Get Some Argyle in Your Life!

Louis Armstrong in Argyle (and Plus-Fours); Tour of London - early 1930s

Ever since De'voreaux White* parked his stretched limosine in the basement garage of the Nakatomi Plaza building while waiting for Detective John McLane (Bruce Willis) to pick up his wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) from the office Christmas party, fashionistas everywhere have been predicting the re-emergence of that colorful staple of golf courses and Irish riverdance stages everywhere: the argyle sock.

Argyle offerings from Turnbull & Asser

Argyle allows you to brighten otherwise dark color schemes - black argyle socks with grey and tan diamonds from Pantherella; navy blue argyle socks with creme and lime diamonds from Turnbull & Asser

The argyle pattern is derived from the tartan of Clan Campbell, of Argyll in western Scotland, and was used for kilts and plaids, and from the patterned socks worn by Scottish Highlanders since at least the 17th century. These were generally known as "tartan hose". Argyle knitwear became fashionable in England and then the United States after the first World War. Pringle of Scotland popularised the design in the 1920s, and was helped by its identification with the Duke of Windsor. The Duke, like others, used this pattern for golf clothing: both for jerseys and for the long socks needed for the plus-fours trouser fashion of the day (see Mr. Armstrong above).

Well, it looks like the time for Argyle's close-up has arrived. So, no matter the season, do as an uptown dandy would - spice up those somber flannels and drab overcoats and get some argyle in your life! Let bright pastels and cheerful color palettes be the watchword of your day. At the very least, gentlemen, let's liven up those earth tones . . .

Light brown argyle socks with black, creme, and grey from Pantherella; John Lobb Tudor in Parisian Brown museum calf; light brown tweed trousers from Saint Andrews.

*Yes, you guessed it - his character's name was Argyle.