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Fashion editor Polly Rogers dissects a classic and preppy trending pattern seen in style this season… Argyle!
Argyle, this diamond knit has been around since before sliced bread, but is it cute and sweet for streetstyle? Or do you look like you're wearing your dads old socks?
Argyle is a timeless pattern, while only popping into microtrend occasionally, it's more commonly a classy print that exudes an elitist exuberance; old money and a preppy taste! This pattern has highland history, coming alongside plaid and tartan from Scottish heritage, we see these pieces adapt over time from kilts, in its origin, to the tasteful Pringle sweaters and socks donned by the British Royal Family and Ivy League academics. From golf courses to runways, this print is versatile and can be styled in so many ways. So, with 2026 around the corner, the question is how to style argyle for the next while?
Trending pieces include sweaters, cardigans, socks and tights, and weave through multiple different aesthetics, depending on which pieces you choose and how you style them.
Taking it to the UK, British old money differs from the more common country club Hamptons version of the aesthetic, and while argyle can be seen in both, in a British heritage sense, it is worn less in a clean girl pristine fashion but rather for comfort and warmth on a hack or a long walk around the estate, before stopping off in the village pub for pints. Skinny jeans, jodhpurs or linen pants create a base, to be worn with knee high leather boots or Hunter wellies from under which argyle socks could be peaking. Either a sloppy oversized or a tight argyle sweater or cardigan would suit in tones of warm browns, oranges or even pinks! Top off your outfit with a warm wax or Barbour jacket and a practical scarf, to keep out the cold British breeze.
With old money’s American variant, argyle is a preppy cardigan, worn over tennis whites, or a sweater used to accessorise rather than insulate. Neat and less vibrant in colouring, these pieces are daintily paired with tailored trousers and skirts, blouses and shirts. Atop pinafores and dresses, accessorised with headbands and belts. Expensive touches such as pearls are prominent and expected within styling. Colours of argyle would lean more into the navies and pinks, blues and blacks, regal and reserved! Ankle socks and polished leather pumps or Mary Janes will leave your outfit ready for your chauffeur to drive you to back Yale after Labour Day at your Hamptons house.
An office siren aesthetic could use an argyle that is more muted in colouring and a tighter fit. Whether working at a desk, or grabbing lunch with clients, office siren brings a sultry tint into bland workwear. Colours of greys, blacks and navies would be precise and professional, paired with longer minis or midi skirts of a more tailored and tighter cut, think pencil or A-line and made of thicker grey or black wool or even a smart pinstripe pant. White blouses or shirts peeking beneath the collar of a sweater or partnered with a smart argyle sweater vest, with ballet flats or sleek knee high boots, you’re office-ready and elegantly styled!
Lastly, for a modern maximalist approach, argyle can and should be paired with anything and everything, mismatched knee socks or bright tights can clash welcomingly with other patterns and prints. The brighter the colours the better, mini or maxi skirts, try to pair baggy and tight and play with the shape dynamics you can create within your outfits, big bottoms and a tiny top or vice versa. Funky shoes are a must, either unusual in style or in colour, don't forget to layer tops and chunky jewellery. A mix match of fabrics collaborate, and pieces such as argyle neck ties or skirts could work with argyle sweaters, to stand out rather than blend in, maximalist requires even more than too much.
While this pattern seems ancient, some things never truly go out of style! A statement piece for your wardrobe that will stand the test of time, but where to find it? As all fashion, these things circle in and out of trend, so check your mums and grannys wardrobes, even your dads or grandads for a baggier garment! Thrift shops, Depop and Vinted await you with the perfect gem that is ready to be styled for this coming spring!