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Meghan Markle Was All About a Neck Flourish on Commonwealth Day

When it came time for Meghan Markle to pick outfits for her final set of royal engagements this week, she made sure to pay homage to British designers, sport the colors of the United Kingdom’s flag and color-coordinate with her husband Prince Harry. But she also had a little fun with her looks.

It seems the 38-year-old Duchess of Sussex’s theme for her royal swan song was neck flourishes. Not only did she rock a caped Emilia Wickstead Kelly green shift dress at the Commonwealth Day service, but she broke out another neck accent at a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace on the same day.

Yesterday, the duchess shared a video of herself on her and Prince Harry’s shared @SussexRoyal Instagram account that was captured during a private Association of Commonwealth Universities meeting. The gathering was held at Buckingham Palace just before she and Prince Harry headed to Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day service.

As you’ll notice, Markle selected a Scanlan Theodore navy crepe knit dress with a cravat ($650) and Sophie Lis fallen star hoop earrings ($567) for the secret engagement.

Directly following the meeting, which put the duchess in front of scholars from across the Commonwealth who are researching sustainability, economic growth and improving health systems, she changed for the Commonwealth Day service.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

At the Commonwealth Day event, she opted for another dress that featured an accent that draped around her neck. Her caped Emilia Wickstead also bore a striking resemblance to an outfit worn by Princess Diana around 1982.

The question remains: Are neck flourishes a thing now? Judging from past Markle Effect moments, we’re thinking that’s a yes.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, *Also* Wore a Striking Dress at the Commonwealth Day Services

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Lex Goodman

Cat mom, yogi, brunch enthusiast

Lex is an LA native who's deeply obsessed with picnics, Slim Aarons, rosé, Hollywood history and Joan Didion. She joined PureWow in early 2017.
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