fashion

The sweet reason Meghan Markle just wore one of her dresses from before she became a royal.

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Now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have left Australia for our New Zealand neighbours on the final leg of their 2018 royal tour, life’s just not as exciting, right?

Thankfully, we’ve still got a few more days of fashion from Meghan to pour over in her absence.

The royal couple kicked off their official royal tour of Australia and the South Pacific on Tuesday October 16 in Sydney.

During the royal tour, Meghan has worn a number of Aussie designers, as well as some of her much loved pieces from home.

Here’s a rolling recap of Meghan Markle’s style for the 2018 royal tour.

Tuesday, October 30.

Outfit Three: Antonio Berardi.

Tuesday's engagements wrapped up with a reception hosted by Prime Minister Jacinda Adren at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Proving she is indeed a regular human being, Meghan (brace yourselves) wore an outfit she's... worn before. The Duchess chose her Antonio Berardi Navy Double Breasted Dress (unavailable online) for the evening.

We first saw Meghan wearing this tuxedo style dress in 2017 when she attended a polo match her then-boyfriend Prince Harry was playing in. It has sentimental meaning for the couple, because the 37-year-old was wearing it for her first ever public appearance at the Audi Polo Challenge in May, 2017, the UK's Mirror reports (you can see photos from the time here).

This was, of course, before it was common knowledge Prince Harry and Meghan were dating - their first official public debut as a couple came later that year at the Tornoto Invictus Games (where Meghan looked effortlessly cool in a white shirt and ripped jeans).

Meghan also carried her Dior 'Bee' navy leather pouch and Aquazzura 'Deneuve' Bow Pointy Toe Pumps in taupe. These heels are currently available in blush pink, black, red and leopard print for $1,181.

Outfit Two: Brandon Maxwell and Burberry.

The afternoon saw the royal couple join New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at Pillars, a charity that supports children who have a parent in prison.

While greeting children who've been directly impacted by the charity's funding, Meghan wore a Brandon Maxwell midi dress, style still unknown. That said, it looks to be a similar cut to the bright canary yellow dress Meghan wore earlier this year.

Again, Meghan's Aussie Martin Grant trench coat must have been at the dry cleaners because the Duchess swapped it for a Burberry Nude 'Maythorne' Mulberry-Silk Trench Coat (sold out).

The look was finished with a pair of Stuart Weitzman Legend Suede Pumps in 'Haze Beige' ($720), and the Discologo Suds ($302), a gift from Jacinda Ardern, from New Zealand designer Boh Runga feature the Miromiro feather, which in Māori mythology, was a magic token of devotion that would bring loved ones back to you.

Outfit One: Karen Walker, J. Crew and gumboots.

On Tuesday morning, Harry and Meghan popped up to Auckland for a morn ing of engagements with The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy environmental program.

Meghan wore the Aussie-designed Karen Walker 'Fathom' Dark Navy Jacket ($575) over a plain black Lavender Hill Clothing Scoop Neck T-Shirt ($60).

The Duchess probably chucked her Outland Denim jeans in the wash, so instead wore a pair of J. Crew High Rise 'Toothpick' Jeans in a charcoal wash. If you're in the market for a new pair of jeans, this style is still available in most sizes for $230.

The look was completed with a pair of Muck Boots Reign Tall Rubber Women's Riding Boots (which go for $108 but could be mistaken for a pair from Bunnings) and an official QEII National Trust waterproof jacket, which sadly isn't available to the public.

Monday, October 29.

Outfit Three: Maggie Marilyn.

On Monday night, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit Courtenay Creative in Wellington for an event celebrating the city’s thriving creative arts scene.

Meghan gave us 'cool princess' vibes in the Maggie Marilyn 'Leap of Faith' White Blazer Dress ($670). Hers was modified without the sleeves, and worn underneath the navy swing coat by X-Files actress Gillian Anderson for Winser London she wore for the Invictus Games opening ceremony.

