The key pieces to buy from Meghan's new 'soft power' wardrobe
Meghan has a new set of workwear favourites
Since relocating to Los Angeles with Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex has reverted to a more relaxed dress code. That’s not to say she’s been hitting the beaches in denim cut-offs and logo T-shirts however - rather Meghan has found smart but soft pieces which look chic and work-appropriate.
It's a departure from her style as a member of the royal family, but the pieces we've seen her wear in the last few weeks still chime nicely with the polished aesthetic Meghan has always favoured, while, crucially, embracing her new home city’s infamous relaxed vibe.
Tailoring has long been Meghan's go-to, but rather than the sharp cuts and couture shift dresses she opted for as a working member of the royal family, we now see her choosing oversized jackets, loose shirting, and a neutral colour palette.
We're calling the update Meghan’s new ‘soft power wardrobe'. These are the five key pieces it contains...
The luxe blazer
For a recent video call appearance, Meghan debuted the latest piece in her soft power wardrobe: the white blazer. In a bolder shade like scarlet or cobalt, it might feel rather outré, particularly while sat at home, but in soft white, it acts as a luxe cover-up.
Last week marked one year since Meghan launched her Smart Set Collection with the British charity Smart Works, and she sat down with three of the women whose lives had been changed with help of the charity to celebrate.
Much like the majority of us, Meghan has become accustomed to dressing for video conference calls, and a clean, fluid blazer was ideal for the occasion, adding a formal touch to her look.
Meghan has long been a fan of smart shirting (remember her chic striped number that she sported at her first Wimbledon appearance, and lest we forget the famous 'Husband' shirt) so it's no surprise that she has a seemingly endless supply of white cotton options in her wardrobe now that she's back in LA.
A casual shirt nicely toes the line between on and off-duty style, and can act as a centre piece in any Cali-cool wardrobe, worn with anything from jeans and sandals to a formal fitted skirt. While a T-shirt would look too casual, and a blouse too fussy, the oversized shirt suits her style perfectly.
Linen shirt, £95, With Nothing Underneath; Chambray shirt, £25, Next
The effortless wide-legged trousers
Striking the balance between casual and formal, the wide leg trouser is a no-brainer as a Cali-addition to Meghan's wardrobe. They're smart but effortless, and are perhaps the trouser style that lends itself best to dressed-down, summery looks.
For an interview with Gloria Steinham, Meghan opted for a striped pair, though a plain, neutral hue would prove more versatile.
The introduction of a pair of pristine white Adidas Stan Smith trainers is perhaps the most notable addition to Meghan’s new rotation. On paper, trainers may seem like too casual or scruffy an accessory, but her sleek classic pair are a low-key daywear option, and worked well alongside a pair of chino shorts and an oversized shirt for a charity engagement in the heat.
V10 trainers, £115, Veja; Adidas Stan Smith trainers, £90, Net-a-Porter
The minimal gold jewellery
Gone are the structured millinery pieces and delicate pearl jewellery items from Meghan's days as a working member of the royal family. In their place sits simple, classic gold jewellery.
Meghan’s yellow gold Cartier Love bracelet (pictured here on her left wrist) retails for around £6,000, but without any diamonds or obvious logos, the uninitiated would assume it to just be a simple gold bangle. It adds a sleek, elegant finishing touch to her outfits.
Moune bangles, £75, Daphine; Diamond cuff, £195, Monica Vinader
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