How to get the Markle sparkle for less with Meadhbh McGrath’s high street picks
Meghan has dazzled with a designer wardrobe during her Irish visit. Get her looks for less with Meadhbh McGrath’s high street picks
Since her entry into royal life, Meghan Markle has shown a preference for high-end labels. A former actress, the 36-year-old is a seasoned red carpet pro, although she is reportedly no fan of the Hollywood glamour parade — she turned down an invitation to the 2015 Baftas, and according to the blog Working Actress, which Meghan is said to have secretly written before landing her first big roles: “I loathe walking the red carpet. It makes me nervous and itchy, and I don’t know which way to look. I just revert to this nerdy child that I once was. I hate it. I get off the carpet and have to shake it off. Sounds dramatic, but it’s really nerve-racking for me.” Unlucky for her, so, that her new role is basically a permanent red carpet shuffle, with every outfit scrutinised by fit, price, designer and propriety. This is especially true on her first overseas trip with Prince Harry, during which she showcased four sleek, modern looks by luxury designers.
Meghan’s Irish tour wardrobe is estimated to be worth over €19,000, but the high street offers a bounty of similar pieces to echo her polished style.
For her first outfit (centre right), Meghan paid tribute to our national colour in a forest green top and custom pencil skirt by Givenchy, styled with her favourite Aquazurra nude pumps and a cognac tote from the Edinburgh-based husband-and-wife team Strathberry. The rich green hue will be popping up in stores once the autumn-winter collections land, but try Next’s pocket detail pencil skirt for a chic and flattering workwear refresh.
At the British Ambassador’s garden party, Meghan shocked fashion fans by choosing a bespoke midi dress by Emilia Wickstead ( far right )—the designer who trashed her Givenchy wedding gown for supposedly ripping off one of her own designs. But Meghan clearly, and wisely, accepted this peace offering from the English brand, and it’s likely to kick off a trend for squared-off necklines in the months to come.
Speaking of necklines, Meghan returned to her now-signature bateau for her visit to the Áras, in elegant grey Roland Mouret( right). The asymmetric hem feels very now, particularly the waterfall style Meghan wore yesterday and on the evening before her wedding.
In a lightning-fast change before heading to Trinity College, she swapped the cool minimalism for a smart black trouser suit by Givenchy, again
(left) — Meghan has evidently formed a special relationship with Clare Waight Keller, the British creative director of the French fashion house. It’s exciting to see a royal make sharp tailoring and trousers a hallmark of her personal style, and there are plenty of affordable options in stores to emulate her look.