Sophia Michaels
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, faced challenges during her time with the royal family. Since leaving in March 2020, she has embraced a more relaxed style, shedding formal wear and putting together her own outfits again, showcasing noticeable changes in her fashion sense. While some choices have been successful, others have sparked debate.
The royal family adheres to strict fashion rules that dictate how they dress and present themselves, resulting in a constraining wardrobe for Meghan when she was a member. However, she’s now free to express her style more openly. We’ll look at some of Meghan’s less successful fashion choices in 2024, highlighting the outfits that missed the mark.
FIVE: Oversized Caramel Cape
In February 2024, Meghan made a statement by embracing the oversized coat trend. However, her choice of an overly large Sentaler caramel cape overshadowed her figure, leading to an unbalanced look. The outfit wasn’t just voluminous; it also came with a hefty price tag of $1,071, complemented by $1,195 riding boots.
During this outing, Meghan and Prince Harry enjoyed a meal in Vancouver, Canada, where their affectionate demeanor was noted by chef Vikram Vij, highlighting their connection and chemistry as a couple.
FOUR: Misfit Shirt and Skirt
While visiting Colombia in August, Meghan sported a sleeveless top that was notably too tight, creating an unflattering look. Combined with her sequined floral skirt, which appeared frumpy instead of fashionable, it was an outfit mishap. Although the ensemble didn’t shine, Meghan’s effort to engage with locals in Spanish earned her praise.
Despite the outfit’s drawbacks, her interaction with Colombian officials at the Afro Women and Power Forum showcased her charm, making the overall experience a positive one.
THREE: Slipping Zebra Cut-Out Dress
On a trip to Nigeria in May 2024, Meghan and Harry made headlines for both their interactions and fashion choices, with Meghan’s zebra print dress causing mixed reactions. The unique design didn’t compliment her silhouette as intended, drawing criticism for its fit while she embraced the freedom of expressing herself through fashion.
Meghan Markle’s Outfit Choices Under Scrutiny
During her visit, Meghan wore a variety of vibrant outfits that showcased the colorful African wax prints popular among locals. She notably supported local designers, highlighted by the stunning red Orire dress at the Women in Leadership panel.
Yet, some of her wardrobe choices sparked controversy. On the second day of her trip, she donned a strappy silk dress by Johanna Ortiz with zebra print while attending a sitting volleyball game in Nigeria. The dress featured a low cutout and a daring thigh-high slit, which made it difficult for her to keep the dress in place. As Nigeria is primarily a Muslim country, these outfit choices were seen as inappropriate by some observers. The Nigerian Guardian suggested that visitors opt for looser garments that cover more skin, such as maxi dresses. Criticism of her fashion choices was rampant across social media.
A commenter on X expressed discontent, stating, “Respect your host country and your body shape! This has already become a topic of discussion in Nigeria, and I’m not sure she will be welcomed back.”
TWO: Meghan’s Oversized Cape at The Kinsey Collection
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, opted for a more modest appearance while hosting a special event at The Kinsey Collection with Prince Harry on March 21 in Los Angeles. She wore a voluminous floral-embroidered Carolina Herrera cape valued at $3,790, which some found to be more frumpy than fashionable. However, the emphasis rightfully remained on the art rather than her outfit.
Meghan made an effort to engage with the attendees, who noted her warm and approachable nature. Screenwriter Matheos Coelho shared his thoughts on social media, highlighting the kindness of those he met at the event.
Despite this, there was backlash against the couple’s cheerful demeanor, given that the event coincided with a difficult announcement from Catherine, Princess of Wales. In response, Harry and Meghan expressed their hopes for health and privacy for Kate and her family.
ONE: The ‘Plunge Dress’ Controversy
At the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala in October, Meghan was again in the spotlight for her fashion choices. She wore a striking red Carolina Herrera gown that, unfortunately, suffered from poor fitting.
Her outfit, intended to convey a sunny California vibe, fell short due to oversized bra cups that created an unflattering look. Social media users were quick to criticize her choice, suggesting that the dress would have been more appealing if it had been tailored correctly.
Many online commentators remarked on the inappropriate fit for a charity event, further fueling the discourse on her fashion sense.
