Clothes, of course, are a window into a woman’s soul.
So, you ask, what on earth is Meghan trying to tell us with her new style direction?
Two weeks ago, the Duchess of Sussex appeared on the red carpet in an overly revealing Carolina Herrera dress with a U-neck – I prefer to call it a U-turn – dress with a split hem, which was really surprising in its sloppiness and inappropriateness for a children’s dress. charity gala event.
And it wasn’t just her ill-fitting dress: Meghan’s hair looked wet and disheveled, and her toes were visible in skimpy sandals.
It was such a turnaround from her old chic, collaborative style – so resolutely “look at me” – that even I, an ardent advocate since Meghan entered public life, could no longer praise her.
A children’s charity event hardly seemed like the place to show off so much flesh.
Meghan and Harry left the UK and their public duties in January 2020 and it seems as her royal life unfolded, so did her dressing sense, writes Liz Jones.
A piece I subsequently wrote in this newspaper pointing this out received more than 4,000 responses and caused a Twitter storm.
So many readers agreed with me that Meghan’s appearance was a disappointing low point.
Remember, when she was part of the Firm, we had tight updos, discreet simplicity, couture and closed toes (cleavage of the toes is frowned upon in a cathedral, on any royal occasion or in a palace).
But she and Harry left the UK and their public duties in January 2020 and it seems as her royal life unfolded, so did her dress sense.
I strongly believe that Meghan’s fashion choices more accurately reflect how she feels than any solemn interview or gobbledegook speech.
So, what does this gaping, overly revealing red dress tell us for a woman who said she desperately wanted to “find her voice”?
To me it looks like she’s trying to be sexy, rather than dignified or chic. She desperately needs a good stylist, and a stable of open-hearted designers to come to her rescue. When Diana made mistakes with sheer skirts, an overexposed neckline and hanging polka dots, British Vogue’s Anna Harvey stepped in and helped her transform.
Now Meghan needs someone of the caliber of Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour to guide her. Because I can only see the outfits getting worse if they don’t. And that’s not good for her, for Harry or for the fashion industry. I hear that several major brands are reluctant to lend her clothes.
And also – why the frequent public appearances on the red carpet? Perhaps she wants the British public to believe that she is busy, that her life has meaning. Unfortunately – and it’s sad that it’s come to this – we’re all thinking, ‘Oh no, not another red carpet, not another charity gala!’
I so wanted Meghan to be fulfilled – not this skinny, ghostly-looking woman, doing teapot poses for even more photographers.
She once seemed ready to break the mold, but now that the wheels of her post-royal life have come off — the failed commercial deals, the lost goodwill of that crowd of fans — these photos charting Meghan’s fashion journey prove she’s making good on that early promise no longer transmits. . That cheerful, modern, articulate woman is unfortunately no longer visible.
When you look back at Meghan’s biggest fashion moments, you’ll see this slow, creeping metamorphosis from duchess to D-List.
The innocent income look
The engagement, November 2017
Meghan in a white belted coat from Line The Label and pale Aquazzura shoes in 2017
Even in these early days, Meghan chooses her clothes with care, wearing a white belted coat from Line The Label and pale Aquazzura shoes. This white choice – symbolizing purity and innocence – was clearly a message to the British public, who she desperately hoped would approve.
And indeed, everyone was delighted with the couple’s happiness in the garden of Kensington Palace, with how in love Harry looked.
Suitable for the company
Balmoral, December 2017
Meghan dressed in a Sentaler coat, Chloe bag, Stuart Weitzman boots, Philip Treacy hat and M&S gloves at Balmoral in 2017
Understandably, Meghan was keen to be part of this – it was the first time a fiancée had been invited to Balmoral for Christmas – and Meghan was fully dressed for the role in a Sentaler coat, a Chloe bag, Stuart Weitzman- boots, a Philip Treacy hat and M&S gloves.
