpart.
Women's Crochet Shoes
The crochet trend is taking over the fashion world and is not limited to clothing. The latest addition to this trend is the crochet sandals that have become the talk of the town. These sandals feature stunning retro designs that will evoke a sense of nostalgia and add a touch of bohemian charm to any outfit. Whether you're a fan of fashion from the bygone eras or a contemporary maximalist, there's a crochet sandal that caters to all fashion personalities.
Let's dive into the details of some of the best crochet sandals you can add to your collection. First on the list is the "Forever" 3 1/2" Woven Floral Crochet Strappy Platform Sandals in a beautiful blue color. These sandals are a perfect blend of modern and bohemian styles, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking for a unique and chic pair of shoes. If you prefer a more cottagecore-inspired look, you can opt for "Forever" 2" Crochet Platform Espadrille Ankle Strap Sandals that are similar in style.
If you're a fan of platforms but prefer slip-on shoes, then the "Forever" 2" Crochet Espadrille Platform Sandals are a great option. These sandals pay homage to the 60s era's earthy hippie looks and are perfect for anyone who loves to keep it casual yet stylish.
The last three sandals on our list are flat and have a similar design to the classic "Jesus sandals" worn by our hippie predecessors. The first of the three is the "Forever" Crochet X-Strap Slide Sandals in a gorgeous pink color. These sandals are easy to slip on and make a great summer staple. The last two sandals are identical in design but come in different colors. The "Forever" Crochet Thong Sling Back Buckle Sandals offer more security and are perfect for anyone who loves to keep it simple yet sophisticated.
