In the year since Meghan Markle announced she’d be joining the Royal Family, much of her wardrobe has incorporated sophisticated, Duchess-approved pieces like suiting separates and sheaths, many of them. But Markle is something of a nonconformist when it comes to palace “protocol” (her messy buns!)—and that has become clear through her fashion choices, namely her love of the red-carpet-worthy blazer dress. The Duchess of Sussex has worn the celebrity-beloved style everywhere from formal events to a royal tour (and sans stockings—gasp), in a range of colors and lengths. And while they’ve come from the likes of designer labels, the tuxedo dress can be yours for $200 or less. So consider the Markle-inspired ensembles ahead for your next holiday party (or royal engagement, we don’t know your life.)
Meghan Markle‘s first royal tour is coming to an end, so naturally she’s been winding things down with style. On Saturday, she and Prince Harry attended the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Sydney, and Markle took a moment to give a heartfelt speech while wearing an elegant, olive green Antonio Berardi tuxedo dress.
Speaking to an audience of 12,000 people at Qudos Bank Arena, Markle looked effortlessly chic in the halterneck tuxedo dress, which just so happened to fall in line with one her favorite silhouettes (she wore a similar style back in August, when she and Prince Harry attended a special charity performance of the musical Hamilton). She finished off the look with a pair of peachy-tan Aquazurra heels and a red poppy pin, which is a sign of support for those who have served in the Armed Forces and their families.
PHOTO: Samir Hussein
PHOTO: Mark Kolbe
Check out the button detail…
PHOTO: Karwai Tang/WireImage
…and the gorgeous back:
PHOTO: Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage
The Invictus Games are a international adaptive sporting event that Markle’s husband Prince Harry founded four years ago. During the weeklong games, wounded, sick, or injured armed services members and veterans take place in a variety of sports competitions designed to empower and inspire.
In her remarks Saturday night, Markle talked about how the Invictus Games have evolved and shared her own experiences visiting troops in the past.
“In traveling to these military bases, I was given a very special glimpse into the lives of those who serve our countries. I was able to see the unshakeable bond between servicemen and -women on the ground together, but at the same time to feel the palpable longing for family and friends while deployed. Once home, the need for that anchor of support from loved ones, especially given how much it accelerates recovery and rehabilitation is immeasurable,” she said. “I’ve been reminded of those memories here. During this year’s Games in Sydney, I’ve witnessed the most amazing support networks that surround competitors, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting several of these family and friends.”
Her remarks at the ceremony marked her second big speech of the royal tour: She’d given her first at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji this week, discussing the importance of empowering women and girls through education.
The Invictus Games’ closing ceremony means the 16-day royal tour is almost finished, too. It’s been a whirlwind for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have traveled to Australia, Fiji, and Tonga so far, and even included a surprise announcement that their first child is on the way. They’re heading to New Zealand next—and hopefully getting some much-needed rest afterwards.
To attend a special charity performance of the musical Hamilton on Wednesday, the Duchess of Sussex wore a stunning black tuxedo mini dress by Canadian brand Judith and Charles.
PHOTO: REX/Shutterstock
Sentebale, the organization being supported by the event (which was cofounded by Prince Harry), tweeted a picture of the royal couple arriving at London’s Victoria Palace theatre.
Markle is wearing the label’s so-called Digital Dress, which is currently available for purchase on Judith & Charles’s website (though probably not for long) for $595.
PHOTO: REX/Shutterstock
The cocktail-style tuxedo dress is a departure from the conservative sheath dresses we’ve seen Markle wear since the royal wedding. Choosing a Canadian designer for a special event is a classic Markle move, though—she wore a coat by Line the Label for her royal engagement photos and a Wilfred dress to last year’s Invictus Games.
Tuxedo and blazer dresses aren’t a new phenomenon: Similar styles have made the rounds on the red carpet in recent memory, from Kylie Jenner’s Tom Ford dress at the VMAs to Reese Witherspoon’s Stella McCartney outfit at the 2017 Emmys. With the Markle Sparkle, though, don’t be surprised if it sees another resurgence.
PHOTO: REX/Shutterstock
By the way, Markle is allegedly a huge Hamilton fan: Per People, she’s already seen it twice—once on a date with Prince Harry in February, and earlier with pal Priyanka Chopra.
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