Meghan Markle navigates the perils of diplomatic dressing on the hottest day of the year
When Meghan Markle scheduled today’s appearance at a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum, she couldn't have known it would turn out to be the hottest day of the year so far.
The nascent heatwave compelled Markle to break rank with her tried-and-tested belted outerwear look, and to reveal a little more skin. But how would she carry her signature "I mean business" approach into warm-weather dressing?
Markle, who joins her husband-to-be as a youth ambassador to the Commonwealth, paired the Audrey midi dress from New York designer Joseph Altuzarra (the style is available at both matchesfashion.com and net-a-porter.com) with Tamara Mellon’s ‘Paramour’ heels.
Then came the ‘transitional dressing’ moment, when she perched Australian brand Camilla and Marc’s tailored black ‘Marguerite’ blazer on the tips of her shoulders. Not only is it far too warm to have worn the buttoned-up piece over her dress, but, as Markle discovered, shoulder-robing ('shrobing') is rarely effective with a tailored cut. She removed the awkwardly styled jacket soon after arriving at the event.
The striped, button-detailed midi-dress - in pinstriped twill, with a double-breasted button detail, elegant split hem and wide, button-up straps - proved an ideal choice for the balmy spring day.
Markle has revealed her yoga-honed shoulders and upper arms at only one other occasion since announcing her engagement to Prince Harry last November. In February, at her first official appearance alongside the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, she wore a belted trench dress by New York designer Jason Wu.
The elements of the February look followed a similar formula to today’s ensemble: it was a wrapover, trench-inspired silhouette, cut a little oversized, then cinched at the waist via a belt in the same fabric, paired with black heeled pumps, minimal gold earrings and a polished blowdry. The understated, utilitarian overtones strike a businesslike note - subtly cuing that this is very much a work appearance.
Today’s styling details remained consistent with Markle's overall approach. The gold-bar earrings are a repeat wear from Birks; the Canadian jewellery brand is one of her favourites. Her striped crossbody bag (a practical choice) is from Oroton, another Australian designer. Could Markle's accessories perhaps be a subtle nod to two of the Commonwealth countries involved in today’s reception? Diplomatic dressing is a royal signature often employed by the Duchess of Cambridge, Markle's future sister-in-law.
With spring establishing itself to have very much arrived, and a month (tomorrow) countdown to the royal nuptials, we’re looking forward to seeing Meghan’s wardrobe transition into more summer-ready style.