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The pattern series: argyle
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It's official, guys: its cold outside, and throwing your peacoat on over a long sleeve t-shirt just isn't going to cut it anymore. In fact, it would behoove all of us to wear sweaters, but we should take it one step further. If you don't yet own one, it's time to pick up an argyle sweater, or some thick argyle socks, for that matter. For those of you who need argyle explained to them, here's part three of he Philadelphia Men's Style Examiner's series on patterns: argyle.
First, some history: the original spelling is "argyll," and it originated in Scotland in the 1500's. The pattern was originally the tartan (basically medieval gang insignia) of Clan Campbell, who lived in County Argyll in western Scotland. The colors were green and white and used only on their socks, though nowadays they can be found in countless color combinations and also on sweaters.
The pattern itself is essentially a checkerboard set at a forty-five degree angle with lines running through it. To explain it kind of like an Algebra II teacher would, the background is color A, the diamonds are colors B and C, and the lines criss-crossing through the diamonds' centers (known as a "raker" pattern) are color D. One could, for example, own argyle socks with a purple background, green and yellow diamonds, and a white raker pattern. If one wore these with the appropriate outfit, one would be deserving of multitudinous style points.
This brings us to appropriateness. Argyle socks and sweaters are generally fine for most occasions and dress codes up to and including the dressier side of business casual, but you may want to go with simpler socks or sweaters if your office is sartorially conservative. Or if you're attending a funeral. Classic as it is, argyle can still be a loud pattern and should be worn only when it's kosher to do so. The pattern is essentially a collection of straight lines, so it meshes quite well with pinstripes. If you're wearing solid dress pants, chinos, or jeans, it's very easy to work some argyle into your outfit, so long as your colors are coordinated. If you've forgotten the rules of matching socks to other parts of your outfit, read this article as a refresher. On guideline, though: avoid wearing an argyle sweater and argyle socks in the same outfit. It can be a bit much.
Luckily, there's no shortage of places in Philly to satisfy your argyle needs. Banana Republic at Broad and Walnut always carries a decent helping of argyle. So does J.Crew at Liberty Place and Brooks Brothers on Walnut Street. Check out the slideshow below to get your bearings, then pick up your favorite version of this classic pattern. Your significant other will be impressed.
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