How to style M&S’s viral £32 crochet cardigan this summer

Finding clothes that look stylish but are still practical can be tricky, especially during British summers. While lightweight dresses and linen pieces might be warm-weather favourites, having an extra layer on-hand is always a good idea for cooler evenings, unpredictable weather, or simply adding a little something extra to make your outfit pop.That’s where a good crochet cardigan comes in.

Easy to style, effortlessly chic and perfect for throwing on over your favourite summer pieces. It’s also a wardrobe addition that can work well beyond just one season. And, if you’ve been searching for a versatile addition to your warm-weather wardrobe, M&S might have just the thing.

This crochet cardigan has been gaining attention thanks to its effortlessly chic look, and at just £32, it’s an affordable way to refresh your summer outfits without spending a fortune.Designed to add a stylish finishing touch to everything from jeans and a T-shirt to floaty dresses and skirts, we reckon it’s a piece you’ll be reaching for all season long. Plus, with crochet-inspired styles continuing to be a summer favourite, it’s a simple way to tap into the trend.

I headed in-store to try on the viral piece. Here’s how I styled in it in three ways.Read more: M&S’s £34 drop waist skirt is the easiest way to nail cool girl summerM&S cotton blend crochet-style collared cardiganopen image in gallery(Marks & Spencer)The M&S Collection crochet cardigan is designed with seasonal layering in mind, made from a breathable cotton-blend yarn with an airy crochet-style stitch that helps keep it feeling lightweight.

It comes in a regular fit with a collared neckline, button-through front and scalloped trims. Plus, it’s available in a choice of two colourways: a neutral beige tone and a vibrant chilli red, so there’s something to suit every taste.Even better, it can be machine washed on a delicate 40C cycle.

Ideal if you’re accident-prone or have little ones with permanently sticky fingers.Buy nowM&S cotton blend crochet-style collared cardigan styled with Per Una pleated denim shortsopen image in gallery(Alice Reynolds/The Independent)The most effortless way to style the M&S crochet-style cardigan is with a pair of jorts, which have been trending all summer. A structured jort like this one from Per Una at M&S compliments the boxy fit and collar on the cardigan.

Any colour jort will work with the white cardigan but I particularly liked how the indigo hue paired with the cream.Buy the cardiganBuy the jortsM&S cotton blend crochet-style collared cardigan styled with M&S Bermuda shorts open image in gallery(Alice Reynolds/The Independent)An all-white ensemble is one of my favourite summer trends so I was excited to pair the M&S ivory Bermuda shorts with the viral cardigan. The crochet-style fabric made a satisfying contrast to the tailored accents on the long linen shorts and together I think they make the perfect summer in the city look.

Buy the cardiganBuy the shortsM&S cotton blend crochet-style collared cardigan styled with M&S textured midaxi circle skirtopen image in gallery(Alice Reynolds/The Independent)This skirt was an unexpected success. Like nothing I already own, the circle skirt has generous movement and volume that creates a fun silhouette when paired with the cardigan. The zesty colourway of the skirt keeps the cardigan feeling fresh and summer-worthy.

Buy the cardiganBuy the skirtThese are the best white T-shirts, tested