Here’s what Meghan Markle’s last royal outfits REALLY meant — and how you can recreate the look at home
WE have never seen Meghan Markle shine quite as brightly as she did on her return to the UK last week. The Duchess of Sussex carried out her final official engagements as a senior member of the Royal Family in big and bold outfits designed to show the monarchy what it would be missing. Dress, […]
WE have never seen Meghan Markle shine quite as brightly as she did on her return to the UK last week.
The Duchess of Sussex carried out her final official engagements as a senior member of the Royal Family in big and bold outfits designed to show the monarchy what it would be missing.
- Dress, £950, Victoria Beckham – buy now
- Bag, £655, Stella McCartney – buy now
- Shoes, £495, Jimmy Choo – buy now
It was a masterclass in revenge dressing, just as her late mother-in-law Princess Diana had done in 1994 when she wore that little black dress to overshadow Prince Charles’s TV interview about the breakdown of their marriage.
Just as it worked back then, criticism about Megxit was replaced with comments about how the former Suits actress looked refreshed and radiant.
Where she had previously favoured neutral black, navy or beige for events, Meghan’s colourful farewell tour hinted at a very bright future.
As the Sussexes begin a new life in Canada, we take a closer look at Meg’s style from her last hurrah as a royal – and reveal how you can recreate it on the High Street.
- Dress, £1,450, Emilia Wickstead – buy now
- Hat, £630, William Chambers – buy now
- Bag, £1,519, Gabriela Hearst – buy now
- Shoes, £440, Aquazzura – buy now
DESIGNERS
FLYING the flag for Brit designers, Meghan won over any sceptics – as well as quashing rumours of a rift with Victoria Beckham.
- Dress, £1,295, Safiyaa – buy now
- Bag, £1,260, Manolo Blahnik – buy now
- Shoes, £470, Aquazzura – buy now
She came back with a bang in a turquoise shift dress by Posh Spice, which she wore to the Endeavour Fund Awards in London. The £950 frock sold out soon after.
Other homegrown choices included designs by Emilia Wickstead (the striking green caped dress Meghan wore to the Commonwealth Day service), Stella McCartney (the clutch bag she paired with her Beckham dress) and lesser-known Safiyaa (the ruby red caped gown she wore to the Mountbatten Festival Of Music at the Royal Albert Hall).
But for those of us without a princess-sized budget, there was a nod to the High Street with a white £29 Topshop blouse, with puff shoulders, which also flew off shelves. Meghan proved she is a champion for British talent – and one that cannot be easily replaced.
Beauty
SOON to be free of royal protocol, Meghan amped up her sexy side and the result was dazzling. Her beauty team put together looks that oozed Hollywood glamour.
Meghan’s wavy locks were replaced with sleeker, glossier extensions and her natural make-up was ramped up with sultry, smoky eyes, bold lips and lashings of highlighter.
Her new look was radiant, modern and unapologetic. The rest of the royals should take note.
COLOUR
MEGHAN knows a thing or two about commanding attention – and fashion is key. Opting to wear red, white and blue on her last royal engagements signified her fondness for the UK. But it was her final outfit – the emerald Emilia Wickstead dress – that made us green with envy.
Colour consultant Jules Standish says there is a powerful meaning behind Meg’s choice of hues. She said: “Meghan went bright and bold in red – a colour that demands attention, showing that she feels confident and strong.
“When she chose turquoise, a colour which is fun-loving and uplifting, she was showing that she’s cool and in control. And in white at the National Theatre, she was projecting an open-minded personality. White is ultimately positive and optimistic and counteracts negativity – a tool Meghan frequently needs.”
Prince Harry threw his support behind his wife by wearing similar-coloured ties or jacket linings to Meghan’s dresses. Jules added: “They are showcasing their passion for each other and a united public front.”
Tailoring
THE Duchess was back to her best in sharp tailoring that showed off her figure. She is no stranger to pencil shapes and tight silhouettes – it was the signature look for her character Rachel in TV series Suits.
Having favoured floatier frocks to attend events as a senior royal, the turquoise Victoria Beckham dress was a particularly daring choice. But the nod to her career-defining acting role was fitting.
Meghan was keen for her vibrant style to overshadow the recent negativity that has been thrown at her – and it worked. She is telling the world she means business.
HIGH ST DUPES
- White top, £12.99, New Look – buy now
- White skirt, £75, John Lewis – buy now
- Blue dress, £38, romanoriginals.co.uk – buy now
- Green dress, £65, Boden – buy now
- Red dress, £30, Boohoo.com – buy now
ACCESSORIES
MEGHAN left nothing to chance and opted for clutch bags in similar shades to her frocks. As well as being bang on trend, colour-blocking showed how bold and precise she is in everything she does.
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But the Duchess played it safe with simple yet elegant stiletto pumps in complementary hues.
Meg’s accessories did not stop with shoes and bags, though. Her £630 green William Chambers hat was one of the largest designs we have seen her wear.
The spiked, net detailing showed she does not want to blend in with the crowd.
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