Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has done what I once considered to be the impossible—she has convinced me that I need to buy and wear a pair of shorts this summer. Attending a polo match in Santa Barbara, the royal was clearly keen to flex her fashion muscles, as she wore what I would say is one of her chicest ensembles to date. A bold claim considering her solid sartorial track record, but the way in which she styled her shorts is nothing less than a masterclass in looking elevated and polished.
The shorts in question are no tatty denim cut-offs, either. Instead, Markle opted for a pair of now-sold-out loose-fitting, tailored shorts by Khaite, a brand she and countless other celebrities, including Katie Holmes and Dakota Johnson, are firm fans of. Pairing them with a timeless Celine polka-dot blouse, statement sunglasses, her fail-safe Aquazzura heels and a black wide-brim hat, Markle understood (and aced) the assignment with her glamorous attire.
If you’re anything like me and tend to favour dresses and skirts over shorts each summer season, Markle’s outfit serves as proof that shorts aren’t as tricky to style as I previously thought. We all know how expensive-looking wide-leg trousers can be, so apply the same logic and styling principles to shorts, and you’re on to a winning outfit combination that’ll work for just about any summer outing or soirée. I’m also very here for the addition of Celine’s monochromatic polka dots, which present a fresh print alternative to the usual saturation of florals we see at this time of year.
Scroll on to see and shop the pieces Meghan Markle used to create her chic shorts outfit, and then continue on to browse my edit of more stylish summer tailoring.
SHOP MEGHAN MARKLE'S OUTFIT
A wide-brim sunhat will elevate any summer outfit.
Markle’s polka-dot Celine blouse is currently sold out, but this logo-emblazoned option is just as chic.
A great and more affordable alternative to Markle’s Khaite shorts.
Whatever the occasion, Meghan relies on these suede pumps.
MORE ELEVATED SUMMER SHORTS AND POLKA-DOT PIECES
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