Fair or foul? Newspaper brands Meghan’s royal style ‘frumpy’ in harsh critique

Meghan Markle’s wardrobe has undergone quite the transformation since she married Prince Harry, but not everyone has welcomed the change.

While she was often pictured in fitted trousers and tight dresses bursting with colour during her acting years in the spotlight – as well as her early relationship with Harry – she’s swapped them for looser, more conservative styles following her wedding.

Now, the New York Post has taken aim at her recent outfit choices, claiming they’ve appeared “mumsy” and “frumpy” compared to her past styles.

The harsh story went on to congratulate her on her latest outfit for Harry’s polo match, claiming she’s finally found a dress “that actually fits”.

The Duchess of Sussex, 36, stunned in a chic 1950s-style navy dress, said to be by designer Carolina Herrera and worth £2,357 (AU$4,190, US$3,090).

The gorgeous number came complete with a chunky belt of the same colour. Meghan opted for a tan pair of heels and wore her brunette locks in a stylish bun for the outing. She also carried a clutch purse during the event and was spotted at one stage wearing a designer pair of sunglasses.

Congratulating her on her choice this time round, the New York Post author wrote: “After months of Windsor-proper mumsy florals and oversize, frumpy frocks, Meghan Markle has finally stepped out in a sassy dress that — gasp! — actually fits!”

Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan recreate first kiss at charity polo match

The story went on to say she’s not lost her style mojo entirely, and concluded: “Welcome back, Meghan! We missed you.”

Meghan split viewers on her wedding day with a surprisingly conservative white dress by Givenchy, and while most people applauded the beautiful style, other critics took aim at her choice, with some even claiming it was ill-fitting.

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However, having spent months working closely with designers on the style, it ended up being exactly as she wanted. In fact, the Washington Post‘s fashion critic Robin Givhan defended the simple style in her column at the time.

“It was a romantic dress, but one that suggested a clear-eyed understanding that a real-life romance is not the stuff of fairy tales. The dress was a backdrop; it was in service to the woman,” she wrote.

“The woman. That’s what the dress emphasized. Not bridal whimsy. Not princess tropes. Not royal pomp. The former actress, the former blogger, the formerly single lady, now has the title Duchess of Sussex. But she is still Meghan.”

Do you think the story was too harsh on Meghan’s style? Do you like her recent outfits, or prefer her past style?