WORDS BY STEPHEN YU
Scotland is officially the unsung heroes of fashion. Long before they gifted us with the likes of Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, and Jonathan Saunders, the Scots had been quietly revolutionizing fashion from the highlands. Think about it, they had blokes wearing skirts when Jean Paul Gauthier’s great, great, great, great, great grandparents were around. That whole ‘penis out’ look that Rick Owens did? Yeh the Scots did that first (cue flashbacks of your drunk aunt asking men in kilts ‘are you a real Scotsman?’). Then there are the textiles. To this day, Scotland continues to export its fabrics to brands like Prada, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karen, and Saint Laurent Paris. That thing the yanks call plaid? Well, the Scots invented that too, and it’s called tartan. And checks are so in right now. Harris Tweed? Scottish. You get the point.
Anyway, history lesson over. But we have another fashion trend to thank our Caledonian friends for - Argyle. Forever the pattern of choice for slumbering grandads, middle management, and golfers, this special type of tartan (belonging to the Campbell clan so we've been told) is now one of this seasons hottest trends. Here's our pick of the best.
Oversized
This oversized V-neck knit by Alexander McQueen has the perfect boxy silhouette. Wear yours with the tailored black pants or drainpipes and polished derby's for a look we call 'Herman Munster goes to Scotland'.
Experimental
It's a turtleneck...it's a knit...it's a scarf...no...it's Raf Simons getting creative. Well, actually it's all of the above. Trust Raf to get all experimental on us. Essential for when you've got a Hong Kong Golf Club Dinner at 7, and an LKF Fashion party at 10.
Cardigan
A cozy woolen cardigan from the front, but an evil-spirit scaring guardian boasting knit from the back. You'll never be scared of walking home again. Thanks Gucci.
Subtle
This soft flannel polo by Pringle Of Scotland has a very subtle argyle print woven into the front. Reach for this monochromatic knit when you want to look smart, but have a little something extra. People will probably think you forgot to iron your top before they get up close, but screw them, they're not wearing argyle.
Mismatched
This little mock neck knit sweater is packed full of details. There's the stitched piping that runs down the center of the sweater. There's not one, but two types of Argyle. Check the mismatched yellow piping at the waist. Then there's the ribbed wool construction at the back and under the sleeves. What's not to love.
Unconventional
Trust JW Anderson to put a modern spin on the classic argyle sweater. This knit features two different knitting patterns, alongside large ropes of black yarn and extended exposed seam detailing at the shoulder and side hems. You're essentially wearing an inside out jumper and getting away with it.
Micro
If wearing normal argyle is too much of a statement, opt for this luxurious Prada turtle neck with micro-argyle print. We're not sure if this actually classifies as argyle, but it's got diamonds/lozenges (we thought they're what you ate when you had a sore throat, silly us!) and stripes so we're having it.
Flecked
Alright, you show off. So argyle wasn't enough on its own. Nope. You had to do one better than everyone else, and have some flecks added in as well didn't you? Well good for you. You won't be so happy with yourself when everyone asks why you've got paint on your top!