No, I'm not a lady golfer - I'm wearing the most fashionable jumper of the year, and we’ve found the best from £23

Whilst traipsing through the high street this weekend, there was something I couldn’t help but stop and question: is golf in? Apparently so — it seems fashion’s love affair with sport is far from over. Earlier this year, we saw the reinvention of the rugby top, a sporting classic turned style staple that quickly pushed our Breton tees to the sidelines. Now, the streets are filled with shoppers looking as if they’ve stepped straight off the golf course, all thanks to this season’s sporting fashion hero: the argyle knit.

Characterised by its overlapping diamond motifs, argyle is tartan’s playful descendant. Its roots trace back to the 17th-century tartan of Clan Campbell of Argyll, where traditional patterns were rotated by 90 degrees to form the distinctive design we now so strongly associate with golfing (which, fittingly, also originated in Scotland).

Now, if we jump ahead to the 20th Century, this is where the knitted design we know and love comes into play. Pringle of Scotland, which originally started as an underwear brand, branched out and made its name in knitwear too (their twinsets were famously loved by Grace Kelly). Eventually, that rotated tartan was adapted into what would become their signature argyle knit.

Today, argyle is re-entering the spotlight thanks to Miu Miu, where the preppy knit re-emerged in their A/W 22 collection. Since then, the likes of Dior, Bottega Veneta and Ganni have followed suit — all proving one thing: argyle is no longer confined to the golf course.

Right now, the high street is brimming with iterations of the knit. For something with seasonal colours, Next’s £30 argyle jumper blends deep navy and forest green, lifted with a bold pop of coral — all modernised by its relaxed, oversized fit, making for an easy throw-on-and-go piece. Or, for something a little more muted, Massimo Dutti’s brown and beige sweater is another easy pull-on, plus it’s 100% wool. Or, if you prefer something a little more playful, Boden brings the zing with a hot pink pull-over, softened by autumnal accents, all wrapped up into irresistibly cosy cashmere.

Fancy a slightly different shape? Try a cardigan instead. Albaray takes a sweeter approach for their argyle button-up cardigan, reimagining the classic print in Neopolitan ice cream hues for something that looks as delicious as it feels. Meanwhile, American brand Gant keeps its cardigan a little more classic, with navy and grey contrasted by fun pops of red. And, if, like me, you love a collar detail, John Lewis has you sorted with their merino wool blend cardigan, which comes in two gorgeous shades: fig and olive.

The beauty of this trend lies in its versatility: one jumper, countless outfit moods. Take it full preppy and polished, à la Uniqlo, pairing the knit with chinos and a good pair of loafers. Or, keep it ultra-relaxed, like FatFace, who pair theirs with mid-wash jeans and comfy ballet flats. Either way, one thing’s for certain: I’m immediately adding one to my basket, and my winner is H&M’s short-sleeved argyle cardigan, which would look gorgeous with a long-sleeve polo neck layered underneath. (Oh, and it’s on sale right now!)

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