The rugby shirt – that collared, striped icon of 90s style – is back in fashion’s spotlight, and no one wore it better than its most famous fan: Princess Diana. Her May 1997 outing in a pastel-striped knit version (paired with white capris and duck-egg blue loafers) remains the gold standard for nailing this sporty-chic look.
Fast forward to 2025, and designers are giving the classic rugby shirt a fresh spin. Heritage brand Kent & Curwen (which outfitted British schools in the 1920s) reimagined it in bold color clashes for their SS25 collection – think salmon pink with baby blue or emerald with aqua. Meanwhile, avant-garde label Essentiel Antwerp decked theirs with playful embellishments.
“The magic happens when you mix masculine stripes with feminine details,” explains Essentiel’s creative director Tom Depoortere. “Try one under a slouchy blazer for meetings, or with distressed denim and block heels for weekends.”
Three Ways to Wear It Now:
- The Diana Special – Cropped trousers + loafers (bonus points for pastel tones)
- Unexpected Glam – Silk midi skirt + bejeweled rugby shirt
- Weekend Ease – Faded boyfriend jeans + chunky knits (perfect for spring picnics)
High street options abound, from Uniqlo’s classic cotton versions to COS’s luxe silk blend. For true Diana vibes, Hush’s knitted ecru-and-chocolate style nails that “just threw this on” elegance she mastered.
Pro Tip: The secret to avoiding a literal sports look? Keep accessories polished – a structured bag or delicate gold jewelry balances the shirt’s relaxed vibe. As Diana proved, it’s all about that perfect tension between preppy and undone.
Why This Works Now: In our era of “quiet luxury” and “dopamine dressing,” the rugby shirt delivers both nostalgic comfort with just enough polish. No wonder it’s scoring fashion points again.