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Clothes, of course, are a window to a woman’s soul.
So, one wonders, what the heck is Meghan trying to tell us with her new style direction?
A fortnight ago, the Duchess of Sussex appeared on the red carpet in an excessively revealing Carolina Herrera dress with a U-neck (I prefer to call it a U-bend) and open hem that was truly surprising in its disheveledness and inappropriate for a children’s dress. Charity gala event.
And it wasn’t just her ill-fitting dress: Meghan’s hair looked wet and tangled, and her toes were exposed in tiny sandals.
It was such a change from her former chic, ensemble style – so determined to ‘look at me’ – that even I, a staunch supporter since Meghan entered public life, could no longer sing her praises.
A children’s charity event hardly seemed like the right place to show off so much flesh.
Meghan and Harry left the UK and their public duties in January 2020 and, it seems, as their royal life fell apart, so did their dress sense, writes Liz Jones.
Then I wrote an article in this newspaper saying that it received more than 4,000 comments and caused a storm on Twitter.
Many readers agreed with me that Meghan’s appearance was disappointing.
When she was part of the Firm, don’t forget, we had elegant updos, discreet simplicity, haute couture and closed toes (cleavage on the toes is frowned upon in a cathedral, on any royal occasion or palace). .
But she and Harry left the UK and her public duties in January 2020, and apparently as her royal life fell apart, so did her dress sense.
I firmly believe that Meghan’s fashion choices reflect how she feels more accurately than any solemn interview or gibberish speech.
So for a woman who said she so badly wanted to “find her voice,” what does this open, overly revealing red dress tell us?
In my opinion, it seems like she’s trying to be sexy, rather than dignified or elegant. She desperately needs a good stylist and a group of outspoken designers to rush to her aid. When Diana was making mistakes with sheer skirts, overexposed necklines, and sagging polka dots, British Vogue’s Anna Harvey stepped up and helped transform her.
Now Meghan needs someone of the caliber of Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour to guide her. Because I only see that the outfits get worse if not. And that’s not good for her, or for Harry, or for the fashion industry. I’ve heard that several big brands are wary of lending you clothes.
Also, why the frequent public appearances on the red carpet? Perhaps she wants the British public to believe that she is busy, that her life has meaning. Unfortunately – and it’s sad that it’s come to this – we’re all thinking: ‘Oh no, not another red carpet, not another charity gala!’
I really wanted Meghan to feel fulfilled, not this thin, tormented-looking woman, who is doing teapot poses in front of more photographers.
She once seemed ready to break the mold, but as the wheels of her post-royal life spun out of control – the failed business deals, the loss of goodwill from those multitudes of fans – these photographs charting the journey. Meghan’s fashion shows that it no longer conveys that initial promise. . Unfortunately, that optimistic, modern and empowered woman is no longer seen.
Looking back at Meghan’s key fashion moments, you can see this slow, progressive metamorphosis from duchess to D-list.
The innocent look of the newcomer
The commitment, November 2017.
Meghan in a white belted coat by Line The Label and pale Aquazzura shoes in 2017
Even in these early days, Meghan chooses her clothes carefully, wearing a white belted coat from Line The Label and pale shoes from Aquazzura. This choice of white (meaning purity and innocence) was clearly a message to the British public, who desperately hoped they would approve.
And, in fact, everyone was excited by the couple’s happiness in the garden of Kensington Palace, by how in love Harry seemed.
Fitting with the signature
Balmoral, December 2017
Meghan dressed in a Sentaler coat, Chloe bag, Stuart Weitzman boots, Philip Treacy hat and M&S gloves at Balmoral in 2017
Understandably eager to fit in here (it was the first time a fiancée had been invited to Balmoral for Christmas), Meghan dressed completely for the part in a Sentaler coat, Chloe bag, Stuart Weitzman boots, Philip Treacy hat and M&S gloves.