Meghan's faithful Manolo Blahnik 'BB' Pointy Toe Pump in Navy Suede also made an appearance, as did the Discologo Suds ($302) from New Zealand designer Boh Runga and Jessica McCormack's Tattoo Diamond Pendant.

Outfit Two: Seasalt Cornwall, Jac + Jack, Outland Denim and Adidas.

After a spot of tea, the royal couple took a helicopter flight to Abel Tasman National Park to hear about the area's conservation efforts.

Meghan's outfit was mostly unchanged (Jac + Jack knit, Outland Denim Jeans and the Boh Runga studs), but she swapped out her Trench coat for a far more practical Seasalt Cornwall 'Lagoon' navy rain jacket, and her Stuart Weitzman boots for Stella McCartney x Adidas Grosgrain-trimmed faux leather sneakers ($430).

Outfit One: Club Monaco, Jac + Jack, Outland Denim and Stuart Weitzman.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex started their time in New Zealand with a nice cup of tea at the Maranui Cafe in Wellington.

Meghan wore a the Club Monaco Ellayne Trench in Seaweed Green ($420) over a black Jac + Jack chunky knit, the Trani Sweater ($499).

Again, the Duchess wore her Outland Denim $199.90 Harriet jeans, and Stuart Weitzman Veruka Lace-Up Boots ($1,044).

The best part of Meghan's outfit were the earrings gifted to the Duchess by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The Discologo Suds ($302) from New Zealand designer Boh Runga feature the Miromiro feather, which in Māori mythology, was a magic token of devotion that would bring loved ones back to you.

Sunday, October 28.

Outfit Three: Gabriela Hearst.

Giving her most important speech of the royal tour, Meghan spoke at a reception hosted by New Zealand's Governor General celebrating the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New Zealand.

She wore a Gabriela Hearst Navy 'Herve' dress with modified cap sleeves. The navy silk wool dress with a square neckline and an A-line silhouette was absolutely stunning.

The Duchess also wore New Zealand designer Jessica McCormack's Tattoo Diamond Pendant valued at $16,000. Yeah.

Outfit Two: ASOS, Karen Walker.

After a three hour flight from Sydney, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Wellington, New Zealand.

Meghan, in a completely new outfit, and Harry, in the... exact same outfit. Hmm.

In any case, we're living for her outfit choice because it's the most affordable we've seen from her on the royal tour so far.

Greeting members of the public around Wellington’s Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, the 37-year-old royal wore a little black, ASOS ‘wiggle mini dress’and it’s only $70.

Although we couldn't see all the details of the work appropriate frock, according to ASOS the fitted-design also features a low, V-cut back and oversized sleeves. Unfortunately, thanks to the Meghan Markle effect, only a few size 4s are left in stock at the moment, but a few sizes are also available in a mustard colourway.

To complete her look, Meghan teamed the budget-friendly LBD with a very non-budget friendly, $975, Karen Walker 'Banks Trench' coat and her go-to Sarah Flint tortoiseshell heels ($679).

Outfit One: Hugo Boss.

Meghan's Sunday started with a flight from Sydney to Wellington, New Zealand for the start of the New Zealand leg of the royal tour.

The Duchess said goodbye to Aussie fans in a plum Hugo Boss Eodora dress.

Of course, the slim-fit midi dress in soft jersey with a detachable belt is sold out. Meghan also re-wore her accessories from the night before - the Aquazzura Casablanca Pumps in Powder Pink ($1,295) and the Cuyana Mini Chain Saddle Bag (now sold out).

Oh, and then there were the $14,460 earrings - the Paspaley Lavalier earrings featuring two round pearls and combining beautiful rose gold, opals and white diamonds, complete with a rare Papsaley keshi pearl.

Ugh.

Saturday, October 27.

Outfit Two: Antonio Berardi.

For the Invictus Games' closing ceremony, the Duchess chose an Antonio Berardi alter tuxedo dress in her favourite colour, olive green.