Her all-brown outfit was warm — Meghan lovingly tried to keep her teeth from chattering — and she frequently glanced at other members of the royal family for guidance. However, this is definitely not a habit she would maintain.
The second wedding dress
Windsor, May 2018
The Duchess wore this Stella McCartney halter dress to her wedding reception – it showed off Meghan’s Pilates-honed shoulders
I loved this Stella McCartney halter neck dress worn to their wedding reception. He showed off Meghan’s Pilates-honed shoulders, and the ivory matched her exquisite complexion so well. Her hair was up and the scene was so glamorous that I felt proud to be British.
She looks serene: the relief that she had finally achieved – despite all the fuss about her father’s absence – must have been enormous. Her self-confidence seems super high: the choice for this dress was unashamedly brave. It says: ‘I rise above everything. I deserve this.’
Relaxed perfection – for the last time
Commonwealth Youth Challenge, July 2018
Meghan wears a simple Brandon Maxwell dress in a sunny color, closed Manolo shoes
This is perfect: a simple Brandon Maxwell dress in a sunny color, closed Manolo shoes. Nothing screams, ‘Look at me!’ The hair is up, the dress is just the right length. Meghan seems confident: not just because Harry is giving her admiring looks, but the British public is discovering what a great asset she is.
Harry takes care of her and points out things she needs to see. She doesn’t hold on for dear life yet and doesn’t charge in front of him. You can’t imagine Kate pulling this off. Sadly, this is the last time we’ll see Meghan this relaxed.
I’m not okay – a first fashion misstep
South Africa, October 2019
The Duchess wore this sleeveless trench dress during her interview with Tom Bradby in South Africa in October 2019
I can’t stand sleeveless trench dresses: they’re boxy and fussy. Meghan had worn the white version of this Nonie dress for her first official photo after Archie’s birth. The choice of this for her interview with Tom Bradby was perhaps a reminder of her vulnerability. Hey guys, remember I’m a mom, control is so hard when you have a new baby.
Just as the dress had a special tone, so did her plea for compassion, speaking about the difficulties of her privileged life while African children were in dire need just a stone’s throw away.
Out in a very poorly rated mini
Global Citizen Live concert, New York, September 2021
Meghan seemed to love this Valentino-embellished dress she wore to the Global Citizen Live concert in New York in September 2021
No, no, no! You can’t wear a miniskirt! You’re not Twiggy!
But Meghan seemed to love this Valentino-embellished dress. Sure, the sequins got her noticed, but for the wrong reasons. The silhouette is too boxy and does little for her.
The dress marks the beginning of her ‘Look at me, I’m the star’ phase.
A mismatch on a worthy occasion
Invictus Games, Germany, September 2023
Meghan wore this Zara romper as she walked for wounded hero soldiers at the Invictus Games in Germany last September
There’s nothing like a crumpled Zara onesie as you walk in front of wounded hero soldiers to tell you it’s game over. Where has the goddess gone in Stella McCartney? It can’t be the same person, can it? There is little dignity in carrying so many legs on an occasion like this.
What was she trying to tell us? “Hi, I’m nice Meghan!” The Royals must have rolled their eyes in dismay.
Pajama time!
Online security panel Colombia, August 2024
The Duchess wears a Victoria Beckham bronze shirt and La Ligne trousers during an online safety panel in Colombia in August
She is wearing pajamas. Satin ones. Yes, the bronze shirt is from Victoria Beckham and the trousers are from La Ligne, and she wants to appear relaxed yet sincere on what should be a thoughtful occasion. But she just looks disheveled.
Red alert
Children’s Hospital Gala, Los Angeles, October 2024
Meghan in a red Carolina Herrera dress she wore to a Children’s Hospital gala in Los Angeles earlier this month
Right now, Meghan is like a cornered cat, outside in the rain, with her claws showing. This Carolina Herrera dress is not, as some misguided fans say, a “revenge dress.” It clearly states: ‘It’s not just my hair that’s a mess. My life is also…’