Argyle jumpers and cardigans: how to wear them this autumn

On Pinterest, searches for "plaid sweater styles" have grown more than ninety-fold in a month. Behind the name, there is hardly any tartan: the images mostly show argyle jumpers and cardigans, the classic diamond pattern, in chocolate brown and cream or in navy and grey. They are worn with wide beige trousers, a white shirt or a roll neck, and a brown leather bag. This is preppy style, also called "old money": neat, well-cut pieces that look as if they have always been in the wardrobe. Here is how to wear it this autumn, with pieces to copy and mistakes to avoid.

Argyle, jacquard, check: what is the difference?

The three words overlap in searches, but they are not the same patterns.

• Argyle is the diamond. Two- or three-colour diamonds, often crossed by thin diagonal lines. It is the pattern of the trend, and the quickest way to a preppy look.
• Jacquard is a technique: the design is knitted into the fabric, not printed on it. An argyle jumper is therefore often a jacquard, and a jacquard jumper can also carry borders, snowflakes or Nordic motifs.
• Checks (tartan, gingham) are rarer in knitwear. They look more graphic and go with plain pieces.

To follow the trend, start with the diamond. A grey cropped argyle cardigan or a brown oversized argyle jumper is enough to set the tone.

5 outfits to copy with an argyle jumper or cardigan

1. The buttoned argyle cardigan, worn alone with wide trousers

This is the most-seen outfit of the season. Button the cardigan all the way up and wear it like a jumper, with nothing underneath or a simple vest top. Below, wide, fluid high-waisted trousers in beige or grey. The short cardigan balances the volume of the trousers. Try the argyle cardigan with gold buttons with wide camel suit trousers, or the funnel-neck argyle cardigan with grey wide-leg tailored trousers. On your feet, brown loafers or ankle boots.

2. Over a black roll neck

A black roll neck makes the pattern smarter, almost office-ready. Wear the cardigan open or half-buttoned so the collar shows. An oversized black roll-neck jumper under an argyle cardigan, straight black trousers or a midi skirt, and you have a winter office outfit. The contrast also works with the high-neck zip argyle cardigan, which wears like a light jacket.

3. With a white shirt, collar out

This is the most preppy detail: a white shirt under an argyle jumper, the collar laid over the neckline and the cuffs peeking out of the sleeves. Choose a fairly loose shirt, like this oversized cotton poplin shirt, and a crew- or V-neck jumper: the oversized argyle jumper with polo collar works very well, as does the ecru jumper with large argyle sleeves. Add a brown leather bag, such as this brown buckle shoulder bag, and the outfit is complete.

4. The sweater vest, the easiest piece

An argyle sweater vest goes over everything: a shirt, a white T-shirt, a fine roll neck. It is the simplest way to test the pattern without committing to a big piece. The chocolate argyle sweater vest goes with raw denim or beige trousers. The V-neck argyle sweater vest, navy and burgundy, is more graphic. For a shorter, younger version, there is the cropped argyle sweater vest.

5. The men's version

The argyle jumper comes from the men's wardrobe, and it is coming back there. The typical outfit: an argyle sweater vest over a white shirt, chinos or loose jeans, loafers or leather trainers. The navy argyle sweater vest and the grey argyle sweater vest go over a basic long-sleeve white shirt. For a bolder piece, the unisex oversized blue and white argyle cardigan is worn open over a T-shirt. Men who prefer plain knits can keep the preppy spirit with a navy waffle-knit polo cardigan or an ecru cable-knit V-neck cardigan.

Which colours to choose

The trend images revolve around two combinations.

• Chocolate brown and cream: the warmest, most autumnal. It goes with beige, camel, denim and white. See the chocolate argyle sweater vest or the high-neck zip argyle cardigan.
• Navy, grey and beige: more classic and restrained, perfect for the office. It goes with grey, white, black and raw denim.

A simple rule: the pattern already does the talking. Keep the rest of the outfit plain and neutral. If the jumper has two colours, repeat one of them on the trousers or the bag. Grey and brown mix well, as the green, cream and brown khaki brushed oversized argyle jumper shows.

The striped cardigan, the season's other trend

Alongside argyle, Pinterest shows plenty of striped cardigans: "striped cardigan outfit" is one of the rising searches. There are three ways to wear it.

• Buttoned up on its own with jeans: a chocolate and cream striped cardigan or a chocolate striped cropped cardigan, straight jeans, ballet flats. The weekend outfit.
• Open over a white T-shirt, with a midi skirt or a flowing dress: the cardigan tones down a dressy dress and keeps you warm in the evening.
• In black and white, the black and white striped cardigan gives a smarter Breton effect, with black trousers and a white bag.

Thin stripes lengthen, wide stripes widen: if you are petite, go for wide ones; otherwise choose thin stripes or a long cardigan. The full selection is in the cardigans section.

Choosing the right knit

The fabric

Always check the composition on the product page. A little wool (even 5 to 15%) makes a warmer, crisper knit that pills less. Acrylic alone is light, soft and easy to wash, but it can pill. Polyamide and elastane help the knit keep its shape. For a piece that lasts, a blend is often the best choice, like the argyle cardigan with gold buttons (15% wool).

The texture

A brushed or fluffy knit feels softer and warmer. A cable knit adds relief and a more classic look, like the cream open cable-knit long cardigan. A rib knit sits closer to the body and looks neater under a jacket.

The cut

Cropped cardigan with high-waisted trousers, long cardigan with slim jeans or a dress, oversized jumper with a fitted bottom. Put the volume on one side only, top or bottom.

In Morocco: when and how to wear it

Here, autumn and winter are mild during the day and cool in the morning and evening, especially in Rabat, Fez or Marrakech, and even more in the Middle Atlas. The cardigan is therefore the ideal piece: buttoned in the morning, open at noon, knotted over the shoulders in the afternoon. Choose a medium-weight knit rather than a very thick jumper you will take off at 11 a.m. A sweater vest over a shirt is perfect for 20-degree days. For Ifrane or December evenings, keep a chocolate chunky knit cardigan or a navy cable-knit maxi cardigan, which almost replaces a coat.

For a modest outfit, a long open cardigan looks great over a maxi dress or long skirt, and the argyle roll-neck jumper dress works with thick tights and boots.

Care: keeping knitwear beautiful for longer

• Wash inside out, at 30°C maximum, on a wool or delicate cycle, or by hand if the label says so.
• Never wring knitwear. Press gently in a towel, then dry it flat: hung up, it stretches.
• No tumble dryer for knits containing wool.
• Remove pilling with a fabric shaver, never with scissors.
• Store folded, not on a hanger, to avoid bumps at the shoulders.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an argyle and a jacquard jumper?

Argyle is a diamond pattern. Jacquard is a knitting technique that builds the pattern into the fabric. A knitted argyle jumper is therefore often both.

What to wear with an argyle cardigan?

Wide beige or grey trousers, straight jeans or a plain midi skirt. Underneath: nothing, a vest top, a black roll neck or a white shirt. Keep the rest of the outfit plain.

Is the argyle jumper only for women?

No. It actually comes from menswear. Men mostly wear it as a sweater vest over a shirt, or as a cardigan over a T-shirt. See the men's jumpers and cardigans section.

Is a cardigan enough for winter in Morocco?

In the big cities, yes during the day, if you choose a medium or thick knit. In the evening and in the mountains, add a coat on top.

The full selection is in the cardigans and jumpers sections.