All of Meghan Markle's Royal Outfits Had One Thing in Common — And It Makes a Very Powerful Point

Meghan Markle has an impeccable fashion sense, which is a source of inspiration for many. Whether in a chic trench coat, a boatneck silhouette, or a polished pantsuit, the Duchess of Sussex has always been a style icon. One powerful detail across her royal wardrobe is that every outfit is designed by a woman or comes from a fashion brand led by a female designer.

Markle knows that her outfit choices would be subject to scrutiny by critics, so she cleverly uses them to promote female-led designers. Her fairytale wedding to Prince Harry in 2018 saw her don an elegant Givenchy wedding gown designed by Clare Waight Keller. As reported by The Mirror, Keller said at the time, “It is truly an honor to have been given the opportunity to collaborate with Meghan Markle on such a remarkable occasion.” Markle herself has spoken admirably about the designer’s expertise. As per the BBC, she said, “I had a very clear vision of what I wanted for the day…and so what was amazing in working with Clare is that sometimes you'll find designers try to push you in a different direction.”

Speaking of Markle’s wedding, her striking halterneck reception dress was designed by powerhouse Stella McCartney. The British designer created a stunning bespoke lily white gown made of silk crepe. She has also worn multiple other outfits by McCartney, including a black coat on her trip to Wales. In an interview with Elle UK, McCartney said of working with Markle, “She asked me to do her second wedding dress. I was honored and I still am…And I think, obviously, I am a British designer, but I think being a woman and being a woman’s woman played a part.”

Just a few days after saying her ‘I Do’s’, new bride Markle attended a garden party for the then-Prince Charles’ birthday. According to The Mirror, she wore a £590 sheer shift dress made by British fashion company Goat, which is run by working mum Jane Lewis. Her first Trooping The Color also saw her in a beautiful midi dress with a folded neckline. Renowned royal designer Carolina Herrera designed that blush pink dress. She again went back to one of her favorite designers, Clare Waight Keller, when she wore a stunning Givenchy dress for the Royal Ascot. The chic white dress was complete with a smart collar, lace detailing, and an asymmetric midi hemline detail.

Last but not least, new mum Markle famously broke a royal protocol at Prince Archie’s christening when she wore a non-British-designed outfit. The Duchess wore a custom white three-quarter-sleeved Dior (French label) dress with a matching hat. At the time, Dior had announced Maria Grazia Chiuri as their first female creative director. Chiuri has since been moving the brand towards a progressive feminist ideology. Her makeup artist, Daniel Martin, who was an ambassador for Dior, told CBS, “She’s always had such an innate sense of her own style. Everything she wears, she picks herself.” It's hence no surprise that Markle decided to stray from protocol and go with Dior.