With her timeless, chic style and love of classic looks, it's no wonder that Meghan Markle has become one of the world’s foremost style icons ever since first announcing her engagement to Prince Harry. And while the Duchess of Sussex might like to mix up designers – from Givenchy to Ralph Lauren – and experiment with with more informal looks than we're used to seeing on a royal, there's one fashion accessory she regularly uses to pull it all together. The Duchess of Sussex is rarely seen without a waist belt to help define her frame and create a perfect hourglass silhouette. Most recently, Meghan looked stunning in this colour-blocked midi dress by Canadian label Club Monaco when she attended the wedding of Harry’s childhood friend Charlie Van Straubenzee to photographer Daisy Jenks in the village of Fresham in Surrey. And of course she added her favourite accessory, to neatly define her waist – a subtle navy leather belt that blended in effortlessly with the rest of the dress. Here are all the other times Meghan has worn a belt since becoming Duchess of Sussex.
© Photo: Getty ImagesMeghan opted for this chic wrap dress for a summer daytime engagement watching Harry compete in the Sentebale Polo Cup in aid of children in Africa living with HIV and Aids. The fitted top and full midi skirt silhouette was completed by an extra-wide matching denim belt – the perfect finishing touch on an otherwise-simple outfit.
© Photo: Getty ImagesHer gorgeous black Dior dress with its bateau neckline and full skirt may have been what got everyone talking when Meghan appeared at the RAF centenary event, but it was the slim matching belt that gave the outfit such a beautiful silhouette. Her Stephen Jones hat was the final finishing piece on the stunning, elegant outfit.
© Photo: Getty ImagesFor her and Harry's two-day tour of Ireland, Meghan opted for a chic black trouser suit. To give the look a feminine twist she added a relaxed white T-shirt underneath, a pair of heels and – of course – a subtle, skinny belt in order to give a bit of waist definition.
© Photo: Getty ImagesWe know by now that Meghan is all about simple, elegant tailoring and timeless style. So it was no surprise to see her attending a reception at Glencairn, the residence of the British ambassador to Ireland, wearing a gorgeous and truly classic black midi dress. Meghan added interest with a black belt featuring gold eyelets, which echoed her circular gold earrings.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe addition of a slim belt transformed the silhouette of this outfit, which had the potential to be overly boxy. Meghan wore this elegant Prada two-piece when she joined to Queen to help host the Young Leaders Awards at Buckingham Palace. Guests at the glittering event included David Beckham, Lenny Henry and John Major.
© Photo: Getty ImagesFor her debut Royal Ascot, Meghan chose a smart long-sleeved shirt dress by her go-to designer Givenchy – the fashion house responsible for the beautiful gown she married Harry in. A black leather belt gave an hourglass silhouette and stopped her petite frame being swamped by the loose-fitting frock. She finished the look off with the obligatory hat – scoring full style points from us.
© Photo: Getty ImagesMeghan joined other members of the royal family as well as Carole and Michael Middleton, and Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews, to celebrate little Prince Louis's christening at the Chapel Royal in St James Palace. She looked so elegant in this olive green number by Ralph Lauren, with its bateau neckline and slim fit. The addition of the belt breaks up the colour and stops it looking too 'blocky'.
© Photo: Getty ImagesFor such a momentous event as her first solo engagement with the Queen, an extra-special outfit was called for. And on her trip to Cheshire with Her Majesty Meghan didn't disappoint – she turned to her go-to designer Givenchy, and wore a gorgeous cream caped dress by the Parisian couture house – finished off with a black leather belt, of course.
