As a fashion insider, I can usually predict the next wave of trends, but every so often a piece sneaks up and manages to surprise even me. Enter: the rugby shirt. Never did I imagine we’d be calling anything with the word “rugby” a fashion essential, but alas, here we are.
If you’ve been paying attention, you already know: The rugby shirt trend is everywhere this season. The appeal is all in its range. Worn with jeans and a baseball cap, it’s effortlessly casual; paired with a silk midi and kitten heels, it’s suddenly elevated. In an era where good tops feel impossible to find, this one checks every box—it’s versatile, affordable, and completely unexpected.
Retailers are leaning into the moment, too. Aligne and Sandro are offering chic, investment-worthy versions, while classics from Land’s End and J.Crew prove you can score the look for under $50. And as the season progresses, expect to see cozy knit iterations alongside the traditional cotton staples, making the rugby shirt a trend with real staying power.
If you’re curious about how to put together a rugby shirt outfit this fall, look no further than these editor-approved styling examples.
Rugby Shirt Outfit Ideas
1. With light-wash jeans
When you’re thinking about how to style a rugby shirt this fall, it never hurts to go with something classic. Light-wash denim naturally leans casual, just like the rugby polo, which makes the two a perfect match for the ultimate cool-girl uniform. Finish the look with classic loafers (a nod to the “unexpected shoe” theory), and you’ve got an outfit that feels effortless whether you’re working from home or running out for a last-minute coffee.
2. With a mini skirt
A rugby polo and mini skirt make the ultimate duo—the sleek silhouette of the skirt keeps things polished while the oversized top adds a relaxed twist. The result is equal parts elevated and easy, especially when grounded with classic loafers. To take it one step further, layer on a long-line trench coat for the ultimate preppy rugby shirt outfit.
3. With double denim
Can double denim ever go wrong? The answer: absolutely not. The trick is in the styling. When you’re pairing jeans with a denim jacket, layer a striped rugby shirt in between—it breaks up the look just enough to feel 2025 rather than 1995. And when it comes to fit, the looser the better. Think oversized jacket, baggy jeans, and a boxy polo for that effortlessly cool, relaxed look.
4. With a leather jacket
Give your rugby polo some shape by layering it under a structured leather jacket. The contrast in silhouettes instantly makes the look feel styled and wearable for just about any occasion. Pair it with relaxed trousers for a chic, juxtaposed look or stick with jeans for something more casual. Pro tip: Opt for a hardware-free leather jacket so the clean lines don’t compete with the stripes on your polo.
5. With dark-wash jeans
Since dark-wash denim inherently reads more elevated, balance it out with a casual rugby shirt and sneakers. It may feel like a no-brainer, but with everything else going on in our wardrobes, sometimes it’s worth the visual reminder: This combo is the definition of an easy, cool Saturday uniform. To take it further, layer on a barn jacket or trench coat—both add structure while keeping you warm as fall temps drop.
6. With a wool coat
This fall and winter, swap your classic crewneck sweaters for a rugby polo. The look feels unexpected and brings more personality than a standard knit, breaking up the uniformity of your everyday wool coat. Style it with jeans, trousers, or even a mini skirt for an outfit that’s just as interesting as it is effortless.
The Best Rugby Shirts to Shop Now
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.
