Craftcore Is the Latest Fashion Aesthetic to Emerge—Let's Dive In

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(Image credit: @cinnamonryan)

For the past few seasons, we've seen a resurgence in '60s and '70s trends on the runways, which brought homespun and handicraft elements back into the spotlight. Undoubtedly, details like crochet, patchwork, and embroidery have been gaining popularity among the fashion set, and free-spirited pieces are being spotted all over Instagram. As these retro themes were taking hold of the fashion world, younger-generation TikTokers were sparking a DIY movement with deadstock, eco-conscious, and thrifted pieces. At the convergence of the two is a larger fashion aesthetic dubbed "craftcore."

As the name suggests, craftcore centers anything with handmade or upcycled elements, which happen to be so fun for summer. Some key themes to look out for in the market include crochet cardigans and dresses, patchwork jackets, and spliced denim. Videos of homemade DIYs have popped up all over TikTok, but fashion brands are also offering their answer to the trend. "Designers such as Ulla Johnson integrate crafted practices into their ranges to echo the vintage references and homespun qualities being explored by younger DIYers on social media," noted WGSN youth strategist Marian Park. "Other brands such as Sea also elevate this notion of craft to update the look into something that is contemporary boho and more premium alternatives to cottagecore. Bode is also a brand gaining a lot of attention—it is menswear, but it's resonating with women for its handmade or custom resort shirts."

Ahead, we're breaking down the pillars of the aesthetic—beaded details, crochet, embroidery, and patchwork—and bringing you the best shopping options within each.

Cool-Girl Crochet

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(Image credit: @MICHELLEAMO_)

Punchy Patchwork

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(Image credit: Lisa Says Gah)

Delicate Decals

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(Image credit: @cinnamonryan)

Beautiful Beading

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Next up: Prediction: These 2021 Trends Won't Fizzle Out by 2022 (But These Will)

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.