The midi length dress is believed to be a custom piece, or one from the London-based designer's upcoming collection.

She accessorised with Aquazzura Casablanca Pumps in Powder Pink ($1,295), the Cuyana Mini Chain Saddle Bag (now sold out) and Pippa Small gold bangles.

Outfit One: Scanlan Theodore, Outland Denim.

Saturday marked the last day of the Sydney Invictus Games and the royals spent the afternoon watching the wheelchair basketball finals.

Meghan wore Aussie brand Scanlan Theodore's Garnet Crepe Knit Wrap Jacket with her Outland Denim $199.90 Harriet jeans, which so far have created up to 30 employment opportunities for women in Cambodia through the fashion social enterprise brand.

The Scanlan Theodore piece is still available for $550, but only in black

Meghan also swapped out her regular stiletto heels for a thicker heeled pair of Sarah Flint 'Jay 100' Black Suede Tortoiseshell Pumps ($679), and Shaun Leane 'Talon' Earrings.

Friday, October 26.

Outfit Three: Oscar de la Renta.

Finally, Australia has gotten it's Prince Harry and Meghan movie star moment.

On Friday night, just hours after returning to Australia from Tonga, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at the Shangri-La Hotel to present at the Australian Geographic Society Awards.

Meghan wore an Oscar de la Renta couture black and white gown covered in birds, and it was maaaaagical.

The white tulle gown from the designer's pre-fall 2018 collection featured black bonded looped ribbon laser cut birds, and fine mesh detailing around the neckline.

Like she's done throughout the entire royal tour, Meghan brought out her Aquazzura 'Deneuve' Black Suede Bow Pumps again.

It was perfection.

Outfit Two: Veronica Beard.

Ah! More summer vibes.

Meghan wore a stunning blue shirt dress for the royal couple's final engagement in Tonga, the unveiling of The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy at Tupou College.

The Veronica Beard Sky Blue 'Cary' Dress ($839) featured a classic shirt dress cut, buttons all the way down and a tie waist. Of course, it's sold out in the blue, but it's still available in red.

Meghan traded her usual Manolo Blahnik pumps for the Banana Republic Madison 12-Hour Side Cut-Out Pumps.

Outfit One: Martin Grant.

On the royal couple's second day in Tonga, the Duchess gave us the dress we want to be wearing this summer.

The Aussie-designed Martin Grant Striped Cotton Dress has a button-down front, mandarin collar, A-line silhouette and belted accent at the waist.

It also retails for $1,595 and is still available if you're so inclined.

Presumably, she left the Martin Grant trench coat she's been seen carrying multiple times on this tour in the private jet. Darn.

Thursday, October 25.

Outfit Three: Theia.

On Thursday night, Meghan wore a Theia Silk Crepe Gown to a state dinner in Nuku'alofa, Tonga.

The dress custom designed for Meghan was a version of the label's ivory crepe column gown, featuring flanged shoulders, cap sleeves, a side slit (which is against royal protocol, but meh) and embroidered appliques of crystals and micro glass beads.

The gown retails for $1,262 and also comes in teal.

On the night, Meghan wore the floor-length with black closed toe stilettos and a subtle tribute to her late mother-in-law, the same emerald-cut aquamarine ring from Princess Diana’s jewellery collection we first saw Meghan wear to her wedding reception in May.

Outfit Two: Self Portrait.

Stepping off the plane in Tonga, Meghan wore a really bloody lovely $628 red Self Portrait dress.

A custom variation of one of the British label's commercially available pieces, the Self Portrait red pleated floral gown, the dress featured long sleeves, intricate cut out lace detailing, a belted waist and a pleated A-line skirt.

There was also a slight wardrobe malfunction - a tag sticking out - but hey, we've all been there, right?

Outfit One: Jason Wu.

For the unveiling of the Labalaba Statue on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's final day in Suva, Fiji, Meghan wore her signature colour - forest green.

