All the Times Meghan Markle Turned a Blind Eye to Royal Conventions

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (aka Meghan Markle and Prince Harry) have a modern approach to monarchy—it is clear that they will be carrying out their public duties in their own style. Meghan has now been officially welcomed into the royal family. However, it's unlikely that she'll start wearing classic coat dresses and conservative accessories just because she's now a duchess. Meghan is a classic dresser, but she always adds modern twists to wardrobe staples and wears pieces that you wouldn't normally expect from the Windsors. Keep scrolling to see the times that Meghan modernized royal style conventions.
1. Cutout Detailing
Meghan wore a green floral tea dress by Self-Portrait, which is made fashion-forward with cutout details and an off-the-shoulder neckline.
2. Halter-Neck Gown
On the royal wedding day, Meghan changed out of her classic Givenchy dress into a modern high-neck slinky gown by Stella McCartney. It's more Hollywood than Buckingham Palace.
3. Ripped Denim
I can't think of any other royal or soon-to-be royal who has worn ripped denim. However, Meghan makes her skinny jeans with slashed knees look smart thanks to her white shirt and leather pumps.
4. Crossbody Bags
Royals tend to stick to structured top-handle handbags, like the Launer handbags famed by the queen, but Meghan opts for a more casual and modern option, often favoring small crossbody bags like the above from Strathberry.
5. Pinafore Dresses
A button-front pinafore dress with slim strap sleeves is a world away from coat dresses, but Meghan makes it look smart but modern with her tuxedo jacket and black Tamara Mellon pumps.
For more of Meghan's style, see all of her best looks.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
Emma is a freelance fashion editor with over 15 years experience in industry, having worked at The Telegraph, Grazia and, most recently, British Vogue. Emma was part of the founding team of Who What Wear UK, where she worked for six years as Deputy Editor and then Editor—helping shape the team into what it is today is one of the biggest privileges of her career and she will always see herself as a Who What Wear girl, contributing to both the US and UK sites. Whether she's writing about runway trends or spotlighting emerging brands, she aims to write about fashion in a way that is democratic and doesn't promote over consumption.
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