Bring on cosy season! Queen Mary's Argyle knit and comfy blue jeans have got me excited for chilly walks and falling leaves
The Queen of Denmark is ready for full-on autumn and this warm outfit ticks trend boxes and is still super wearable
As much as I'll miss the lighter evenings and warmer temperatures, if there's one thing that'll get me excited for the new season it's autumn outfit ideas. Knitwear is a staple in so many people's capsule wardrobes and when you're getting ready in a hurry it's hard to beat jeans and a jumper.
Even the royals agree and the Queen of Denmark just wore an elegant take on this with her Argyle jumper from ME+EM and blue denim when she visited her daughter Princess Isabella at the Guard Hussar Regiment. Checks are a huge autumn/winter fashion trend for 2026 and Argyle is having a resurgence already, though it's so traditional it never really goes out of style.
Shop Mary's Autumnal Style
Queen Mary's exact Argyle jumper has already sold out but the popularity of this pattern means ME+EM have several other to choose from. This relaxed cashmere jumper is the same design as the royal's but with camel and red mixed in with the grey instead of navy. It's got a straight fit and ribbed trims.
Knitted from a lightweight air yarn, this jumper has a traditional, wintery feel thanks to the classic Argyle design. It features a crew-neckline and long sleeves ending in ribbed cuffs. The soft charcoal grey, cream and burgundy pattern is striking but still incredibly wearable with a variety of other colours.
If you love the grey and navy in Queen Mary's jumper then this is a gorgeous, affordable alternative that's slightly lighter for autumn. The sleeves are elbow-length and slightly puffed and the silhouette is designed to be fitted. This makes this knitted top perfect for tucking into jeans and trousers.
I own these exact jeans and they've been one of my most-worn pairs for years now - so much so I've just bought them in black. The mid-blue wash is so versatile for wearing all year round and the design is high-waisted. Wear with trainers for a casual look or heeled boots to elevate things.
This double-breasted coat has a navy windowpane check and a funnel neckline with a throat latch to keep you extra snuggly in cold weather. It's longline and there are practical angled pockets too. Throw on with jeans and your favourite knitwear and boots for an everyday style.
If you prefer straight-leg jeans then the Matildas by Mango are an affordable option and they come in several different shades, including this beautiful blue wash. They have belt loops so you can accessorise them easily, a high-rise waist and five pockets.
Queen Mary's cashmere sweater had a grey and navy design, with a crew-neckline and ribbed trims. This colourway is very easy to style which is probably why it's sold out quickly, though the British clothing brand has the same design in grey, camel and red - and there are loads of other options out there right now too.
Argyle jumpers or cardigans which feature neutrals like black, white, grey or brown are the most versatile as these tones balance out brighter hues and you can easily match accessories to them.
The Queen kept to the blue theme with the rest of her outfit and she paired her sweater with mid-blue high-waisted jeans.
Although you can't see the full design in pictures from her royal visit, the cut looks to be wide-leg or straight-leg. These denim cuts are quite relaxed and incredibly comfortable.
My top tip for really cold days is to layer wide-leg jeans over knee-high boots and both these shapes look great styled casually with trainers or chunky boots, as well as with heeled footwear to dress them up. Mary left her jumper loose but you could also tuck in your knits for an extra polished feel.
She layered a dark blue Massimo Dutti coat over the top and the colour complemented her Argyle sweater. It was collarless so it was more relaxed than the structured, lapel collar coats we often see the royals reaching for and this worked well with the rest of the Queen's ensemble.
As we get further into autumn and temperatures plummet you can add warm accessories like scarves and gloves and swap to thicker coats but the basis of the look - jeans and an Argyle knit - remains so wearable. This is part of why I love that duo so much as it's a failsafe for frosty walks, going for Sunday Roasts with friends or just chilling out at home.
Or, in Queen Mary of Denmark's case, visiting her daughter's Regiment with King Frederik and their younger children Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. She loves re-wearing her favourite clothing combos so I imagine we'll see at least the jumper again over the coming months, though she might style it with trousers and heels to create a smarter look for royal engagements.
