What the outfit Meghan Markle wore for first Prince Harry appearance really means

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

From Harpers Bazaar UK

Yesterday, Meghan Markle made her first official public outing with boyfriend Prince Harry. The international press published the images at lightning speed, which proves just how fascinated we all still are with the royals and their paramours.

What the coverage also proved is our obsession with what royal women – potentials or otherwise – wear. We're less concerned with what the princes or dukes choose to clothe themselves in (who cares about where Harry acquires his polo shirts from or where William buys his chinos), but what the royal women look like is still a captivating subject.

As anyone whose watched The Crown will tell you, being a royal focuses on duty, obligation and tradition – concepts that, although seem wildly archaic, are just as relevant now as they have ever been. Take Markle. When it was first revealed that she was dating Harry (via a public royal statement after the press harassment mounted to such a level it caused safety concerns) the tabloid media were shocked and slightly perturbed to discover that she was a brunette – "not in the society blonde style of previous girlfriends", said the Mail. She is also mixed-race – a subject that the tabloids have struggled to grapple with but can't openly talk about, so they decided to focus on her hair colour instead. Queens and princesses are supposed to represent the ideal fantasy of what a woman should look like, so our critique and analysis of what they wear and how they look says a lot about how progressive we are.

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

So what does a modern princess wear now? Well, if the rumours are true and Markle is soon to be a princess, then it looks as if she's taking a different road from the Duchess of Cambridge, who favours shift dresses, skirt suits and sensible nude LK Bennett courts.

Markle, fully aware that all eyes would have been on her during yesterday's hand-holding outing with Harry, chose a relaxed outfit. It was an informal, accessible look – jeans, shirt and ballet pumps. Her loose shirt by friend Misha Nonoo (named The Husband, which the tabloids are naturally obsessing over this morning) was left half hanging out of her jeans, which gave a relaxed appeal. Her slim-cut jeans, which have been claimed by both J Crew and Mother Denim today, were frayed at the hem and distressed at the knee, again a very low-key, insouciant touch. It also shows an interest in fashion – frayed denim hems are big trend at the moment. Rather than heels, she went for a pair of gamine Sarah Flint ballet flats, adorned with a bow. In terms of accessories, she kept it low-key – Finlay and Co tortoise shell sunglasses and a tan Everlane shoulder bag. It was very understated, unfussy and classic – it was, in fact, very French – a look Markle has shown her appreciation for in the past.

In May this year, the Suits actress described French Vogue editor Emmanuelle Alt as her "style spirit animal". For those who aren't familiar with the nuances of French style, it's about control and restraint – Parisienne women have a uniform and they stick to it. Key items include ballet flats, trench coats, a good pair of jeans and dishevelled hair. It is never shouty or try-hard, but probably requires as much behind-the-scenes work as any other way of dressing, or at least that's what we've been told.

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

"I think as you get older you feel more confident and you don't need to put that much effort in - to be able to throw your hair up in that very French way doing things," she told Glamour. "If your outfit is on point, one thing has to be off for you to look perfect." Her approach to style is a long-shot from current royal dressing norms, where women are expected not to leave the house without a blow-dry. Respectability is key here and there's a lot to consider. It's a no-win situation – wear a designer dress and the media will brand you extravagant, indulgent and moan about the cost to taxpayers, but wear something from the high street and you'll be chastised for damaging the image of the royal family and for not supporting British designers.

So maybe Markle is onto a good thing in pursuing the Parisian woman style ideal. It's polished but not overly manicured. This seemingly effortless look may be chic, but it's also very safe and innocuous which is exactly what you need to be a part of the royal family. Everyone knows that a woman who draws attention to herself doesn't fare well in the royal family. Markle has found her own relevant, feminine look that fortunately fits in well with the modern royals. Good luck to her.

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