Martha Stewart’s Crochet Dress Is the Stylish and Breezy Summer Basic Your Wardrobe Might Be Missing

Martha Stewart hit the Las Vegas Strip in a crochet dress and reminded us why this summertime staple needs to be packed on every warm-weather vacation. 

The 82-year-old shouted out designer Brunello Cucinelli for the dress she wore in the mirror selfie posted on June 7. The outfit isn't completely visible in the shot, but it appears to be this open-backed maxi dress that costs $5,395. While Stewart was wearing hers in the Nevada desert, a crochet dress is also an ideal accessory on a beach or pool day.

These breezy dresses can be worn as a swimsuit cover-up on your way to the water, and they let your suit and skin dry comfortably when you put them back on after a swim thanks to the wide stitching. The right crochet dress can cover you up on a coastal vacation, onboard a cruise, at a music festival, or on a routine day with your kids at the neighborhood pool. You can also wear it over a slip dress in a coordinating color for an evening out.

If dropping $5,400 on a single crochet dress isn't quite in your budget, don't worry because we found some similar to what Stewart was wearing — starting at $25.

Crochet Dresses Inspired by Martha Stewart

• Anrabess Crochet Mini Dress, $33.99 (orig. $39.99); amazon.com
• Madewell Sleeveless Crochet Maxi Dress, $92; madewell.com
• The Drop Ritu Crochet Maxi Dress, $64.90; amazon.com 
• Show Me Your Mumu Packable Pullover Coverup, $138; revolve.com
• Nordstrom Open Stitch Cover-Up Dress, $59; nordstrom.com
• Caracilia Long-Sleeve Crochet Mini Dress, $24.99; amazon.com
• Stitchdrop Scottsdale Crochet Maxi Dress, $49.97 (orig. $140); nordstromrack.com

Anrabess Crochet Mini Dress

This is one of Amazon's best-sellers for women's cover-ups right now, and it has nearly 1,000 five-star ratings. The look is exactly what you picture when you imagine a crochet dress for the beach: a wide neck, a loose fit, flowy sleeves, and a mini length. It comes in 29 colors that range from classic cream white to loud neon green to several variations on the rainbow stripe.

One reviewer raved about the feel of this dress, far preferring it to one they'd bought at Bloomingdale's. "[I] was surprised to find the quality much better, as well as [more] soft and comfortable," they wrote of the Amazon option. "It's sturdy in weight, yet lightweight enough."

Madewell Sleeveless Crochet Maxi Dress

Madewell certifies this maxi as a best-seller, and it's a high-quality option at under $100. This sleeveless crochet dress has a scoop neckline and a slim fit, making it a great choice if you don't like the oversized look of most cover-ups. It's made from 100 percent cotton, hits just below the calf, and comes in sizes from XXS through XXL. This one looks just as right on a beachside dinner date as it does at the pool.

The Drop Ritu Crochet Maxi Dress

The fit of this crochet maxi dress from Amazon's The Drop is also slimmer, and the thigh-high slit makes it a chic choice. It's 100 percent cotton and less sheer than other knit cover-ups. It comes in five understated patterns and colors and is sold in a wide array of sizes that range from XXS through 5XL.

"I am very impressed with the fit and quality," wrote one reviewer who got the dress for free in return for their opinion. "I have a curvy figure and usually don't wear body-hugging dresses, but I was surprised at how flattering this was."

In the final days of spring, Martha Stewart reminded us of one of our favorite summer wardrobe essentials. Shop a few more of these cozy cover-ups — several in neutral tones other than white — with prices starting at $25 for a top-rated option at Amazon.

Show Me Your Mumu Packable Pullover Coverup

Nordstrom Open Stitch Cover-Up Dress

Caracilia Long-Sleeve Crochet Mini Dress

Stitchdrop Scottsdale Crochet Maxi Dress