Meghan Markle’s White Beret: Royal Style Statement Decoded
How Meghan Markle's white beret became an iconic royal fashion moment
The Birth of a Royal Fashion Icon: Meghan Markle’s White Beret Moment
When Meghan Markle stepped out for Commonwealth Day 2018 in a stunning all-white ensemble, she unknowingly created one of the most talked-about royal fashion moments of the decade. Her choice to wear a cream-colored beret alongside a matching Amanda Wakeley coat marked her first official royal engagement with Queen Elizabeth II, setting the tone for her future as a style icon within the royal family.
The March 2018 appearance at Westminster Abbey was more than just a fashion statement—it was a declaration of Meghan’s unique approach to royal dressing. While traditional royal protocol often favored more conservative headwear choices, Meghan’s selection of a beret demonstrated her ability to honor royal traditions while infusing her own contemporary style sensibilities.
The Designer Behind the Look: Amanda Wakeley’s Royal Creation
Amanda Wakeley, the British luxury fashion designer, crafted the cream-colored coat that would become synonymous with Meghan’s refined royal aesthetic. The £1,199 coat featured clean lines and a sophisticated silhouette that perfectly complemented the Duchess of Sussex’s figure. The matching beret, created by renowned milliner Stephen Jones, added the perfect finishing touch to this monochromatic masterpiece.
Wakeley’s design philosophy of understated elegance aligned perfectly with Meghan’s personal style preferences. The coat’s minimalist approach, free from excessive embellishments or bold patterns, allowed the quality of the craftsmanship and the elegance of the silhouette to speak for itself. This choice reflected Meghan’s background as a working actress who understood the power of impactful yet sophisticated dressing.
Breaking Down the Style Elements
The Coat: A Study in Sophisticated Simplicity
The Amanda Wakeley cream coat showcased several key design elements that made it an instant classic. The tailored fit emphasized Meghan’s silhouette without being overly fitted, maintaining the royal preference for modest yet flattering clothing. The neutral cream color provided a fresh alternative to the traditional navy and black often seen in royal wardrobes, while still maintaining the dignity required for such formal occasions.
The Beret: A Modern Take on Traditional Millinery
Stephen Jones’s cream beret represented a masterful blend of traditional millinery techniques with contemporary styling. Unlike the more elaborate fascinators traditionally worn by royal women, the beret offered a sleek, modern alternative that felt both fresh and respectful of royal protocol. The piece demonstrated how accessories could make a statement without overwhelming the overall look.
The Significance of Commonwealth Day Styling
Meghan’s choice to wear white for her Commonwealth Day debut held special significance beyond mere fashion. White symbolizes purity, new beginnings, and hope—themes particularly relevant as she prepared to officially join the royal family through marriage to Prince Harry. The Commonwealth Day service, celebrating the unity of 53 nations, provided the perfect backdrop for showcasing a look that represented both tradition and modernity.
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The event marked a pivotal moment in Meghan’s royal journey, as it was her first official engagement alongside Queen Elizabeth II. Her styling choices needed to demonstrate respect for royal protocol while establishing her own fashion identity. The white ensemble achieved this delicate balance perfectly, earning praise from fashion critics and royal watchers alike.
How Meghan’s Beret Choice Influenced Royal Fashion
The success of Meghan’s white beret look had lasting impacts on royal fashion trends. Her willingness to experiment with different styles of headwear opened doors for more diverse millinery choices within royal circles. The beret, traditionally associated with French fashion and artistic circles, found new life as a sophisticated royal accessory.
Fashion designers and milliners took note of the positive reception to Meghan’s beret choice, leading to increased interest in this style of headwear among fashion-conscious consumers. Retailers reported increased sales of berets following Meghan’s appearance, demonstrating the powerful influence of royal fashion choices on mainstream trends.
