The top – which comes in a variety of designs – has been hailed ‘just right for cloudy days or evening strolls’ and needs ‘minimal ironing’ according to shoppers, and it looks similar to a shirt worn by the Princess of Wales
As many of us start to look ahead to autumn, preparing our wardrobes for the transitional weather can prove tricky. Finding styles that are lightweight enough for warmer days and layering, yet also offer sufficient warmth when a breeze hits can be a difficult balance to strike, but now fashion fans are turning to a £38 rugby shirt they say is ‘excellent between seasons’ – and it’s similar to a style worn by none other than Princess Diana.
Diana – famed for her chic outfits whether sporting a casual off duty look or while being elegantly dressed up – was pictured wearing a feminine take on the trend in the form of a pastel blue and pink rugby style shirt. Teamed with cropped white trousers and light blue loafers, the glam daytime look is timeless for the cooler months ahead.
Now, fashion retailer Cotton Traders is offering a £38 rugby top to help fans emulate the look. While the chalk pink design most closely resembles the colours in the top worn by the Princess of Wales, it’s currently sold out in every size apart from a UK 8 or 10, however, the retailer is also offering a mint blue stripe that gives a similar look without breaking the bank.
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The Heritage Long Sleeve Rugby Shirt – which can be purchased in UK sizes 8-22 – features a pure cotton heavy jersey fabric along with a two-piece twill collar and a contrast concealed twill placket. The long sleeves make it ideal for wearing alone as the weather cools, and then layering with a jacket come winter.
Also available in mulberry and dark forest hues that are perfect for the season ahead, the shirt is a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Fashion fans can style the top with jeans, trousers, skirts and shorts, helping to get a decent cost-per-wear out of the fashion find.
Get the look
£38
Cotton Traders
Buy here
Shop the Heritage Long Sleeve Rugby Shirt
Those who prefer brighter colours can also shop the Women’s Heritage Long Sleeve Rugby Shirt in various playful shades in the sale, priced at £29, down from £38, though they’ll need to move fast as many sizes are already sold out.
Elsewhere, M&S is selling the Striped Knitted Rugby Top priced at £30. Available in sizes XS-XL, it comes in a pretty yellow mix stripe design that would team perfectly with denim.
At Next, the Pink/Red Stripe Collared Long Sleeve Rugby Top is now £16, cut from £32. Also available in two other colours, it features a breathable 100% cotton material that’s ideal for everyday wear.
Back to the Heritage Long Sleeve Rugby Shirt and the various styles of the shirt have received rave reviews on the Cotton Traders website. One person said: “Excellent casual shirt for between seasons. Really nice, casual rugby shirt.
“Great with jeans or shorts. Thick cotton adds warmth for cooler days.” Someone else appeared to agree, commenting: “Comfortable and a good top for mixed weather days.”
Meanwhile, another who reviewed the pink chalk design wrote: “I ordered this shirt in the pink and chalk and I’m really pleased with it. Lovely colours and a good fit.”
Someone else who left a review on the design they purchased wrote: “Lovely summer weight rugby shirt. Just right for those cloudy days or evening strolls when a t-shirt isn’t warm enough and a cardigan or jumper is too bulky.
“Pastel stripes are as soft but bright as illustrated and looks really smart with the emblem detail but casual too. Happy to recommend.”
It is worth noting that one mentioned a minor concern about the top they bought, writing: “This shirt fits well and looks good. My only reservation is that the collar is stiff. I hope that this will improve once it has been washed a few times.”
Despite this, another planned to buy multiple, writing: “So pleased with this rugby shirt, excellent quality, like it so much am going to order another one in a different colour.”
Another five star review reads: “Fast delivery. A beautiful rugby shirt. Lovely material and a good fit. (Not washed yet). I was complemented when I wore it.”
A final reviewer wrote: “This is a perfect Spring/Fall shirt — beautiful colours, a bit of weight without being too heavy and a great length. I have washed it and it came out of the dryer needing only a minimal iron. I can see it fast becoming a favourite.”
Shop rugby shirts at Cotton Traders.














