15 Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Crochet Top Outfit Ideas to Try

There is something endlessly magnetic about the aesthetic of 1960s and 1970s Los Angeles. Sun-drenched streets, the smell of jasmine and exhaust, golden-hour lighting that made everything look like a movie — and fashion that somehow managed to feel effortless and intentional at the same time. Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood captured all of it, distilling the era’s free-spirited, slightly hazy glamour into a love letter to a city and a moment. And right at the heart of that visual world? Crochet.

The film is practically a mood board for anyone obsessed with boho chic, and crochet tops specifically appear throughout as a defining piece of the era’s wardrobe. Lightweight, textured, and undeniably sensual, crochet tops carry the same sun-soaked energy as the film itself — they look like they belong at a canyon party, a vintage record shop, or a drive-in movie lot on a warm August evening. Whether you are rewatching the film for the tenth time or simply want to channel that loose, golden California vibe into your everyday wardrobe, crochet tops are the perfect starting point.

Here are 15 outfit ideas inspired by the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood aesthetic, each built around a crochet top and styled for modern wear.

1. The Classic High-Waisted Denim Duo

The most iconic pairing in the entire 1960s–70s playbook is a crochet top with high-waisted denim. This combination appears almost as a uniform throughout the film, worn by characters drifting through Sunset Strip boutiques and Spahn Ranch alike. The key is in the proportions: your crochet top should be cropped just enough to let a sliver of skin show above the waistband, and the jeans should sit right at or above the navel.

Choose a slightly flared or straight-leg cut rather than anything too slim. Light to medium wash denim works best for that authentic 70s California feel, though a pair of vintage-looking white jeans can feel equally period-appropriate on a summer afternoon. Add a pair of simple leather sandals, a canvas tote, and a pair of oversized aviator sunglasses, and you have one of the most effortlessly chic outfits in the entire boho canon. The beauty of this look is that it requires almost no effort to assemble and yet photographs beautifully in natural light.

2. The Fringe Festival Look

Fringe is one of those details that lives and breathes in the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood aesthetic. Pair a cream or ivory crochet top — ideally one with a few dangling crochet details at the hem — with a suede midi skirt that has fringe along the bottom or the sides. The movement of both the crochet and the fringe together creates a visual texture that is quintessentially bohemian without veering into costume territory.

Burnt sienna, rust, or tobacco brown suede works especially well here. Keep your shoes earthy: wooden platform sandals or a pair of cognac leather knee-high boots depending on the season. Layering a few long pendant necklaces in turquoise or amber completes the look without overwhelming it. This is an outfit that looks equally appropriate at an outdoor concert, an art gallery opening, or a long afternoon at a café with a good book.

3. The Margot Robbie Sharon Tate Sundress Remix

Sharon Tate’s wardrobe in the film — much of it reconstructed from archival photography — is defined by its breezy femininity. To capture that energy with a crochet top, pair a white or pale yellow crochet piece with a flowy, A-line midi skirt in a soft floral print. Think small, slightly faded florals rather than bold contemporary patterns; you want something that looks like it could have come from a vintage boutique on Melrose.

Let the crochet top be your statement piece and keep the skirt relatively simple in its silhouette. White block-heeled sandals or simple strappy flats keep the outfit grounded. A small leather crossbody bag in tan or nude and a thin gold chain necklace are the only accessories you need. The result is sunny, feminine, and full of quiet grace — exactly the feeling Robbie’s portrayal of Tate brought to the screen.

4. The Ranch Hand Boho

The Spahn Ranch scenes in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood introduced a darker, earthier dimension to the film’s visual palette. The women there wore loose, well-worn pieces that felt like they had been lived in for years — sun-bleached fabrics, faded colors, layers that suggested a life spent mostly outdoors. Channel this energy by pairing an earthy-toned crochet top in rust, olive, or terracotta with a pair of patched or embroidered wide-leg jeans.

The embroidery detail on the jeans is key — look for floral or vine motifs stitched along the hem or pockets. Wear the jeans bare-footed or with simple leather slides. Layer a thin cotton scarf around your head as a headband or let it fall loosely around your neck. A braided leather belt and a few stacked rings complete the vibe. This is a look that feels lived-in and real, which is exactly its charm.