Her forest green Jason Wu Crepe Sheath Dress could be yours for a tidy and very specific $2,544.70. 

Side note - if you want to shop this trend without taking out a personal loan, check out these forest green fashion buys here.

Meghan paired the knee-length dress with gold earrings and bangles, and the Manolo Blahnik BB Pointy Toe Pumps in Black Suede.

Wednesday, October 24.

Outfit One : Safiyaa

Kicking off the second day of their Royal Visit in Fiji, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex bought a more relaxed and 'island' vibe to their joint engagement at the University of the South Pacific campus in Suva.

While we can't say for sure, this must be one of the first instances of a royal wearing poms poms, which can be seen danging from her Figue wrap dress. Unfortunately, the dress will set you back a pretty penny, but sizes are still available for purchase on Net-A-Porter ($1,495) and Moda Operandi ($1,945).

Maybe we're better off DIY-ing our own pom pom belt.

She once again wore the same Castaner Carina Wedge Espadrilles (available on Net-A-Porter for $135), which she also wore on Bondi Beach, and carried a clutch purchased from the Suva Market that was reportedly made by local women #ladystartups.

Tuesday, October 23.

Outfit Two: Safiyaa

Attending the Fiji state banquet, the Duchess turned to a cape dress from British label, Safiyaa. The rich blue is specifically the shade, 'Fijian blue', worn as a tribute to the country.

Currently her dress is available on the designer's website for pre-order, for £1,095 ($2,005 AUD), should you want to take a leaf out of the Duchess' book.

Outfit One: Zimmermann.

Bringing the royal tour to Fiji, the royal couple have stepped off their plane in Suva - the capital city.

The Duchess kept things toasty walking through the rain in a long-sleeved, cream dress by Australian designer Zimmermann (this midi dress from the label is similar) and a fascinator by exclusive London milliner Stephen Jones. Her straw clutch is by California-based brand Kayu Anna, and although the black colourway is no longer available, a beige-tone version is currently on sale for $158.87 on Shopbop. We're also a little in love with this stunning coral, seashell edition from their website.

Meghan's shoes were once again her go-to pointed slingbacks from Tabitha Simmons.

Keen observers also noticed the Duchess wearing jewellery gifted to her by members of the royal family. Her earrings were said to have been given to her by The Queen after their first joint engagement, and her tennis bracelet was given to her by Prince Charles.

Monday, October 22.

Outfit Two: Reformation.

This is one of our favourite, and most affordable, looks from the Duchess so far. Stepping off from the barge at Kingfisher Jetty on Fraser Island, Meghan looked radiant in a linen midi-dress by the fashion set's favourite sustainable brand Reformation.

The breezy number featured a rather risque thigh slit (especially by royal standards), but the mum-to-be kept things under control.

Luckily you can purchase her chic, strappy brown sandals, which are from one of the royal's favourite shoe brands, Sarah Flint. They're called the 'Grear sandals' and retail for $421 on luxury online store, Farfetch. As you can expect, most sizes have already sold out, but the style is also available in black, cream and a metallic-toned fabric.

Sunday, October 21.

Outfit Two: Vejas.

After schmoozing with fans and guests in the Domain, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry took a break from their royal engagements to watch the sailing from a boat on Sydney Harbour. It looked as if the pair stayed in their earlier outfits, but added a jacket from the Invictus Games and changed into sneakers - so much more boat appropriate.

While Prince Harry wore a pair of taupe Adidas Gazelles (which are unisex) the Duchess went for a pair of $195 Veja V10 sneakers.

And yes, you should definitely invest in a pair, because we're pretty sure they're going to be the next Stan Smiths.

Outfit One: Emilia Wickstead and Philip Treacy.

