Meghan Markle's White Dress Has an Important Secret Meaning

last updated 14 December 2022

Umbrella: check. Water droplets capturing the flash of the cameras just so: check. Incredible dress: check, check, check! Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped out in the rain on Tuesday to attend the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Awards in New York City, and, wow, they did so in style. I don't know about you, but after being in a relationship for a very, very long time, I can tell you my date nights have become significantly less glamorous over the years. So gazing on as Harry and Meghan enjoyed a midweek night out made for delightful and vicarious viewing.

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For the occasion, Markle wowed in a custom Louis Vuitton column dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline and long sleeves, which bore a subtle resemblance to her wedding dress silhouette. This dress, however, features elegant (and on-trend) draping to the waist and a perfectly positioned split to better showcase a shoe moment. Keeping things classic, Markle opted for a pair of timeless black patent pumps and a coordinating clutch, completing her ensemble with a sentimental touch: an aquamarine ring that once belonged to Harry's late mother, Princess Diana. With her hair slicked back into a low bun and her makeup as flawless as ever, this just might be one of her best looks to date. I have no notes.

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It would, however, be remiss of me not to mention that this is the first red carpet appearance the couple have made since the trailer of their new Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan, was released, and with that comes the understanding that all eyes would be on them even more so than usual. We all know that Meghan Markle dresses with purpose; that every item she chooses to wear tells a unique story, so why would this night be any different? While white features regularly in Markle's wardrobe—she's a classicist at heart—choosing to wear it now could be symbolic. We all know the impact that colours can have on our moods and well-being; individual people will gravitate towards specific shades when, say, they want to feel empowered in a work meeting. In chromotherapy, also known as colour therapy, white is said to attract "positive spiritual energy and cultivates purity for the wearer," and wearing white is a statement of peacefulness. Perhaps this is the true message Meghan Markle wants us to take away from her ensemble; one which I support, particularly over the coming days.

Still, I have to admit that Markle's outfit has me searching for a white dress of my own. Scroll on to see my edit of the best white dresses on the market that are as close to Markle's one-of-a-kind Louis Vuitton number as I can find.

Shop My Edit of White Occasion Dresses

Reformation

Maves Satin Dress

A gorgeous mini iteration.

Forever New

Cold Shoulder Cowl Midi Dress with Thigh Split in Ivory

This looks significantly more expensive than it is.

Esse Studios

Off-the-Shoulder Stretch-Knit and Cotton-Poplin Maxi Dress

Our editor in chief has this dress in green, and it's incredible in real life.

Reformation

Gatsby Dress Es

The draping feels so in keeping with Markle's.

Vivienne Westwood

Ginnie Off-the-Shoulder Cady Dress

If you prefer midi hemlines.

Solace London + Carmen Off-the-Shoulder Gown

Solace London

Carmen Off-the-Shoulder Gown

These sleeves are the drama!

Reformation

Jamen Knit Dress

So, so elegant.

Self-Portrait

Bridal Off-Shoulder Crêpe Maxi Dress

I would love to have an excuse to wear this. Surely any Friday evening will suffice?

Reiss + Cream Sutton Off Shoulder Knitted Dress

Reiss

Cream Sutton Off Shoulder Knitted Dress

The knitted fabrication presents the opportunity to carry this otherwise fancy dress into daytime territory.

True Violet

Plus Off-Shoulder Maxi Dress in Ivory

Just WOW.

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.