Rugby Summer Sale – August 2011
Part of the Ralph Lauren Family, Rugby is Ralph’s younger, preppier brother. I know, you’re thinking more preppy than Ralph Lauren? Yes indeed. And no you don’t want to wear too much of this garb at once or you’ll look like an extra in some Dead Poet’s Society meets Van Wilder abomination.
Since it’s a Ralph Lauren brand, prices start so high that most of us have to wait for a sale, and then wait some more for those sale prices to dip even further. That appears to have happened with Rugby’s current Summer Sale. Even so, the picks ain’t cheap by any stretch…
.
Madras Plaid Surcingle Belt – $49.99 (reg. $69.50)
Still expensive at fifty bucks, it’s obviously most appropriate in summer, but give it a shot even once fall rolls around. It’ll be a good and subtle injection of color. Nice looking leather and buckle at the front.
Seersucker Gingham Shirt – $39.99 (reg. $69.50)
This one’s for the guys living in the deep south with no end to the heat and humidity in sight. If you can stand layering at all (at night?) the texture and pattern isn’t a bad choice to throw on under a light solid sportcoat.
Monroe Plaid Cotton Jacket – $149.99 (reg. $298)
Here’s a perfect example of too much prep style. Club collar, bow tie, and the jacket? It’s all a little intense. Try a regular button down, maybe some jeans, and some loafers instead. Let the jacket do the work. It’s a three button, so be prepared to press it over into a two button style. A warning: This thing looks EXTREMELY short in the tail.
Monroe Linen Vest – $74.99 (reg. $148)
It all depends on whether or not you’re a waistcoat kind of guy. And if you are, and you’ve been missing your heavy wool or tweed vests during the summer, this might be an oasis for your sleeveless addiction. Try it with a pale blue button up, jeans (maybe roll the cuffs) and bucks.
Cotton Shawl Cardigan – $89.99 (reg. $118)
Still a splurge even on sale, but it’ll catch the eyes of those in the market for a beefier layer for fall and winter. Having a go to cardigan you can throw on over anything (including another sweater) comes in more than handy. Having one with a bit of retro swagger is a nice bonus if that’s your thing.
Madras Rope Belt – $29.99 (reg. $59.90)
Is this what Ivy League Stoners wear when summer rolls around? Almost looks hempish in a way. Cheaper than the Surcingle belt and more casual as well. Keep the rest of your outfit conservative if you’re going with this.
Vintage Chino University Pant in Pink – $39.99 (reg. $69.50)
Talk about limited use. Pink pants? Not for beginners. Hell, not for 95% of us. But if you’re going to go with pink pants, better they be pale and washed. And, under $40 since you won’t be wearing them all that often.
Madras and Leather Card Case – $19.99 (reg. $35.00)
Under $20? Why not. Just like the belts only you can keep it stashed for as long as possible. Available in three total colors/madras patterns. $5 flat rate shipping comes in handy with small items like this.
What’s your opinion of Rugby? Too young and preppy? Does it drift a little too close to Abercrombie and Fitch territory? Or is it fine as long as you keep it to one or two items? Your take goes in the comments.
The Rugby stuff I’ve seen people wearing has been hideous (fake polo jerseys, giant logos, etc.) This stuff looks ok though. I would wear those belts, but that much money for a belt is still a little out of my price range.
Rugby ain’t cheap, but their Vintage University Chinos are the best I’ve owned.
I am a fan of the skull and bones polos they have.
Meh. Way too preppy for my taste. Never heard of this line actually. And that jacket is WAY too short!
That’s the first thing I noticed in the picture. His arms are bent and they still are longer than the jacket! Not a bad jacket for bullfighting.
Um, is that jacket supposed to fit like that? Looks kinda …snug.
I just bought the vest
I also splurged on the vest
I’m a vest guy, but I live in Florida. Such is my plight
Rugby is pretty hideous indeed. It is worn rather obnoxiously by people with giant numbers and logos just to make sure you know they paid for a Rugby shirt. Since when did logos become part of the style in your wardrobe. Labels and subtle logos are fine and classy, but I say the less the better. GIANT PONY Polo shirts from Ralph Lauren are the stupidest trend in high school which I am thankfully away from.
Rugby is pretty hideous indeed. It is worn rather obnoxiously by people with giant numbers and logos just to make sure you know they paid for a Rugby shirt. Since when did logos become part of the style in your wardrobe. Labels and subtle logos are fine and classy, but I say the less the better. GIANT PONY Polo shirts from Ralph Lauren are the stupidest trend in high school which I am thankfully away from.
I agree. I actually prefer NO labels of any kind anywhere on my clothes.
Honestly, I was never a fan of Ralph Lauren. Not into the “preppy” look at all. I don’t find it sophisticated, and for the price of the Purple Label line I’d rather buy Zegna or Canali. If my ship ever comes in I’d go for Brioni or Kiton. Hey, one can dream, right?
Just bought the card case. Should look good in the summer and add some color in the fall and winter.
Some of the Rugby stuff is obnoxious. My goodness.
It is catering to young adults and high school. They prefer tight fits because they think it is flattering and shows muscle with cool style. Thank Abercrombie and Hollister for that. When you hit college, it is time to drop those brands. Clothes that fit are far more impressive.