Rugby shirts have been having a big moment this year seen on the likes of Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Rihanna it’s a staple sought after by all the IT girls and as we head into the winter months they are coming into their own. Google search data from the last five years shows that searches for ‘rugby shirts’ peak annually in October and November, cementing its status as an autumn winter staple.
Over at fashion brand Joules, their team have also seen an increase in interest in rugby shirts, with on-site searches increasing by 12.4% MoM.
Here, Alice Joule, Head of Creative at Joules has provided some tips on how to style a rugby shirt in transitional weather, with help from influencer Millie Holmes (pictured), who is known for her daily styling content on Instagram. Millie has put together three different looks using Joules’ iconic shirts.
Style 1: Oversized Rugby Shirt with a Maxi Skirt
Pair a navy striped rugby shirt with a flowy white maxi skirt for a more feminine look. Accentuate the ochre-coloured stripes with a matching coloured bag to add a pop of colour to the outfit. To complete the look, stack some jewellery and throw on a pair of ballet flats to create a boho laid-back aesthetic that is perfect for going to lunch.
Style 2: Rugby Shirt with Baggy Trousers
For a more polished ‘clean girl’ look, opt for a beige-striped rugby shirt with baggy trousers and trainers for a balanced off-duty look. Sticking to the same earthy colour palette add an olive green suede bag to enhance the earthy tones and pair this with sunglasses and stacked necklaces for a ‘put-together’ look.
Style 3: Rugby Shirt with Wide-Leg Jeans
A colourful shirt with light-wash denim and a pair of suede clogs is ideal for sunny days. To enhance the colours within the shirt, opt for accessories that will match accordingly, such as an oversized red hobo-style bag. Adding a chunky pearl necklace gives the look a dressier twist.
Styling Tips:
Mixing Silhouettes
“When choosing an outfit, first consider how the pieces will work together. Pairing something tailored or structured on one half with something that is more oversized on the other half will prevent the outfit from overwhelming your frame.
“When styling, playing with proportions is key, for example, combining the sporty structure of a rugby shirt with wide-leg or baggy trousers will help you create a balanced look.”
Accessorise
“The best way to show your personality when styling a rugby shirt is through the accessories you choose to pair with it. Consider adding a bold-coloured bag or statement jewellery to dress up the shirt.
This style of shirt can also be worn with various footwear to create different looks, opt for trainers or clogs for a more casual look or ballet flats for a more formal aesthetic.”
Colour Coordination
“A great way to create an outfit that looks put-together is by bringing out the colours within the rugby shirt’s stripes. Opting for a bag that matches one of the shades in the stripes is great for adding a pop of colour while keeping the rest of the look neutral or minimalistic.”
Unisex styles
“Rugby shirts are synonymous with androgynous design. They aren’t form-fitting but equally, they aren’t overtly baggy, making them the perfect mix of masculinity and femininity. With this in mind, don’t be afraid to opt for a shirt that is ‘designed’ for the opposite sex, choose the style which works best for the entire outfit.”
Layering
“The structured yet relaxed style of a rugby shirt means it makes the perfect layering piece for the transitional months. They are very versatile and can be worn with multiple pieces such as over shirts, turtle necks or long-sleeve tops in a jumper style or alternatively, they can be layered under blazers or jackets for extra warmth.”
Lara Green/Pink Boxy Fit Rugby Shirt – £59.95
Sammie Pink/Red Striped Heavyweight Cotton Rugby Shirt – £59.95
Onside Green & Red Striped Rugby Shirt – £59.95
Edgeford Cream Embellished Cut And Sew Rugby Shirt – £69.95
