With the wedding of the year just over a week away (19th May – get it in your diaries), we’re celebrating the regally refined style of bride-to-be Meghan Markle. Since her engagement to Prince Harry, speculation has mounted about Meghan’s wedding dress, with sources suggesting it’s been designed by London-based couture label Ralph & Russo (though we’ll all have to wait until the big day to find out). Given her fashion choices to date though, there’s no prizes for guessing that she’ll look absolutely gorge. Luckily, you don’t need a royal budget to adopt her style; make like Meghan with these key wardrobe staples for a look that’s every inch the modern princess.
The Pencil Dress
Much like her ‘Suits’ character Rachel Zane, Meghan favours a pencil-skirted silhouette – and her red-carpet go-to? The pencil dress. Whether dressed in a bold colour or sophisticated black (because who doesn’t love an LBD?), she usually completes her look with a demure clutch bag and a pair of heeled court shoes.
The Short Suit
Taking boyish tailoring to new lengths, Meghan’s made an icon out of the short suit. Bang on trend and ultra-modern, it’s a great smart-casual option. By using a softer palette, Meghan always errs on the feminine side whilst retaining a sleek, urbane edge; minimalist accessories add to the contemporary appeal of this look.
The ‘White Shirt & Jeans’ Combo
When it comes to bringing a touch of elegance to one’s off-duty look, Meghan knows that the pairing of a crisp white shirt and some classic jeans will always serve you well. Known for her love of Parisian-chic (she cites Vogue Paris’ editor-in-chief Emmanuelle Alt as her ‘style and spirit animal’), this downtime ensemble certainly encompasses a certain je ne sais quoi.
The Leather Biker Jacket
The leather biker jacket is a must-have for most, and Meghan is no exception. Whether she’s rocking it on the red-carpet or going for a laid-back look in the city, she’ll often sport hers nonchalantly draped over her shoulders. This nifty little style trick exemplifies Meghan’s tendency to make the polished appear effortless; her contemporary approach to dressing is classically feminine – with a right royal edge.
The Smart Coat
Given that she grew up in California, we’re not surprised that Meghan has invested in a collection of smart coats now that she largely resides in the UK. Not letting her style credentials slip in the face of British weather, she tends towards wrapping up in tailored pieces, wavering between an outerwear palette of classic black or navy hues and warm neutrals. Rework her winter look for this season with the streamlined cut of a lightweight duster coat.