Get Princess Diana’s rugby shirt style with £38 high street buy

A top that looks chic but is also comfortable is a go-to for many, making getting dressed on ‘I don’t know what to wear’ days that much easier. While a rugby shirt may not immediately spring to mind for some, the sporty-style top has been having a moment in the fashion world for quite some time, slowly but surely becoming a stylish staple in many a capsule wardrobe thanks in large part to the ultra stylish Princess Diana.

Many will remember Diana was spotted in a gorgeous pastel pink and blue striped rugby style top, which she wore styled to perfection with white cropped trousers and baby blue loafers.

While undoubtedly a more casual wardrobe piece, the rugby shirt is actually more versatile than it may initially appear, adding a chic touch to jeans and trousers or even shorts. Now, fashion fans have been raving about a £38 design online from fashion retailer Cotton Traders – and it’s the perfect addition to a transitional wardrobe.

The Heritage Long Sleeve Rugby Shirt comes in one of the hottest colour combinations of the moment; a mint blue and brown stripe which gives a similar feminine pastel look to that of the Princess of Wales. Meanwhile those looking for an autumnal take on the trend may wish to consider the buy in the dark forest and mulberry hues.

Those wanting to more closely emulate the blue and pink hues seen on Diana’s top can also opt for the £38 Cotton Traders Women’s Heritage Long Sleeve Rugby Shirt in chalk pink, however it is worth noting that owing to its popularity, it’s currently only in stock online in UK sizes 8 and 10. Those wishing to try a more neutral take on the trend can instead bag the shirt in an easy to style ‘cloud’ colour, or a short sleeved version is available in a feminine pink hue for £36.

The Women’s Heritage Long Sleeve Rugby Shirt is also available in some brighter hues in the sale for £29 (was £38) and they’re perfect for those who like a pop of colour. Anyone interested in the more playful designs will need to move fast however, as many sizes are already sold out.

Elsewhere, Roman’s Collared Stripe T-Shirt is on sale, having been cut from £28 to £22. It is worth noting it only comes in a short sleeved design, however it’s perfect for layering once the new season arrives.

Meanwhile, M&S’ £30 Pure Cotton Rugby Polo Top has just arrived online and is available in either a brown mix or a plain brown colour. Back to Cotton Traders, and the Women’s Heritage Long Sleeve Rugby Shirt, and it’s not hard to see why the various designs of the top are so popular with fashion lovers.

One fan said of the Women’s Heritage Long Sleeve Rugby Shirt: “Glamorous yet casual and smart. Great look for summer.

“Beautifully versatile for country shows, walking along the beach or marina on lazy afternoons watching the cricket. Perfect addition to any wardrobe.

I’m so happy with my heritage rugby shirt as it’s such a great quality fabric, so easy to wear. I’m going to order it in another colour.”

Meanwhile, another had this to say about the Heritage Long Sleeve Rugby Shirt: “Excellent casual shirt for between seasons. Really nice, casual rugby shirt. Great with jeans or shorts. Thick cotton adds warmth for cooler days.”

While there’s currently no negative reviews for this particular style of the rugby top, it is worth noting that the lighter-toned high collar may be susceptible to foundation and makeup marks during daily wear. Despite this, another shopper wrote in a five star review: “Excellent quality and looks really good.”

Shop the rugby tops at Cotton Traders.