How Meghan Markle's style 'kicked the door open' for the royal family
Meghan Markle modernised the royal family in a major way
Since entering into the royal family, Meghan Markle has pushed the envelope in many ways.
From challenging previous ‘rules’ about royals marrying divorcees to speaking up about her mental health struggles, Meghan opened the eyes of royal observers in a very unique way.
Another element of Meghan’s approach really ventured outside the norm. Her chic, minimalistic and modern fashion sense.
In fact, it pushed the boundaries of unspoken rules hardly explored within The Firm before.
The impact Meghan Markle’s style had on the royal family
Princess Kate is typically hailed as the queen of royal fashion.
But Meghan Markle, according to a well-versed expert, was the one who really demonstrated style within the royal family.
Although the Princess of Wales is known for the “Kate effect” – the phenomenon where anything Kate wears quickly sells out – Meghan has had her own impressive influence.
The Duchess of Sussex undeniably shifted the royal fashion landscape for the better.
Rosie Harte, author of The Royal Wardrobe, has shared her insight into the world of royal fashion and how the royal family members appeal to us in different ways.
Notably highlighting the impact Meghan’s fashionable sense of style had on the royals and royal observers.
Princess Kate’s influence
Speaking of Kate’s style and why the public seem to appreciate it so much, fashion historian Rosie said to The Mirror: “Kate has always felt relatable because she seemed more like one of us when she married into the family. She came from an affluent background but didn’t have a title. And she was the first royal to fully integrate high-street fashion into her look.”
Despite Kate’s influence, it was Meghan that really defied conventions and continues to.
Meghan Markle is the queen of royal fashion
Specifically, Meghan seemed to make trousers a more palatable fashion choice within the royal setting. Before her, they were worn sparingly.
Within the royal fold, Meghan made it clear that trousers were elegant and stylish, rather than just practical.
And of course, the Duchess of Sussex styled them in a way that didn’t skimp on the glamour.
Rosie said of Meghan’s fashion-forward approach: “They were previously worn sparingly, but she kicked that door open. Bringing in a wide-leg trouser is one of the biggest things Meghan did for the royal fashion landscape.”
Probably most memorably, Meghan challenged tradition with a sleek wedding dress, rather than a cascading gown, typically worn by the royals.
The Duchess of Sussex’s ‘timeless’ wedding dress
Meghan didn’t seem to take a leaf out of Princess Diana’s book with ruffles and a giant veil.
Or out of Princess Kate’s, who wore an Alexander McQueen dress, with lace and a trailing train.
Meghan opted for a luxurious Givenchy dress, by Clare Waight Keller.
Meghan reportedly chose Keller due to her “elegant aesthetic” and “relaxed demeanour”.
This was definitely reflected in the duchess’s stunning dress, which was the epitome of “timeless minimal elegance”.
The gorgeous ensemble was made up of a silk dress boasting three-quarter-length sleeves, an open boat neckline and a train with a built-in triple silk organza underskirt.
The symbolism behind Meghan’s wedding veil
Meghan also wore a beautiful veil which held very special symbolism.
The veil was embroidered with flowers representing the countries of the Commonwealth, the California poppy, in honour of Markle’s US home of California and a wintersweet, a flower that grows at Kensington Palace.
Meghan even modernised Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau Tiara by pairing it with her chic wedding outfit, chosen from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection.
It is undeniable, Meghan is a sophisticated, royal fashion icon.
Meghan’s recent fashion moves
And she proved it again just last year, when the duchess made it possible to shop some of her style favourites.
In March, Meghan announced her now ShopMy website on her Instagram, which linked her favourite fashion pieces. Making it possible for fans to get their hands on them.
The Duchess also discussed the possibility of starting her own fashion line with Skims and Good American co-founder Emma Grede when she starred on Grede’s Aspire podcast.
More recently, Meghan stepped out for Paris Fashion Week, sporting head to toe custom Balenciaga, really confirming her contemporary fashion sense.
So, now the only question to ask is: “Which royal would you want to swap wardrobes with?”
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