5. The Sunset Strip Night Look

Not everything in the film’s aesthetic is dusty and sun-soaked. The Sunset Strip scenes have a different energy entirely — louder, more electric, with neon signs and the sound of music spilling out of every open door. For an evening look inspired by those scenes, reach for a crochet top in a bold color: deep burgundy, forest green, or midnight navy. Pair it with high-waisted velvet flares in a complementary or contrasting shade.

Stack a few gold bangles on your wrist, add platform ankle boots in black or brown leather, and choose a small beaded or leather bag. A bold lip in brick red or berry pulls the whole look together and moves it out of daytime boho and into something more glamorous. This is the kind of outfit that looks spectacular under warm, low lighting — perfect for a dinner out or a live music show.

6. The Poolside Glam

Los Angeles in the late 1960s had a very specific poolside aesthetic — all suntan oil, movie magazines, and the sound of someone playing acoustic guitar nearby. Lean into it by wearing a crochet top as an actual cover-up over a high-cut, retro-style swimsuit. A burnt orange or chocolate brown swimsuit under a loose, open-front crochet top is the definitive version of this look.

High-waisted bikini bottoms or a one-piece with vintage styling both work here. Platform espadrilles, a wide-brimmed straw hat, and an oversized pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses complete the picture. This is one of those looks that requires almost nothing in terms of styling effort but reads as deeply considered and fashion-forward. Carry a woven basket bag instead of a traditional beach tote for the full effect.

7. The Earth Mother Layer

Layering is fundamental to the late-60s and early-70s California aesthetic. To build a layered outfit around a crochet top, start with a sheer, wide-sleeve peasant blouse underneath and let the crochet top sit over it as a vest or cover. This works especially well with longer crochet pieces that fall past the hip. The peasant blouse should be white or ivory, slightly oversized, and ideally have a bit of smocking or embroidery at the cuffs or neckline.

Over both layers, throw a long, lightweight kimono in a paisley or abstract print. The combination of textures — fine cotton, open crochet, and printed silk or rayon — creates exactly the kind of effortlessly layered look that characterized the era. Ground it with low wooden clogs or suede ankle boots and a long beaded necklace that reaches your sternum.

8. The Desert Road Trip

There is a particular kind of freedom embedded in the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood aesthetic — the freedom of the open road, of vast skies and long afternoons with nowhere to be. Capture that energy with a crochet top paired with linen wide-leg trousers in a natural, undyed tone: ivory, sand, or pale oatmeal. Linen’s natural texture complements crochet beautifully, and the combination of both breathable fabrics makes this one of the most comfortable outfits you can build.

Flat sandals or simple leather loafers keep the look casual and road-trip appropriate. A long linen overshirt left completely open and untucked adds another layer of textural interest without adding visual weight. A simple leather crossbody, a pair of round-lens sunglasses, and a single delicate gold bracelet are all you need to accessorize. This look works equally well as a travel outfit or a relaxed weekend look in the city.

9. The Conscious Flower Child

The flower child aesthetic is one of the most recognizable dimensions of late-60s fashion, and it translates surprisingly well into modern wardrobes when styled with restraint. Pair a white or cream crochet top — one with a slightly loose, flowing silhouette — with a maxi skirt in a warm botanical or floral print. The maxi skirt is the hero of this look; choose one with a slight A-line shape and a hem that just brushes the floor.

Flat sandals with a leather toe strap, a simple daisy or flower crown (for special occasions), and a braided crossbody bag in natural straw or raffia complete the look. Keep your jewelry minimal and earthy: wooden beads, a simple turquoise ring, or a hammered gold pendant. The goal is to look like you wandered in from a wildflower meadow rather than assembled an outfit from scratch.

10. The Vintage Shop Treasure Hunter

Many of the film’s most compelling style moments involve mixing vintage finds in a way that looks totally uncontrived. Channel that spirit by pairing a vintage or vintage-inspired crochet top — ideally something with a bit of an unusual detail, like scalloped edges, unusual color-blocking, or a deep V-neckline — with a pair of well-worn vintage Levi’s and a classic western-style belt with a large buckle.

Add a pair of vintage cowboy boots in tan or cognac leather and a faded denim or suede jacket slung over your shoulders. A simple hobo bag in leather or suede and a collection of mismatched vintage rings finishes the look. This outfit tells a story — it looks like something assembled over years of patient thrifting rather than purchased all at once, which is exactly the aesthetic you are going for.

