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Meghan Markle Swears by the ‘Shoe Plus 2’ Rule—Here’s What That Means

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Meghan Markle.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Call it the “Markle sparkle,” the “Meghan Markle effect” or the “duchess denouement” (OK, we made that last one up…): Whatever Markle dons, from Jenni Kayne to floral Oscar de la Renta, we are so here for it. But, did you know that she wears shoes that are way too big for her feet?

Nope, this isn’t some “glass slipper doesn’t fit so she’s not Cinderella” situation. This is a “Markle purposefully wears way too big shoes” situation. But, why? Well, put simply—to avoid blisters.

Meghan Markle.
Ben Stansall/WPA Pool/Getty Images

So, Wait—What Exactly Does Meghan Do?

According to The Sun, the answer is actually pretty genius. “Celebs often go a size up, or even two, in the shoe department when they’re at an event or on the red carpet and it’s for one reason we can all relate to—to avoid blisters,” fashion expert Harriet Davey told the paper. 

When the shoes are a bit too big, it means even if Markle’s feet swell up from standing for long periods of time (at award shows and ceremonies, for instance), her skin won’t rub against the shoe, which would cause blisters. Sounds like a good fix to us.

Meghan Markle shoes.
Neil Mockford/Getty Images

How to Follow the “Shoe Plus 2” Rule

The next time you're adding a pair of shoes to your cart, consider going up a size (or 2) if you're worried about getting blisters, especially if you'll be wearing them for an extended period of time, like at a wedding or a work event. (You'll likely have better luck finding them in a bigger size anyways.)

If you're worried about the shoes moving around too much, consider pads that help keep your feet in place ($10) or even sheer or no-show socks ($4) that will be hidden within the heels.

markle hero3
Karwai Tang/Getty Images

Over the years, we've learned that the Duchess of Sussex has loads of fashion tricks up her sleeve. For instance, did you know about wearing monochromatic outfits to appear taller? Or how about the fact that tailoring could be the secret to perfecting any 'fit?

Of course, when Markle's wearing these oversized shoes, she's always doing so in style. We've kept our eyes on the duchess's closet for years, and she loves everything from jet-black Manolo Blahniks to classic Adidas Stan Smiths.

Welp, there you have it, folks. If the shoe (doesn’t) fit…she’s probably a royal.

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