Meghan Markle’s SA looks

Words: Daniël Geldenhuys | Images: Getty

Meghan Markle did not come to South Africa to smile and wave. She immersed herself in our diverse communities, connecting with women about issues that matter: safety and economic opportunity chief among those. Her efforts in creating a meaningful royal visit extended all the way to her personal style and what it stands for. Not a luxury brand in sight, her suitcase was packed with inexpensive easy-to-wear pieces that all subscribe to the idea of a modern classic. Profound simplicity is what makes it so appealing. Her looks are the ultimate road map for building a capsule spring wardrobe that will fit into your everyday lifestyle. (And if you so wish, a suitcase as well.)

A cacophony of fashion messaging easily distracts from reliable classics. Meghan’s white shirt under a denim jacket with black skinny jeans seen at her visit with the Waves for Change NGO at Monwabisi Beach is a testament to the way a simple, classic look can allow your personality to shine bright. The same goes for the effortless polish of the sleeveless black top and culottes (paired with a slick bun and glowing skin) at her meeting with the mothers2mothers NPO. The look calls for character-defining accessories, like those beautiful metallic earrings that enhance without overpowering.

Apart from the above, this trip was all about dresses. It figures, since they’re such a simple style travel solution: one item that just about takes care of an entire look. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Meghan packed four shirtdresses. The style strikes a perfect balance between formal and casual. The white shirtdress, in particular, is a forever piece, relevant regardless of trends. Special mention goes to the espadrille wedges she wore en route to the District Six Museum.

So, what do you wear to take your son to meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu? Meghan, spot-on, opts for a vivid printed dress. It’s bold and joyful – a piece that rises to the occasion without making a fuss. The same can be said for the dance-ready monochrome midi she wore to meet the Justice Desk NGO. These prints convey a certain lightness that works to uplift without sacrificing the mandatory gravitas of its wearer’s mission.

What is it that makes the maxi dress so appealing? Is it the drama in its movement, the flattering silhouette or the way it channels the formality of an evening gown without pushing it too far? Probably all three. Meghan’s maxis are proof that there’s no casual piece better suited to the royal lifestyle and that once stripes come into play, you’ve found yourself a perfect hero piece.

Yes, trench coats were a pretty big deal on the Spring 2020 runways, but that doesn’t make them a flash-in-the-pan trend purchase. Few items are as functional and timeless. That said, you’ll likely come across interesting design deviations from the norm in the trench world and Meghan’s sleeveless spring dress is just that. You could read this trench dress as a metaphor for Meghan’s personal narrative: a welcome disruptor to a classic system, reclaiming an old system for a new world.