Meghan Markle aces her maternity style

Ever since news broke that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expecting their first child, all eyes have been on the Duchess of Sussex. The fashion police has been keenly following the mother-to-be’s sartorial choices. And the latter hasn’t disappointed them. She has been steadily winning over fans with her carefully-curated maternity wardrobe, which is a mix of comfy tea-length dresses, laid-back maxis, wrap tops and chic layering options. The 37-year-old sported two tuxedo dresses during her first royal tour, a more formal olive green one for the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games, while a white mini design was her go-to for an arts event in New Zealand. Meanwhile, for her day trip around Suva (Fiji), she opted for a printed boho-style outfit. Of course, her major princess moment was when she flaunted an Oscar de la Renta full skirt tulle dress for the Australian Geographic Society Awards.

Flaunting Her Bump With Aplomb 

Celebrity stylist Eshaa Amiin likes how Meghan is making sure people notice her baby bump. She feels there’s no reason to camouflage it and much sexier to flaunt it instead. “A lot of pregnant women forget to experiment with different silhouettes. The former Suits actress has been playing with the flute hem, fit and flare styles. She hasn’t stuck to the bodycon, but at the same time, you can see her figure. I found her blue cape dress interesting and statement-making,” she says, adding that she loves the Duchess’ choice of colours. While the new royal has mostly stuck to understated hues, recently, she stood out in a melon-red Self Portrait dress. “She’s also been wearing nudes,  camel tones and ivory, elegant shades of the same family,” says Eshaa.

(Meghan Markle stuns in an Oscar de La Renta dress, comfort-meets-style in her regal cape gown, and a striped dress was her choice for a surfing event)

Layering Is Always A Good Idea

Maternity style varies depending on what stage of pregnancy the woman is in. Moreover, rules change when one is part of the royal family. Meghan is believed to have completed her first trimester and has purposely steered away from shapeless garments. “She is super fit. The key thing is to get the right silhouette for the waistline. A belt over the bump is unflattering. When it comes to patterns, one should avoid large ’60s-style poppies or giant polka dots. A few graphic prints are fine. 

If you take a look at Kareena Kapoor Khan or Neha Dhupia, right till the last stage of their pregnancy, they have dressed with panache,” avers designer Nachiket Barve. The Duchess of Sussex has also been toying with various layering options from trench coats to blazers. “Layering is always a good idea. Pair a shift dress with a loose jacket, but ensure that it isn’t oversized or baggy. In comparison to sister-in-law Kate Middleton, Meghan’s pregnancy look is more laid-back and accessible,” he adds.

Extension Of Her Personal Style

She has sported a good blend of stylish yet comfortable dressing. Be it her flowy striped maxi dress for a surfing event in Sydney, or the shirt dress in Tonga or her casual windcheater and denims look at Abel Tasman Park, comfort was top on her mind. Designer Shruti Sancheti opines that Meghan’s maternity style has been effortless and an extension of her personal look. “She’s opted for glamorous yet wearable separates. I loved the floral Boho printed dress as well as her striped maxi, which gave off a summery vibe. Personally, I feel there should be no limitations for a pregnant woman. Easy breezy dresses are always nice. Stick to natural fabrics that let you breathe and if you are in your third trimester, then avoid heels,” advises Shruti.