I’m never going to be one of those girls who buys a new wardrobe every season to stay on trend. But, do you know what I can do? I’m perfectly happy to throw a stylish accessory on top of my ‘standard’ wardrobe to spice things up.
Rachael Oglesby is the author of Crochet Boutique: a book filled with stylish crochet accessories. Rachael has a fabulous sense of style that shows through not only in her crochet designs, but also in the Vintage pieces she selects for her Etsy Shop.
Today, Rachael is sharing with us six awesome crochet-style tips! So, you don’t have to go out and buy an entire new outfit to look like a fashionista… you can crochet up a beautiful accessory and combine it with pieces you have for a great look!
Without further ado… here’s Rachael:
Tip: mix crochet into your wardrobe
Crochet has made a huge comeback in recent years, so it’s a lot easier to find pieces that appeal to you than it once was. It’s certainly no longer just granny squares and bulky shapeless sweaters. In spring and summer we see lots of crochet lace in tank tops, shorts and mini-dresses in shades of cream and pastel. In the cooler months it’s even easier with the choices of hats, scarves, mittens and gloves, and any other winter accessory you can think of.
If you’re still not convinced that crochet can be chic and trendy then I’d suggest starting with something small like the fingerless gloves or even the legwarmers worn peeking just slightly over the top of a pair of winter boots.
Tip: find an ‘everyday piece’
Almost any piece in Crochet Boutique could work as an ‘everyday piece’. I think picking one really depends on your accessory of choice. I could see a hat lover reaching for one of the berets or the slouchy beanie each morning before heading out. They’re great for covering those bad hair days, too. The laptop bag is another that is functional enough to be used daily, and I can also see the striped cotton tote working as a book bag, market bag or everyday purse.
But if I were to pick one for myself, it’d have to be the triangle fringe scarf. It’s a piece that you can throw on with almost anything to give it a little pep. Take your basic t-shirt and jeans, for example, and throw on this scarf and a cardigan or blazer and you’ve got a look that’s easy, comfortable and stylish – my favorite way to go!
Tip: Try a funky color… like mustard!
I wear mustard all the time! I used to have a mustard skirt that I wore to pieces and now I have a mustard cardigan that I mix into my outfits a few times a week, at least. I can’t wait for it to cool down so I can add pops of it in my winter accessories.
I typically pair it with deep browns, rich crimson reds and dark indigo blues though, of course, you don’t have to stop there. Jewel tones usually seem to be a safe pairing with this color, but I’m also a huge fan of trying unexpected color combos.
Tip: Try a headwrap when styling your hair!
My favorite way to wear the headwrap is with my hair down and loosely curled with the headwrap placed over my tresses.
I also think it looks pretty swell with your hair pulled up in a bun or top knot with a pair of great earrings (as shown in the book).
When I sell at shows the piece also seems to be pretty popular with joggers who just wear it with a ponytail on their chilly early morning run as an earwarmer. I love that a headwrap can go from a pretty dress and curls to sneakers and running shorts and not look out of place in either setting.
Tip: Add a pop of color to spice up your outfit
These days I’m all about taking simple comfortable outfits as your starting point and taking them to the next level by adding accessories in my favorite colors. In winter I’m a huge fan of taking basics like cuddly cabled oversized cardigans in neutral tones or your tougher black biker jackets along with dark denim jeans or black leggings as your base and piling on an accessory (or two or ten) for your pop.
The accessories you choose can completely change the look of the outfit. Whether you choose a chunky scarf or a more delicate piece – a bright color you can spot from afar or a classic neutral like camel or cream – all these factors can change the outcome of your outfit.
I’m also completely smitten with the neon trend that’s been around the past few seasons and particularly love it most in small hints here or there. I recently purchased a handpainted wool in bright neon yellow from a local farm and stitched up a ribbed cowl that I can’t wait to pair with my more understated classic winter pieces.
Tip: Don’t be afraid of a super-chunky yarn
When I work with chunky and bulky yarn it’s important to me that the fabric has enough drape and doesn’t feel too stiff. I think this helps a lot when wrapping or tying a chunky scarf since a piece that isn’t as stiff is much easier to maneuver. The same sort of idea applies to the cowls – I like to make sure they’re not totally stiff so that they hang nicely and you can scrunch them down so they’ll stay where they should instead of giving the effect that your gasping for air in a sea of yarn.
One of my favorite outfits to wear with the chunky cuddle cowl is to work one up in a bright yarn and pair it with a black biker jacket and black jeans so that it really stands out.
Thank you, Rachael!
Well, I don’t need much convincing… I’m ready to grab a bright ball of yarn and my crochet hook and get stitching!
Do you absolutely love the pictures featured in this post? They’re all pieces from Crochet Boutique, so you know where to go for fabulous crochet patterns! If you want to see all the patterns inside, have a peek at the book’s Ravelry page
And… if you can’t get enough of Rachael’s sense of style, go check out her blog!
Really like this post….. I never end up crocheting anything for myself! I think I need too!