Fashion fans in love as Meghan Markle shuns royal rules with strappy sundress

Meghan Markle broke a few royal traditions on her latest official outing, wearing a pretty striped sundress with a natty little handbag. 

So far, so ordinary, you might think, particularly when it hit 25C in London – a relatively steamy day for the UK, which is undergoing an unusual heatwave – but royal pundits were quick to point out that there were two unusual elements to her look. For one, royals never bare their shoulders on formal engagements, and secondly, they never wear cross-body bags.

To be fair, this was no ordinary sundress, because the sleeveless off-white dress with a white pinstripe retails at US$1,995 (AU$2,560) from designer Altuzarra. And her bag, which she fashionably wore slung across her body, comes from Australia’s own Oroton, where it sells for relatively more modest $295 (US$229).

Sure enough, the bag is already sold out on Oroton’s site – even if wearing it does risk wrinkles across one’s dress, a look royals are most likely trying to avoid when they shun the style.

She paired the more casual look with a sexy pair of Tamara Melon strappy high heels (AU$610, US$495) and a AU$900 (US$700) Camilla and Marc – another Aussie brand – blazer slung over her shoulders. Once inside the venue, she ditched the blazer, baring her shoulders.

Her outfit had fashion fans swooning, with HarpersBazaar dubbing in the “perfect dress for spring, and People magazine dubbing it “effortless So-Cal style”.

The royal-to-be was with fiance Prince Harry at one of his first official events in the role of Commonwealth youth Ambassador, attending the Commonwealth Youth Forum in London. The prince opened the forum, which focuses on the potential of young people across the Commonwealth, on Monday.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bht8UnqhF39/?hl=en&taken-by=kensingtonroyal

With just a month to go until their wedding, the young couple looked happy and relaxed, even though royal pundits noted that as Meghan is not yet an official member of the monarchy, her presence at such events would not normally be considered necessary.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhtnv76FKnt/?hl=en&taken-by=theroyalfamily

No one is likely to be too surprised by the former actresses dare-to-bare style, though, even on official engagements, as she posed for her engagement photographs in a semi-sheer ballgown and has stripped down to lacy underwear for various television roles.

Her wedding dress is sure to be of great interest to fashion fans, who may be in for a treat, because Vanity Fair reported that sources close to Meghan were saying that she would have two dresses custom-made for the May 19 ceremony. One will be a traditional bridal gown, worn for the ceremony and reception, and a more glamorous dress for the evening party afterward, the magazine reported.

Do you think the more casual style is something the other royals could embrace? Or do you prefer to see them dressed more formally?