Sports fever was at an all time high in fashion spheres this summer. From hyped up collaborations such as Nike x Jacquemus and Miu Miu x New Balance, as well as top athletes gracing front rows and fashion mood boards (Lewis Hamilton's souped up 'fits are always on our mind) to bloke-ish football jerseys and rugby shirts splashed across Instagram, the trend scoreboard was stacked with plenty of sportswear-influenced styles. However, if you thought these styles would be left behind in the summer of sport, you're sorely mistaken, as one of this winter's trending items happens to be a knitted rugby shirt. More specifically, Aligne's Brett Rugby Knitted Polo.
Somewhere between a rugby shirt and a polo jumper, Aligne's knitted polo makes for the perfect cold weather staple. Delivering a masterclass in preppy dressing while keeping you warm, the forest green polo is knitted from a merino wool, organic cotton and recycled nylon blend and cut for a slightly boxy fit. Featuring subtle stripes on the patch pocket and contrast collar instead of the bold contrasting stripes usually associated with rugby shirts, it's a pared back take on the trend that's as chic as it is versatile.
Shop: Aligne's Brett Rugby Knitted Polo
aligne.co
Take your styling cues from influencers and pair the knitted polo with jeans and retro trainers for an easy, breezy everyday look. If an all-out athletic vibe isn't quite your MO, however, you'll find the knitted polo can be easily smartened up with pleated trousers and heeled boots for the office, midi skirts and chunky loafers (styled with GenZ-approved crew socks, of course) or with flared corduroy trousers for a '70s flair.
Though rugby shirts have been trending all year, Aligne's subtle iteration feels fresh. The cool girl-approved winter staple has the potential to become your favourite off-duty uniform this year and, given the East London-based label's reputation for creating timeless pieces, it's sure to be one you'll find yourself returning to for every winter to come.
Main image credits: Instagram/@emmapaton__ @arunniima
Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commercial content writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.