As autumn arrives, knitwear becomes the go-to layering piece for transitional style. In the world of modern prep fashion, argyle stands out as the pattern of the moment—blending heritage charm with a fresh feel. Originating in western Scotland, argyle was originally used for kilts and highland attire—a more refined and stylized version of tartan. Its diamond patterns, crisscrossed with diagonal lines, added depth and movement that distinguished it from simple checks.

After World War I, argyle gained popularity in England as leisurewear before making its way to the United States. There, it became a staple in sportswear, especially golf, and its connection to country club culture solidified its status as a preppy style essential.

Featured in this article:

The Classic With a Twist
Khaite Pratt sweater – $2,200 at KHAITE

The Layered Look
Sandro layered vest – $320 at BLOOMINGDALES

The Heritage Polo
Frame The Argyle polo – $398 at FRAME

Once a symbol of tradition, argyle has been reinvented repeatedly. Today, it’s at the heart of the modern prep revival, celebrated for its duality—rich in history yet highly adaptable, classic in origin but open to endless variations in scale and color. This balance is what keeps it feeling current.

Traditional prep style was all about rules—blazers, pleated skirts, sweaters draped over shoulders. Modern prep, however, breaks those rules, using classic patterns as a starting point for creativity rather than constraints. Argyle fits perfectly into this shift, serving as both a nostalgic nod and a bold statement. For example, Khaite’s fall 2025 show paired an argyle knit with leather pants and an oversized fur coat—an unexpected mix that gave the pattern a fresh edge. Similarly, Guest in Residence used vibrant color combinations to add interest to clean silhouettes.

Fall 2025 collections demonstrated argyle’s versatility. Miu Miu honored tradition with a subtle color palette reminiscent of its country club origins. Proenza Schouler simplified the print to a three-color diamond check and elevated it with a wrap design. On the other end, Zankov embraced maximalism, turning argyle into a bold mix of color and geometry. Across the board, designers showed that this centuries-old pattern remains perfectly in tune with today’s trends.

Argyle brings a touch of collegiate nostalgia while offering endless possibilities for reinvention. In modern prep fashion, it’s less about recreating a uniform and more about pushing it into new, personal territory. Instead of being limited to Ivy League campuses or country clubs, argyle is now styled with everything from embellished skirts to corduroy trousers and contemporary tailoring. Make the look your own with our selection below.

– Khaite Pratt sweater – $2,200 at KHAITE
– Sandro layered vest – $320 at BLOOMINGDALES
– Guest in Residence argyle vest – $350 at NET-A-PORTER
– Frame The Argyle polo – $398 at FRAME
– Gap Cashsoft cardigan – $79.95 at GAP
– Burberry check jacket – $1,650 at BURBERRY
– Miu Miu knit cardigan – $2,350 at MIU MIU
– Proenza Schouler Vanne top – $2,290 at PROENZA SCHOULER
– Lisa Yang The Elaria cardigan – $1,235 at LISA YANG
– Reformation Clara cardigan – $248 at NORDSTROM
– Zara argyle bomber – $79.90 at ZARA
– Brooks Brothers argyle sweater – $348 at NORDSTROM
– Guest in Residence argyle vest – $375 at NET-A-PORTER
– Acne Studios Katcher brushed-knit – $1,050 at NET-A-PORTER
– Zankov color-block cardigan – $835 at BERGDORF GOODMAN
– Bode Jockey polo – $1,050 at BERGDORF GOODMAN
– Ganni argyle sweater – $325 at MYTHERESA
– Zara argyle polo jacket – $59.90 at ZARA
– Massimo Dutti knit cardigan – $160 at MASSIMO DUTTI
– Proenza Schouler Vivian top – $1,090 at SHOPBOP
– Hodakova Attached argyle sweater – $570 at BERGDORF GOODMAN
– Rùadh The Blane cardigan – $1,090 at NET-A-PORTER
– Majewool sweater – $450 at BLOOMINGDALES
– Frame Sotheby’s vest – $478 at FRAME
– Prada argyle pointelle sweater – $1,720 at BERGDORF GOODMANORF GOODMAN
Miu Miu argyle top: $2,050 at MYTHERESA

Prada argyle vest: $1,590 at MYTHERESA

Khaite Anders top: $1,880 at KHAITE

Miu Miu argyle sweater: $2,450 at FWRD

Guest in Residence argyle sweater: $545 at NET-A-PORTER

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about discovering argyle knit designs

General Questions

Q What exactly is an argyle pattern
A Its a classic diamondshaped pattern often with a crisscrossing overlay of lines traditionally seen on socks and sweaters

Q Why is argyle considered a timeless pattern
A Its geometric design is versatile and has been a preppy classic staple in fashion for decades making it feel both stylish and enduring

Q Where can I shop for these argyle knit designs
A You can find them at department stores specialty clothing boutiques and online retailers that focus on knitwear sweaters and classic apparel

Design Style Questions

Q Whats the difference between a timeless classic and a bold abstract argyle
A A timeless classic uses traditional colors like navy black and red on a neutral background A bold abstract might play with the diamond shapes use unexpected colors or distort the pattern for a modern look

Q Can you give an example of a vibrant colordrenched pattern
A Instead of a white background with a few colors imagine a sweater where the entire piece is saturated with bright bold colors like fuchsia electric blue and lime green in the argyle pattern

Q Is argyle only for preppy or formal looks
A Not at all While it has preppy roots modern argyle in bold colors or abstract designs can be dressed down with jeans or sneakers for a casual stylish outfit

Practical Tips Styling

Q Im new to argyle Whats a safe piece to start with
A A pair of argyle knit socks or a simple Vneck sweater in classic colors is a great lowcommitment way to try the pattern

Q How can I style a bold abstract argyle sweater without it overwhelming my outfit
A Let the sweater be the statement piece Pair it with solid neutral basics like dark wash jeans black trousers or a simple skirt to balance the look

Q Are there any rules for mixing argyle with other patterns
A Its advanced but possible The key is to vary the scale Pair a largescale argyle with