I’m finally old enough to sound just like my mother, looking at the latest Y2K trends and whispering under my breath, “I’ve already worn that.” But alas, fashion is cyclical, so we know certain trends come back. While I won’t jump on every trend from the early 2000s, I have to admit I found myself welcoming the comeback of the rugby top. Perhaps it’s because our wardrobes crave color again, and the stripes add so much vibrancy, or maybe it’s a reminder of a simpler time in my life when all my crushes wore shell necklaces and layered polo shirts.
This time around, I’m adding a rugby shirt to my fall closet because they’re comfortable, sporty, and effortlessly stylish, thanks to their built-in structure. If you’re unsure how to wear this 2000s throwback, I’m sharing my favorite affordable polo-style tops and how to style them into totally wearable and practical mom outfits.
Why you should add a rugby shirt to your closet this fall
The return of the rugby top is a rare moment where trend meets function. They’re comfy, washable, layerable, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re reminiscing about high school like me or just looking for a new mom outfit formula, the polo-style collar adds a touch of sophistication to a plain top, and the colorful stripes help break away from the monotony of subdued fall colors. I say don’t sleep on this stylish throwback. Rugby’s back, baby—and this time, we’re wearing it better.
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Shop our favorite rugby shirts for women
11 variations available, runs oversized.
Rugby shirt outfit ideas
Already own one and need ideas for how to style a rugby shirt? Here are a few outfits to get you inspired. All are easy to recreate with pieces you may already have in your closet.
More practical ways to style your rugby shirt
Pair it with tailored trousers and loafers for a polished, work-ready look, or opt for a casual look with denim or utility shorts on warmer days. For school drop-offs, errands, or coffee runs, style it with jeans or even leggings for effortless and cool mom vibes. Personally, I love how a rugby shirt looks layered with a button-down or the peak of a white tee underneath.
Add a feminine touch with a skirt
A polo shirt is also great to style with more feminine touches, such as a flowy skirt. A short skirt or boxer shorts creates a nice contrast with the naturally boxy rugby top.
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For my working moms, a rugby-style top looks chic when layered with a classic button-down and trousers—very Ralph Lauren polo shirt-inspired, and perfect for the office. I love using a polo top as an added cool layer to an otherwise quite basic work outfit.
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Swap your tee for a rugby top
Create a more interesting mom outfit by swapping a regular T-shirt for a polo shirt. This simple swap creates a far more visually appealing outfit and brings dimension to a simple top and denim shorts combo.
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Elevate a casual outfit
Sweats and a polo shirt are such a good style match. The polo helps bring structure and color to a comfy pants and quilted jacket outfit. This outfit would be great for weekend errands, kid sports activities, and school drop-off.
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Add trendy pieces
Style it with trendy fall items such as a barn jacket and boat shoes for a chic, preppy, and comfortable style. This look is comfy and super on trend, my favorite casual outfit style for mom life.
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The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Alina Orozco, Commerce Editor
Alina Orozco is the Commerce Editor at The Everymom, where she combines her editorial experience with a love for finding products that make everyday life easier, and more stylish. To The Everymom, Alina brings over 10+ years of editorial publishing and digital storytelling experience as well as snippets of her real life mom style, making fashion trends accessible and fun for every mom. She now lives in a cozy beach town in Southern California with her husband and their two boys, but she’ll always be a Philly girl at heart.
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