Rugby Polos Are the It Item for Fall (Again): Here's How to Style Them in 2026

The best trends aren’t really trends at all. They are beloved styles that prove their relevance time and time again. While they may slip out of fashion headlines, they remain in our closets, waiting for their next moment to shine. They’re the pieces we hang on to, knowing it’s only a matter of time before they’re popular yet again. The rugby polo is one such trend. Last year, millennial women everywhere rejoiced as we saw this casual, collegiate-inspired shirt rising to the top of everyone’s wishlists. It was, undoubtedly, the piece to own last fall. And if you’ve been feeling like you’re suffering from street fashion déjà vu, you’re not alone. The rugby polo shirt is the everyday fall piece to own yet again. Evie's product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love. Breaking Down the Rugby Polo’s Popularity So why, exactly, is everyone in love with the rugby polo? There are a few factors driving the masses toward this durable, athletic piece. Inspired by the Runways and Celebrities Like most streetwear trends, the rugby polo revival was initially introduced on the runways . Miu Miu and Prada are two notable labels that have been leaning heavily into the Ivy League-inspired aesthetic for the last couple years. Also fueling the fire is celebrity influence. Seen on Rihanna, Taylor Swift , and Hailey Bieber, it’s hard for the fashion-literate to ignore a celebrity-loved style that’s also so approachable for everyday wear. ’90s Nostalgia Strikes Again The rugby polo is one of several pieces that have benefitted from the ’90s-style revival. So many of us (even those of us who don’t remember a time before smart devices) are nostalgic for simpler, more analog times. As we’ve fallen back in love with loose denim, cargo pants, silk dresses, and cable-knit zip-ups, so too have we deemed the tried-and-true rugby top a “must-have.” A Step Up From Typical Athleisure Athletic wear isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. But there are a fair number of us who are seeking pieces that are comfortable, yes, but don’t scream “I just rolled out of bed.” As a mom of three who also has a moral objection to wearing sweatpants in public (unless I’m either actively working out or on my way to do so), I know I’m personally always on the hunt for items that help me feel put-together without sacrificing practicality. Rugby polos are the perfect blend of polished and casual. They lend a sense of refinement to an outfit while remaining laid back, fun, and practical. 7 Fresh Ways to Style Rugby Polo Shirts Whether you bought into the trend (literally) last fall and are looking for new ways to style it or are looking to dive in this season, knowing rugbies will never actually go out of style, here are some ideas for getting creative while getting dressed: With Trousers and Mules Dress your rugby up for the office with a pair of trousers. A classic belt adds structure (i.e., a waistline) and a chic leather tote or crossbody holds your daily essentials. Mules and loafers are easy to slip on and keep the business-casual vibes going. Sporty & Rich Blondie Serif Logo Rugby Polo, $230 Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant, $90 Old Navy Loafer Mule Shoes, $17.49 (was $34.99) Quince Allegra European Leather Belt, $50 Eric Javits Baxter Leather Tote Bag, $245 (was $475) With Track Pants Track pants are the chosen bottoms of cool girls everywhere this fall. Naturally, it only makes sense to pair them with the trending cool-girl top. Add an eye-catching, colorful pair of sneakers or ballet flats to up the style factor. A corresponding handbag in said eye-catching color makes the look feel complete. Joules Rugby Club Long Sleeve Striped Rugby Shirt, $118 Athleta Venice High Rise Track Stripe Wide Leg Pant, $129 A New Day Ruthie Ballet Flats, $30 Quince Naomi Clutch, $130 Simple & Dainty Everyday Hoop Earrings, $59 With a Skort and Tall Boots My personal favorite! Make the masculine rugby more feminine by styling it with a mini skirt or skort. Tall boots balance the outfit’s visual composition and make the ’fit more practical for a chilly fall day. COS Striped Cotton Rugby Shirt, $99 Vince Camuto Pavla Boot, $228.99 DISSH Soho Tailored Skort, $147 Universal Thread Oversized Slouchy Shoulder Bag, $29.75 (was $35) With Lace Shorts and Cowboy Boots For a look that’s a little bit preppy, a little bit rugged, and a whole lot feminine, try wearing your favorite rugby with a pair of lace-trimmed shorts and cowgirl boots. Aside from being unexpected (in the best way possible), this formula is also practical for busy fall days. Just as cute at the coffee shop as it would be at a local book shop or sipping a spiced bevvy at the cidery. ’47 x J.Crew Vintage Wool University of Virginia Rugby, $158 Abercrombie & Fitch Lace-Trim Satin Short, $45 Sézane Ivana Low Boots, $250 Saint Laurent Cassandre Large Envelope Pouch in Suede, $1,400 With Sneakers and a Boat Tote Being stylish doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep your look simple and New England-inspired with a pair of light-colored trousers or jeans and a canvas tote. Low-profile sneakers and vintage-style sunglasses make the outfit perfect for running errands, perusing fall festivals, and any sporting event the ’ber months throw your way. J.Crew Factory 100% Cotton Striped Rugby Shirt, $39 (was $98) Maeve Avery Wide-Leg Pleated Trousers, $148 L.L.Bean Open-Top Boat and Tote, $49.95 Gola Stadium ’86 Sneakers, $140 With a Structured Tote and a Baseball Cap Play into the athleisure vibe with a sporty little baseball cap and a chic pair of oval sunnies. Size up a few sizes in the top for an effortless oversized look. For bottoms, alternate among micro shorts, a lace-trimmed midi skirt, or a pair of loose denim. You might also keep it simple and opt for a rugby polo dress instead. Tuckernuck Navy Knit Ilona Rugby Dress, $148 Polo Ralph Lauren Cotton Chino Ball Cap, $55 Wild Fable Plastic Slim Oval Sunglasses, $15 Leatherology Large Willow Work Bag, $430 With Shorts and Boat Shoes If fall means 70 to 80 degrees (or hotter) where you live, fear not: You don’t have to miss out on the trend. Simply reach for a short-sleeve option. Style with easy-fit shorts and boat shoes to keep the look laid back and preppy. Suede boat shoes are particularly autumnal. Madewell Boxy Rugby Polo in Club Cotton, $59.99 (was $75) Vuori Villa Everyday Short, $74 Sperry Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe, $100 Ell & Emm Vintage Club Watch, $112.50 (was $150) Polo Ralph Lauren Cotton Canvas Small Shopper Tote, $228 Our Favorite Rugby Polos If you have yet to hop on the trend (or love it so much you may just need to treat yourself to another), these are some of the best rugby polo shirts available this fall. Sporty & Rich Blondie Serif Logo Rugby Polo, $230 Quince Cotton Cashmere Rugby Polo Sweater, $60 Lands’ End Long Sleeve Stripe Rugby Shirt, $79.95 Aritzia Mighty Cotton™ Lomu Polo, $68 Faherty Hometown Rugby, $158 Strut This Chester 100% Cotton Pullover Top, $114 Miu Miu Cotton Jersey Polo Shirt, $1,550 Z Supply Mariner Short Sleeve Polo, $88 J.Crew Vintage Fleece Rugby Sweatshirt, $118 Daily Practice by Anthropologie Rugby Mini Dress, $82.60 (was $118) Madewell Rugby Polo Mini Dress, $79.50 (was $118) Banana Republic Factory Polo Knit Midi Dress, $84 OFFLINE by Aerie Long Sleeve Pique Striped Rugby T-Shirt, $41.21 (was $54.95) Abercrombie & Fitch Premium Heavyweight Rugby Polo, $70