Comparing Meghan’s Hat Collection
| Event | Date | Hat Style | Designer | Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Day | March 2018 | Beret | Stephen Jones | Cream |
| Christmas Service | December 2017 | Fascinator | Philip Treacy | Brown |
| Royal Ascot | June 2018 | Wide-brimmed Hat | Philip Treacy | Black & White |
| Trooping the Colour | June 2018 | Flat-brimmed Fascinator | Philip Treacy | Pink |
The Art of Royal Color Coordination
Meghan’s mastery of monochromatic dressing became evident through her Commonwealth Day look. The seamless coordination between her coat and beret demonstrated sophisticated color matching that elevated the entire ensemble. This approach to dressing—focusing on tonal harmony rather than contrasting elements—became a signature aspect of her royal style.
The cream color palette chosen for this occasion worked particularly well against Meghan’s complexion, creating a luminous effect that complemented her natural beauty. This strategic color choice highlighted her understanding of what worked best for her personal coloring while maintaining the elegance required for royal occasions.
Behind the Scenes: Royal Styling Process
Creating the perfect royal look involves careful collaboration between the royal figure, their stylist, and chosen designers. For Meghan’s Commonwealth Day appearance, extensive planning went into selecting pieces that would photograph well, feel comfortable throughout the lengthy service, and convey the appropriate message for such an important occasion.
The selection of Amanda Wakeley for the coat and Stephen Jones for the beret represented strategic choices that supported British fashion while ensuring the highest quality craftsmanship. This approach to royal dressing—prioritizing British designers and exceptional quality—aligned with royal tradition while allowing for personal expression.
Fashion Critics’ Response and Media Coverage
Fashion experts and royal commentators praised Meghan’s Commonwealth Day look for its sophisticated simplicity and modern approach to royal dressing. The ensemble was described as “effortlessly chic” and “perfectly appropriate” for the occasion. Style publications highlighted how the look managed to feel both timeless and contemporary, achieving the difficult balance required in royal fashion.
The positive media coverage surrounding this look helped establish Meghan as a serious fashion influencer within royal circles. Fashion magazines featured detailed breakdowns of the ensemble, contributing to increased interest in both the designers and the specific pieces worn.
Shopping the Look: Accessible Alternatives
The popularity of Meghan’s white beret look sparked demand for similar pieces at various price points. While the original Amanda Wakeley coat commanded a premium price, fashion retailers quickly offered inspired alternatives that captured the essence of the look at more accessible price points.
The Legacy of the White Beret Moment
Years after Meghan’s Commonwealth Day appearance, the white beret look continues to be referenced as one of her most successful royal fashion moments. The ensemble demonstrated her ability to respect royal protocol while maintaining her personal style identity, setting a template for her future royal appearances.
The look also represented a shift in royal fashion toward more contemporary and accessible styling. By choosing pieces that felt modern yet appropriate, Meghan helped bridge the gap between traditional royal fashion and contemporary style preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What designer created Meghan Markle’s white beret?
A: The cream-colored beret was created by renowned British milliner Stephen Jones, who is known for his work with numerous celebrities and royal figures.
Q: How much did Meghan’s Amanda Wakeley coat cost?
A: The Amanda Wakeley cream coat was priced at £1,199, reflecting the luxury craftsmanship and designer quality expected for royal engagements.
Q: Was this Meghan’s first official engagement with the Queen?
A: Yes, the Commonwealth Day service in March 2018 marked Meghan’s first official royal engagement alongside Queen Elizabeth II, making her fashion choices particularly significant.
Q: Why was the white beret choice considered innovative for royal fashion?
A: The beret represented a departure from traditional royal millinery like fascinators and formal hats, showing a more contemporary approach to royal headwear while still maintaining appropriate formality.
Q: Did Meghan’s beret choice influence fashion trends?
A: Yes, retailers reported increased sales of berets following Meghan’s appearance, and the look inspired numerous fashion articles and copycat styles across various price points.
References
- https://www.hola.com/us/royals/2019040222605/meghan-markle-best-hats/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/a19408142/meghan-markle-bridal-white-coat/
- https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a19407405/meghan-markle-commonwealth-day-outfit/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/celebs/12602-meghan-markle-looked-a-vision-wearing-all-white-at-royal-ascot
- https://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/a22150622/meghan-markle-wasnt-allowed-to-wear-a-hat-at-wimbledon/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/gallery/9723-all-of-meghan-markles-best-style-moments
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