All the times Meghan Markle threw out the royal rule book with her fashion choices

The Duchess has been praised for her refreshing style choices

November 6, 2018Nov 6, 2018, 5:29 PM GMT

Ever since announcing her engagement to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle has got royal watchers' tongues; wagging with her unconventional approach to official dressing. Her trousers and messy buns have won praise from fans who believe her style is refreshing and relatable, but also caused controversy amongst traditionalists who believe the monarchy should stick firmly to the rulebook. Of course, now Harry is further down the line of succession there is less pressure on him and his new wife to always uphold protocol and, well, it's also 2018! Here are all the times Meghan was a royal fashion rule breaker…

No tights (above)

When announcing her engagement to Harry and posing for official photographs, Meghan chose not to wear tights. This may not be that unusual for most women, but it definitely is for a royal – the Queen and Kate Middleton always wear tights.

Cross-body bag

The royals are usually seen carrying clutch bags. There are multiple reasons for this – they can disguise shaking hands, can be used to cover accidental cleavage when bending forwards, and stop everyone that crosses your path from shaking hands with you. But on a trip to Edinburgh – her first official engagement with Harry – Meghan broke protocol by wearing a cross-body bag which kept her hands free.

Messy bun

Meghan has become renowned for her super casual yet practical hairstyle of choice. Other royal women usually go for glossy blowdries or sleek up 'dos.

Showing shoulders on wedding day

Royal wedding dresses usually have sleeves and very conservative necklines. Meghan opted for a boat neck that showed her shoulders, and later on changed into a halterneck Stella McCartney gown for later in the evening. However, as the Queen gives her approval on the family's wedding dresses, we assume this didn't ruffle anyone's feathers.

Forgetting her hat

Meghan apparently found herself in a spot of bother when she forgot to wear a hat for her first official engagement alongside the Queen. Luckily that her Givenchy-designed dress was still stunning either way.

Wearing all-black

Black is traditionally a colour of mourning, and royals are also expected to wear bright colours at daytime events so that they do not disappear into crowds. But Meghan has opted for all-black day outfits on a number of occasions, including at this exhibition opening at the Royal Academy.

Trousers

The Queen and Kate Middleton are usually spotted in skirts or dresses. But Meghan loves a trouser – from wide-legged ones in Edinburgh to cigarette-style pants on the red carpet, to these flared versions she wore to the Wellchild awards

Statement nail varnish

Royal women are expected to wear nude or natural-looking nail colours at all times, so Meghan raised some eyebrows when she was photographed with a bold shade on her toes during her and Harry's tour of Australia.

Thigh-high split

For a walkabout in Fraser Island during her tour of Australia, Meghan opted for a stripy beach dress with a side split. Some onlookers complained that the split was too high and showed too much flesh. However, we think the dress looks fab!

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