The rugby shirt is autumn’s biggest fashion trend – here are five ways to style it this season

STRIPED rugby shirts made a major comeback a few seasons ago, gracing the runways of designer brands including Stella McCartney, Celine and Louis Vuitton.

The trend has even earned the seal of approval from fashion’s favourite it-girl, Hailey Bieber, who was spotted sporting a striped Loewe rugby shirt back in 2023.

Heritage Long Sleeve Rugby Shirt, £38 from Cotton Traders

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Since then, the sporty staple has been embraced by a host of A-listers, including Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift and Rihanna.

What was once reserved for the pitch quickly became a fashion favourite, with bold stripes, oversized fits and classic sporty details giving the humble rugby shirt a seriously stylish update.

As always, the runway trend soon filtered down to the high street, and over the past few seasons the rugby shirt has become a stylish wardrobe staple.

The best part is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on designer ones to get the chic, preppy look.

British clothing brand Cotton Traders has you covered.

Whether you prefer bold, chunky stripes or something more subtle, the brand offers a wide range of styles and colourways.

I’ve taken the brand’s new £38 Heritage style and created five different looks to show you just how versatile it can be, from now through to autumn.

Look 1

We’re still having some lovely mild days despite autumn’s official arrival, so I’m definitely not ready to pack away my favourite summer pieces just yet.

I wore this outfit on a recent countryside escape to the Cotswolds, and I think it’s such a lovely combination for this time of year.

The pink and burgundy rugby shirt gives my trusty poplin skirt a slightly more relaxed, preppy feel while keeping the outfit feminine.

There’s something about a rugby shirt that feels so at home in the countryside, particularly when paired with classic pieces like this.

This look is perfect for a pub lunch followed by a wander around one of the pretty Cotswold villages.

I’ve added thong-toe heels here, but I’d probably swap them for loafers or a pair of trainers when I’m actually out and about.

It’s a great way of giving some of your favourite summer pieces a new lease of life as we head into autumn.

Look 2

This look is a little more casual, and probably even more suited to a countryside weekend.

I’ve really been enjoying wearing jorts this summer, and they work surprisingly well as we head into the transeasonal months.

I’ve paired mine with the blue and grey striped rugby shirt, tucking it in at the waist to give the outfit a little more shape.

I love how the stripes instantly give what could be a very simple denim look that classic preppy feel.

For a more relaxed look, you could size up in the rugby shirt and let it hang loose over the jorts instead.

I’ve finished the look with chunky biker boots.

This is the sort of outfit I’d wear at home too, for a relaxed weekend or even a last-minute festival.

It’s comfortable and practical, but still feels like I’ve made an effort.

Look 3

When it comes to autumn dressing, I love adding a bit of colour into the mix rather than automatically reaching for the usual browns and neutrals.

A pop of colour can really lift a look, particularly on those grey days.

I wore this look while I was away in the countryside and loved how the pink and dark purple rugby shirt worked with the rich chocolate brown jacket.

There’s something quite classic about the combination, but the mix of colours makes it feel a little more interesting.

The faux leather jacket was perfect for the crisp countryside weather, while the wide-leg black jeans kept the outfit comfortable and easy to wear.

I finished with my mesh ballet flats, which are my go-to all year round.

Look 4

Sometimes, keeping it simple really is the best way to go.

This is the sort of outfit I found myself reaching for while I was away in the Cotswolds: comfortable enough for a day of walking around, but sufficiently put-together to stop for lunch or a coffee along the way.

I’ve let the rugby shirt do the talking here, pairing it with my favourite blue denim jeans for an easy, everyday look.

The relaxed barrel-leg shape works perfectly with the sporty feel of the shirt, while keeping the overall look effortless and wearable.

It’s one of those throw-on-and-go outfits that doesn’t require much thought, but still looks like you’ve made an effort.

In fact, I received lots of compliments on the rugby shirt when I wore it, which is always a good sign!

Look 5

The best thing about these rugby shirts is that they’re just as easy to wear when you’re dressing down and staying cosy at home.

I love that they add a pop of colour and a classic stripe to even the simplest of outfits, so you still feel a little bit put-together even when you’re having a chilled day.

Here, I’ve paired mine with a simple pair of leggings and knee-high boots for a comfortable look that was perfect for settling in by the fire during my weekend escape.

There’s something about a rugby shirt that feels particularly at home in a cosy country setting.

This is exactly the sort of easy outfit I want for a slow afternoon indoors: comfortable, cosy and still stylish.

Monday 14 September

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