Her all-brown suit was warm (Meghan was sweetly trying to keep her teeth from chattering) and she regularly looked to other members of the Royal Family for guidance. However, this is definitely not a habit she would keep.
The second wedding dress
Windsor, May 2018
The Duchess wore this Stella McCartney halterneck dress to her wedding reception—it showed off Meghan’s Pilates-polished shoulders.
I loved this Stella McCartney halterneck dress, worn to their wedding reception – it showed off Meghan’s Pilates-polished shoulders and the ivory matched her exquisite skin tone so well. My hair was up and the scene was so glamorous I felt proud to be British.
She seems serene: the relief of finally making it – even amid all the fuss over her father’s lack of attendance – must have been enormous. Her confidence seems sky-high: the choice of this dress was shamelessly brave. He says, ‘I am rising above everything.’ I deserve it.’
Relaxed perfection: for the last time
Commonwealth Youth Challenge, July 2018
Meghan is wearing a simple Brandon Maxwell shirt in a sunny color and closed-toe Manolo shoes
This is perfect: a simple Brandon Maxwell shirt in a sunny color and closed-toe Manolo shoes. Nothing screams, ‘Look at me!’ Her hair was up and her dress was just the right length. Meghan seems confident: not only because Harry looks at her with adoration, but because the British public is discovering how valuable she is.
Harry is watching over her, pointing out things she should see. She’s still not holding on for dear life or barging in front of him. You can’t imagine Kate pulling this off. Sadly, this is the last time we’ll see Meghan so relaxed.
I’m not okay: a first fashion faux pas
South Africa, October 2019
The Duchess wore this sleeveless trench-style dress for her interview with Tom Bradby in South Africa in October 2019.
I can’t stand sleeveless trench dresses: they are boxy and overdone. Meghan had worn the white version of this Nonie dress for her first official photograph after Archie’s birth. Choosing this for her interview with Tom Bradby was a reminder, perhaps, of her vulnerability. Hey guys, remember I’m a mom, scrutiny is very difficult when you have a new baby.
Just as the dress struck a peculiar note, so did her plea for sympathy, speaking of the hardships of her privileged life while, yards away, African children were in great need.
In a very poorly judged mini
Global Citizen Live Concert, New York, September 2021
Meghan seemed to love this Valentino-embellished dress that she wore to the Global Citizen Live concert, New York, in September 2021.
No, no, no! You can’t wear a miniskirt! You’re not Twiggy!
But Meghan seemed to love this Valentino embellished dress; certainly, sequins caught her eye, but for the wrong reasons. The silhouette is too square and does not flatter her very much.
The dress marks the beginning of her ‘Look at me, I’m the star’ phase.
A mismatch on a worthy occasion
Invictus Games, Germany, September 2023
Meghan wore this Zara jumpsuit while walking past wounded military heroes at the Invictus Games in Germany in September last year.
There’s nothing like a wrinkled Zara onesie while you walk past wounded military heroes to tell you it’s game over. Where has Stella McCartney’s goddess gone? It can’t be the same person, surely? There is little dignity in supporting so much leg on an occasion like this.
What was he trying to tell us? ‘Hi, I’m funny, Meghan!’ The royals must have rolled their eyes in dismay.
Pajama time!
Online security panel at Colombia, August 2024
The duchess wears a bronze Victoria Beckham shirt and La Ligne pants before an online security panel in Colombia in August.
She is in pajamas. The satin ones. Yes, the bronze shirt is from Victoria Beckham and the pants are from La Ligne, and she wants to appear relaxed but sincere on what should be a reflective occasion. But she just seems careless.
Red alert
Children’s Hospital Gala, Los Angeles, October 2024
Meghan in a red Carolina Herrera dress she wore to a Children’s Hospital gala in Los Angeles earlier this month.
At this point, Meghan is like a cornered cat, in the rain, showing her claws. This Carolina Herrera dress is not, as some deluded fans say, a ‘revenge dress.’ It clearly says: ‘It’s not just my hair that’s a mess. My life is too…’