Although the Duchess announced she would be cutting down the number of her public appearances in order to get some rest (she is pregnant after all), Meghan still made an appearance at a luncheon hosted by our Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

She kept her outfit smart casual, while meeting guests, Invictus competitors and their family and friends, in a L'Agence pinstripe blazer ($763.12 on Netaporter), black turtleneck and black skinny jeans and accessorised her outfit with a pair of sling-back pumps from Altuzarra (another one of her go-to heels) and a cross-body bag from Aussie brand, Oroton ($295) to match.

Saturday, October 20.

Outfit Three: Stella McCartney.

Proudly watching Prince Harry give his speech at the official Opening Ceremony for the Invictus Games, Meghan Markle braved the wet and stormy Sydney weather in a cape dress by Stella McCartney which she accessorised with a coat by X-Files actress Gillian Anderson for Winser London.

We just hope her legs weren't too cold.

Her dress is, you guessed it, mostly sold out, but US retailer Bergdorf Goodman still have some size 8s available for $1,995 USD ($2,801 AUD).

Outfit Two: Mother and Altuzarra.

Changing into somewhat more casual look to watch the Jaguar and Land Rover Driving Challenge on Cockatoo Island, the 37-year-old turned to one of her classic looks - jeans and a blazer.

She reportedly opted for a pair of skinny jeans from one of her favourite brands Mother and although it's difficult to tell the exact style, it could be their 'The Looker Skinny Jeans' which retail on Shopbop for $275.32. The Duchess then 'smartened' up her look with a classic white blazer from New York brand Altuzarra and a pair of her go-to pointed slingbacks from Tabitha Simmons.

Also meeting competitors from the Invictus Games, she matched Prince Harry with a simple button-up shirt which carried the sporting event's logo.


Each pair of jeans sold goes a long way to creating safe, just and positive working environments and opportunities for these women, as well as providing them with skills training and financial independence.

After being seen on the Duchess, Outland's $199.90 Harriet jeans sold out, and enquiries for the jeans have gone up by more than 1000 per cent. That said, Outland Denim have assured punters more stock is coming soon.

Meghan paired her jeans with a blazer from her friend Serena Williams' collection. The Boss Oversized Blazer is available for $145US and ships internationally.

She also wore J Crew's Sadie suede ankle boots which retail for $318.58.

Tuesday, October 16.

Outfit two: Brandon Maxwell.

After a rest at Admiralty House following on from the royal couple's time spent greeting fans at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday morning, Meghan changed into her second outfit of the day.

The Duchess wore a dark, olive green Brandon Maxwell Pleated Button-Up Shirt Dress at an afternoon reception at Admiralty House, where Prince Harry addressed officially the Australian public for the first time.

Brandon Maxwell is an American fashion designer who specialises in luxury garments. Unfortunately, the dress, which was available online to buy in red for $2,555, is now sold out.

Outfit one: Karen Gee.

For her first day of work on the official royal tour on Tuesday, Meghan wore Sydney-based designer Karen Gee.

The 37-year-old paired the white, sleeveless, midi length dress with a Martin Grant trench coat, and closed-toe stilettos, which she swapped for a pair of black flats (fair enough!) upon arriving at the Sydney Opera House.

The Blessed Dress will set you back a casual $1800, in case you're keen. Only, the designer's website crashed moments after photos of Meghan wearing the dress surfaced.

Her first Australian tour outfit also included two nods to the late Princess Diana.

Upon arrival at the Sydney Opera House, Meghan swapped her heels for a pair of Rothy's black solid flats. Rothy's are super environmentally friendly - made from recycled plastic water bottles with recycled carbon-free rubber soles.

Unfortunately Rothy's do not yet ship to Australia, but if you're ever in the United States you can pick up a pair for $145US.

A Twitter user pointed out Meghan appeared to be wearing a replica pair of the Gucci butterfly earrings Princess Diana wore when she visited Canada. It's unclear whether these are the original earrings belonging to Princess Diana, or a replica.

The Gucci Crystal Studded Butterfly Earrings retail for $670.

Another noted she appeared to be wearing another of Princess Diana's jewellery pieces - a gold bangle with two black stones.

 

More to come throughout the week!

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