6 Rihanna-Inspired Rugby Shirts for Fall, From $18

Confession: For much of my life, my aversion to sports was so strong that I shied away from clothes with the slightest athletic influence. I even avoided sweatpants and leggings at all costs, and reserved sneakers exclusively for long travel days. Now, although embarrassingly late to the party, I’m relieved to say I’ve come to appreciate the sartorial value of incorporating sporty pieces into any wardrobe. And no trend better encapsulates the accessibility of athletic-inspired fashion than the ubiquity of rugby shirts this fall. 

If you keep up with fashion, then you’ve probably already noticed that every ‘It’ girl is suddenly dressing like a British boarding school dropout. After first starting to make a comeback last fall, rugby shirts have been embraced by stars like Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, and Taylor Swift.      

In addition to the irresistible appeal of nostalgia (my fellow ‘90s babies had at least one first day of school outfit involving a Gap or Old Navy rugby), the cozy pullovers are comfy, practical, and often affordable. Still not sold? I found six preppy-chic rugby shirts on sale from just $18. 

Below, shop majorly marked-down picks from Amazon, Gap, and J.Crew—up to 60 percent off.

6 Rugby Shirts for Fall

Zesica Long-Sleeve Striped Oversized Sweatshirt

On sale for less than $30, this baggy pullover is made for lazy Sundays, long travel days, and cozy nights in. Choose between 10 color combinations, from preppy shades, like dark blue and red, to bold hues, like pink and neon green.

J.Crew Premium-Weight Classic Rugby Shirt

Not into stripes? This J.Crew style is a great solid option if you want to try the rugby shirt trend, but prefer a more understated look. Score 40 percent off by entering the code SHOPFALL at checkout.  

Zesica Striped Long-Sleeve Tunic Top

If you’re looking for something slightly more lightweight than a sweatshirt, try this $22 tunic top, also by Zesica. In fact, glowing shopper reviews attest to the perfect in-between weight for fall. “It’s breathable and light, but is comfortable for colder seasons as well,” wrote one reviewer, calling it “high-quality and expensive-looking.”     

Gap Factory Oversized Stripe Rugby Polo Shirt

Gap is a go-to for Americana classics, so it’s no surprise that this Gap Factory long-sleeve embodies that sporty nostalgia you want out of a rugby shirt. The best part? Since Gap Factory is an outlet site, you can snag it for 60 percent off.   

SHBECYDE Color Block Oversized Rugby Shirt

You can save a few dollars on select color combinations of this rugby shirt by redeeming a 10 percent off coupon at Amazon. I’m partial to the pink and navy pairing, but there’s also a cool monochromatic green version.     

Lovers and Friends Parvati Stripe Sweater

Thick black-and-white contrasting stripes make a major impact with the Lovers and Friends Parvati Stripe Sweater, while the ribbed-knit elevates it beyond a casual jersey pullover. Pair it with jeans and ballet flats or a mini skirt and tall boots.