11. The Golden Hour Photo Shoot

The lighting in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is practically a character in itself — warm, amber, and eternal. Build an outfit that looks extraordinary in that kind of light by choosing a crochet top in a warm metallic or gilded tone. Gold, bronze, and warm copper crochet pieces catch the light in a way that looks almost cinematic and pair beautifully with earthy or neutral bottoms.

Wear it with wide-leg tan trousers or a flowing caramel-colored maxi skirt. Gold hoop earrings, a few thin gold stacking rings, and simple leather mules in a nude or tan shade let the crochet top do all the work. This look is particularly stunning photographed outdoors in the late afternoon, but it translates effortlessly to candlelit restaurants and evening events as well.

12. The Barefoot Bohemian

Some of the most iconic fashion images of the late 1960s involve women who look as though they simply threw on the most beautiful things they could find without a single thought for coordination — and somehow the result is perfect. Build your own version of that by pairing an oversized, drapey crochet top in a warm neutral with a pair of billowing palazzo pants in a contrasting fabric like silk or gauze.

The key to this look is contrast: the heaviness and texture of the crochet against the weightlessness and flow of the palazzo pants. Wear both pieces loose and relaxed. Keep accessories to a minimum — a single statement ring, one long pendant necklace, and simple flat sandals. This is an outfit that looks best when worn with the confidence of someone who genuinely does not think too hard about getting dressed.

13. The California Cool Street Style

Not every Once Upon a Time in Hollywood outfit needs to be a full boho commitment. For a more contemporary interpretation of the aesthetic, pair a fitted, fine-knit crochet top in a neutral tone with high-waisted tailored trousers in cream or chalk white. The contrast between the casual, handcrafted quality of the crochet and the clean lines of the trousers creates a modern tension that feels fresh and unexpected.

Add a structured leather tote, white leather loafers or kitten-heel mules, and a pair of delicate gold earrings. This look works well in a city context — a creative office, a Saturday lunch, a gallery visit. It borrows the warmth and texture of the era’s aesthetic without fully committing to vintage styling, making it a versatile option for people who want to incorporate the look into a more contemporary wardrobe.

14. The Campfire Dinner

As the sun goes down and the temperature drops, the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood aesthetic shifts toward warmth and intimacy. Build an outfit for an outdoor evening by layering a crochet top over a fitted ribbed turtleneck in a contrasting but complementary color. A mustard crochet top over a white turtleneck, for example, or a rust crochet piece over a brown or cream knit base.

Pair the layered top with dark-wash straight-leg jeans and a pair of simple suede Chelsea boots. A long, oversized shearling or suede jacket thrown over everything adds warmth without sacrificing style. This is a look that bridges autumn and the cooler end of summer beautifully, and the layering makes the crochet top wearable well beyond the warmest months of the year.

15. The Film Set Ingénue

The final look is perhaps the most directly cinematic — a nod to the aspiring actresses and creative young women who populated the margins of 1960s Hollywood, always dressed as though they were about to be discovered. Pair a delicate, light-as-air crochet top in white or blush pink with a high-waisted A-line mini skirt in a pastel gingham or solid butter yellow.

White ankle-strap heels or simple kitten-heel sandals keep the look feminine and slightly retro. A structured mini bag in white leather or pale straw, a pair of tiny gold hoop earrings, and a simple low ponytail or loose waves in your hair complete the picture. This is a look that feels simultaneously nostalgic and completely current — the kind of outfit that turns heads without trying to, which is, ultimately, the whole point of the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood aesthetic.

Final Thoughts

What makes the fashion of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood so compelling and so endlessly imitable is its apparent effortlessness. These are not looks that announce themselves loudly. They exist in a warm, golden, slightly hazy register — beautiful in the way that a late afternoon in Los Angeles is beautiful, without doing anything in particular to justify that beauty. Crochet tops are the perfect vehicle for that kind of style because they carry those same qualities in their very construction: handmade, textured, warm, and quietly extraordinary.

Whether you build your outfit around one of the fifteen ideas above or use them as a loose starting point for your own interpretation, the guiding principle is the same: choose warmth over coolness, texture over polish, and ease over effort. Wear things that look like you love them. Mix vintage and new without anxiety. Let the crochet breathe, let the fabric move, and let the California sunshine — real or imagined — do the rest.