When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in May 2018, all eyes were on her wedding dress. Designed by Clare Waight Keller of Givenchy, the gown featured a bateau neckline, three-quarter sleeves, and a train with a triple silk organza underskirt. While some praised its elegance and simplicity, others were disappointed by the lack of lace, pearls, and embellishments that are traditionally seen on royal wedding dresses.
Despite the mixed reactions, the biggest criticism of Meghan’s dress was that it appeared “ill-fitting” and “baggy”. This was surprising given that Meghan has always emphasized the importance of tailoring and fit in her wardrobe. So why did she choose a dress that didn’t seem to fit her properly?
There have been several theories about the reason for the dress’s fit. Some have suggested that Meghan was pregnant at the time of the wedding and wanted to conceal her baby bump. Others have speculated that the dress was intentionally designed to be loose-fitting to reflect Meghan’s relaxed and effortless style.
However, according to royal sources, the real reason for the dress’s fit was due to last-minute alterations. Apparently, Meghan had lost weight in the lead-up to the wedding and the dress had to be taken in several times. The final fitting took place just days before the wedding, leaving little time for any further adjustments.
Despite the criticisms of the dress’s fit, Meghan looked stunning on her wedding day and has since become a style icon in herown right. Her fashion choices have often been praised for their elegance, sophistication, and modernity. Meghan’s preference for well-tailored and fitted clothing has become a signature part of her style, and she has often spoken about the importance of tailoring in her wardrobe.
Overall, Meghan’s wedding dress may not have been everyone’s cup of tea, but it was a reflection of her personal style and taste. The gown’s simplicity and understated elegance were a departure from traditional royal wedding dresses, but it was a statement that reflected Meghan’s modern and independent spirit. While the dress may have been ill-fitting, it did not detract from the beauty of the occasion, and Meghan’s radiance and happiness shone through on her special day.
Meghan said her most important fashion advice is to have everything ‘tailored’
In a 2015 interview with Joe Zee and Kristin Cavallari on Yahoo Style, Meghan Markle discussed her personal style, her character on Suits, and her fashion tips. Describing her style as “California girl, relaxed,” Meghan emphasized the importance of looking polished and put together while maintaining an effortless quality.
When asked about her “one go-to rule” for women looking to enhance their personal style, Meghan emphasized the importance of tailoring. She explained that no matter what a person has in their closet, if it fits perfectly, they will look a million times better. Meghan learned this lesson while working on Suits, where fittings were done on the inhale to ensure the perfect fit.
Meghan’s emphasis on tailoring has become a signature part of her style and has been reflected in her fashion choices as a royal. Her wardrobe often features well-tailored and fitted pieces that flatter her figure and enhance her natural elegance. Meghan’s fashion advice highlights the importance of finding the perfect fit, which can make a significant impact on a person’s overall style and confidence.
Why the duchess’s wedding dress was ‘baggy’
Meghan Markle’s wedding dress received criticism for not being form-fitting, which seemed at odds with her emphasis on tailoring. However, according to Marie Claire’s Mahalia Chang, the fabric used for the underskirt was extremely thick and stiff, which limited the potential for stretch. As a result, the designer chose a more conservative cut for the bodice and sleeves to allow Meghan to move and breathe more comfortably.
If the dress had been skin-tight, Meghan may not have been able to sit or move her arms freely due to the constricting nature of the thick material. While some may have found the dress lacking in the “wow factor,” designer Clare Waight Keller explained that “purity and simplicity were the guiding principles” in creating Meghan’s perfect wedding dress.
Ultimately, the fit of the dress may have been a compromise between Meghan’s preference for tailoring and the practicalities of the fabric used. The dress may not have been form-fitting, but it was still a beautiful and elegant choice that reflected Meghan’s personal style and the values she holds dear.