A crochet dress can look like a beach cover-up or like the dress of the night. It depends on what you put with it.
We live in Ontario, where the weather changes a lot, so here's how we'd wear Ellie's pieces through the year.
Start from the inside
Open lace shows what's under it, so choose the layer first. A slip in a nude shade disappears. A slip in a colour that matches the dress deepens it. A contrasting slip, like black under sage, makes the pattern stand out. Pick one that's slightly shorter than the dress.
Fall and winter
Crochet is surprisingly easy to layer for cold weather.
- Wear a thin long-sleeve top or a fitted turtleneck underneath.
- Add tights or leggings and ankle boots.
- Put a long wool coat, a blazer or a chunky cardigan over the top.
Treat the dress as the centre of the outfit and add warmth around it.
Spring and summer
This is where crochet shines. A simple slip, sandals and a small bag are all you need. For evenings, add a light jacket or shawl.
Dressing it up
Our Lilac Lace Crochet Dress is hand-crocheted in bamboo silk, with a fitted bodice, short flutter sleeves and a tiered openwork lace skirt that flares to a scalloped hem. It's described on its page as perfect for a summer wedding. Add small earrings and heels, and keep the rest simple. See more in our guide to crochet for weddings.
The Sage Lace Crochet Dress has an off-shoulder neckline and delicate openwork. A statement necklace can compete with the neckline, so choose earrings or a bracelet instead.
Dressing it down
The Sunset Ombre Crochet Tunic melts from amber through red to black with a fluted fan-stitch hem. Wear it with jeans or leggings and flat shoes. It also works over a swimsuit.
The White Lace Top is a delicate crochet top with a scalloped hem and floral lace panels, in 100% silk. Wear it under a blazer, with high-waisted trousers, or under a jacket for a bit of lace at the neckline.
Lilac Lace Crochet Dress$900 CAD
Sage Lace Crochet Dress$900 CAD
Sunset Ombre Crochet Tunic$300 CAD
White Lace Top$320 CAD
Shoes and bags
Keep both simple. Crochet has a lot of texture already. Plain leather, a neutral sandal or a smooth ankle boot all work.
Jewellery
One statement piece at a time. If you wear a necklace, skip the earrings, and the other way around. Gemstone beads in a colour that matches the dress tend to look best. Browse the jewellery if you'd like a match.
Keep it looking good
Hand wash in cool water and dry it flat. Never hang a wet crochet dress, because it stretches. Our crochet care guide has the steps.
Find your dress
Each piece is one of a kind. See all of Ellie's crochet on our crochet page.
Heirloom crochet by Ellie
Every piece is one of a kind, crocheted by hand in silk and natural fibres.
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