Meghan Markle was well known for what she wore long before she became the The Duchess of Sussex.
She always looked good. She always looked stylish – and the media was quick to compliment her on her sartorial choices.
But something has changed.
It’s not her style – she’s still wearing the same classic silhouettes and muted shades she’s famous for. It’s not the brands she chooses to wear – she’s still a fan of Roland Mouret, Givenchy and Fendi.
It’s none of that.
It’s what we deem appropriate for her to wear now she’s a royal. Or more accurately, how much her clothes cost.
Headlines over the past few weeks – most recently while she and Price Harry are on their tour of Dublin – suddenly detail the exact cost of each item she’s wearing. Not surprisingly, there’s no mention of what labels The Duke of Sussex is wearing, nor their price tag.
We didn't dissect Meghan like this before. We didn't pull apart her choices and lay them bare for critique and judgement. We didn't care what her clothes cost. We didn't expect her to live by the invisible parameters the public deem acceptable.
But she's a Duchess now. And sure, with her marriage presumably comes access to Prince Charles' $28 million Duchy of Cornwall income (as is the case for Will and Kate), but we don't know that for sure.
Even if we did, it seems people are quick to forget that Meghan is a success story in her own right. On her own. It is reported that her total net worth is estimated to be $US5 million.
Let's also consider for a moment where Meghan is going. She's attending formal events. She's adhering to strict dress codes. She's wearing lots of hats. She can hardly rock up in a pair of mum jeans from H&M and a grey marle tee. I mean she could, but we'd sure as shit have something to say about that, too.
So can we please just let Meghan live her life? If she wants to spend $700 on a pair of shoes, can we allow that to happen without the judgemental running commentary?
Can we please all agree to live in a world where what a female wears isn't a headline (unless it's a positive one)?
Or at the very least, can we cast the same judgement on men as we do on women?
As a salute to Meghan wearing what the hell she likes, let's take a look at her glorious fashion choices (both before and after she became a royal), with not one mention of a price-tag.
Top Comments
Every outfit is stunning! She looks fabulous! but seems she can't win. Spend too much, wear same thing. Just accept and enjoy.
I’m sure Meghan is wearing shoes that she already has in her wardrobe. She’s not going to be wearing brand new shoes for every outfit or appearance because a) most of them will be classic pumps in nude or black b) she’ll have already broken them in and be more comfortable. Sure she’s going to get new shoes. As for her outfits I’m sure she will start mixing in more accessible clothes like Catherine does and yes she will have to be aware of the cost due to the public paying for it. She has a huge learning curve. Catherine had 7 years before even an engagement. Give the girl a break. And MM stop being all high mighty about this - you’re just as bad as the other media outlets.
Personally I don’t care about the cost as it doesn’t affect me however I am interested in what she wears because I like fashion and nice clothes.
And for all we know, she could be buying her clothes with her own money.