Sure, she had to forget about yellow nail polish and move across the pond to London. But what about Meghan Markle’s fashion? The Duchess of Sussex’s wardrobe has come a long way since her Suits days, mostly due to the royal protocol around what she can and cannot wear. Here, 12 former fashion choices she’ll have to scrap now that she’s a royal. (Can we partake in the closet cleanout, pretty please?!)
12 Things Meghan Markle Used to Wear That She Could Never Get Away With as a Royal
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Published Aug 30, 2018
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Crop Tops
Although an ongoing trend (that the Duchess was a former fan of), no bare midriffs are allowed in Buckingham. (FWIW: We still think this look is adorbs, your Royal Highness.)
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Open-toe Shoes
Since open-toe footwear is considered too informal for royal occasions, Megs hasn’t been able to rock anything like these strappy sandals (but she often wears her pumps a few sizes too big to avoid blisters, FYI).
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Fully Bare Shoulders
Although she famously showed off the tops of her shoulders in a gorgeous Carolina Herrera dress at the Trooping of the Colour this past June, she probably will never go full strapless in public again.
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Ripped Denim
The ripped jeans seen 'round the world…Markle’s first date with Prince Harry saw her sporting Mother denim and the “Husband Shirt” (um, interesting choice) by BFF stylist Misha Nonoo. But anything not perfectly tailored isn’t fit for a duchess, so no more distressed denim for you, Glen Coco.
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Plunging Necklines
Deep V necklines are a major faux pas for the royals, unless you’re Princess Diana, who famously carried “cleavage bags,” aka small clutches that she held in front of her chest when stepping out of the backseat of cars to shield her cleavage from cunning paparazzi.
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Short Skirts
Members of the royal family are expected to dress modestly, which means this hem length isn’t palace-approved.
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Bare Legs
Although Markle famously bucked tradition and opted for nude legs during her and Prince Harry’s engagement announcement shoot, she’s since adopted the royal protocol of (almost) always wearing pantyhose with shorter dresses.
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Curve-hugging Outfits
We have a feeling the queen isn’t into spandex…or studs. (We, on the other hand, totally approve.)
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High Slits
When you have to do the “duchess slant” constantly, a thigh-high slit is a total no-no.
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Leather Leggings
The Queen of Spain may be able to don them, but these leather pants surely don’t adhere to the strict English monarchy protocol.
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Denim Skirts
We're digging the '70s vibes of this fur coat + denim skirt combo, but it'll have to be kept behind closed doors from now on.
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Crossbody Bags
Though Markle sported one in Edinburgh before her wedding, she’s mostly carried clutches and top-handle satchels since getting married. Why? It’s easier to politely avoid shaking hands with the general public (a royal rule) when you have to hold a clutch.
