Meghan Markle looked lovely in Black Halo at the Women’s Empowerment reception

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a Women's Empowerment Reception

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped out last night in London for another event around the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this week. On Wednesday, Harry and Meg attended the Commonwealth Youth Forum, and they were named ambassadors to Commonwealth youths or something. It sometimes feels like… I don’t know… like Meghan is the Windsors’ shiny new toy? They’re beyond thrilled that the ginger spare fell in love with a woman of color, an outspoken feminist, someone fresh and not part of the entrenched British establishment, and now the Windsors are like “oooh, let’s show ‘er off, this is exciting!!”

Which brings me to Thursday night’s event. Harry and Meg attended the Women’s Empowerment reception, which launched the Platform for Girls Education. It’s perfectly possible that Harry would have been there to launch this program even without Meghan – he was already getting more involved in issues around feminism and girls’ education before Meghan came along. But now that she’s here… it does feel like everyone is really excited to “give” Meghan these kinds of launches and programs to promote. She’s their shiny new toy, I’m telling you.

As for the dress… when I first saw the photos (without the designer ID), I honestly thought she was wearing a vintage Roland Mouret, or failing that, a new Victoria Beckham (get it, because Beckham copies old Mouret pieces). But no: this is an LBD by Black Halo, and it’s affordable too: it retails for $375. Not bad for a piece that I thought could have been vintage Mouret! It’s called the Jackie O Belted Dress, so make of that what you will. She paired it with Aquazzura pumps, a Gucci clutch (retail: $830) and a pair of Birks diamond swirl earrings (retail: $1595). The least expensive item from her ensemble was the dress!! Here’s the full-length look (sorry this is so cropped, that’s how the photo was released):

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a Women's Empowerment Reception

I like this look – she looks pulled together, professional and pretty. Her makeup is on-point (perhaps even on fleek), her skin looks amazeballs, and everything looks cohesive (unlike her messy daytime look from Wednesday). The only quibble I have is the “messy bun,” which isn’t really messy – she obviously spent time having her hair done up in that elegant style. So why ruin it with those two strands hanging down in her face or tucked behind her ears? Hm.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a Women's Empowerment Reception

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Photos courtesy of Backgrid and Getty.

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154 Responses to “Meghan Markle looked lovely in Black Halo at the Women’s Empowerment reception”

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  1. Digital Unicorn says:

    I love this look, very very on point and classic. ITA that the Windsors are thrilled with Harry’s pick, she is everything the future Queen Consort isn’t – she wants to take part in the firms business and is doing things that is expected of the future Queen like take in interest in the Commonwealth other than the nice sunny locations and the pretty themed dresses she can buy to wear.

    I know i shouldn’t compare her and Katie Keen but it really is hard not to, really hard. She’s not even married in yet and is already acting like she’s been doing it for years. THIS is what you call ‘hitting the ground running’.

    • Alexandria says:

      Agreed. I’m not sure why she is on Time list, but we did follow her fashion so there’s the influence. She needs time to prove her mettle and I am rooting for her for now.

      • MousyB says:

        I read somewhere (was it here? i dont remember) that Meghan’s value to brands (i.e. her wearing their clothes) is worth anywhere from 150 mil to 200+ mil.

      • PrincessK says:

        I wonder if Chelsy or Cressida would have made it on to the Time’s list if either of them had married Harry?

      • flan says:

        You really think that it’s all about fashion?

        Wow, she’s working for all kinds of causes, helping to give exposure and advocating change. British royals (and almost royals) don’t just influence the UK, but many of the rest of the world. Look at us, reading about it on an American website.

        I understand that it’s nice to look at what she wears, but I don’t understand why that is more talked about than the causes the advocates sometimes.

    • LAK says:

      What? You mean we can’t ease her in? Let her hide out in the country with mummy? Send out an article about her intentions to fill her diary, join women’s clubs, and be dazzlingly keen? Why can’t MM have Malta? W-h-y?

      • Digital Unicorn says:

        LOL – ah yes the infamous ‘I’m going to be the most keenest and involved air force wife eva!’ hack piece.

      • Elaine says:

        Oh yeah, the ole I’m-going-to-Malta-promise-just-watch-me-go-oh-wait-no

        I remember that one.

        Good times 😉

      • LAK says:

        Not just eva, but eva EVAH!!

        The most educated, prepared, hit-the-ground-running, dazzling, keen-to-get-started bride EVAH!!!

        Clearly, she should be given the presidency of the WI because joining clubs is not good enough.

      • magnoliarose says:

        I honestly almost choked on my hot drink reading that. *cough* Lol

        No downtime for her! How can she organize a tailor when she has people gleefully packing in events. Lol I imagine someone telling her she overvalues sleep and surely a breakfast meeting at the crack of dawn is doable.

      • Rumi says:

        Lak 😂,
        Different rules. As someone mentioned before she will have to work twice as hard to be seen as Kate’s equal ( in some people’s eyes, DM).
        She looks very elegant and love her lip colour.

      • Redgrl says:

        @lak – coffee out the nose laugh on that one! Ha! Poor Katie – so clueless after all this time!

      • bluhare says:

        You had to mention joining clubs, didn’t you, LAK? I still haven’t got over the RAF Wives debacle!!!

      • flan says:

        It’s so refreshing to see her working hard after all the reports of the younger royals doing so little.

        What I like especially is that she doesn’t mind sticking up for women or LGBT people. There are always people who are not going to like that, so it would be ‘safe’ to work with charities that are more bland, but Meghan goes right at it.

        I think the Windsors are very lucky.

        Here is more info about what Meghan did:

        https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/948523/Meghan-Markle-Prince-Harry-womens-empowerment-Boris-Johnson-Commonwealth-royal-wedding

    • Cranberry says:

      Wonder why my comment was erased?? Hmm.

    • xena says:

      It is funny that everybody has the perception that she’s working like nuts, I think she is being trained on the job. When the current european royal heir generation startet to marry, all of their women behaved similar to Meghan and it was expected from them to appear constantly. And I think their getting eased into everything phase was quite similar to Meghans workload now. What makes it appear to be such a workload is just Kate’s and William’s reluctance to work even the bare minimum. So this is returning to the royal standard – ironically without Kate and William we would all take this still for granted.

  2. Alexandria says:

    I love it, especially the asymmetrical upper half. Shoes, makeup, hair on point. Simple but lovely.

    • Lahdidahbaby says:

      Yes. This black dress is a world apart from the mess that was her Altuzarra dress and that whole outfit this week. Meghan looks fab in black, and I love how an up-do flatters her lovely facial structure and features. Trés chic!

    • bluhare says:

      She really looks amazing. And I adore the messy artfully styled hair. I suspect it will become her trademark and I’m all in for it.

      But her bag and shoe game is amazing. I want that bag.

      • Ellaus says:

        I too loved the pudo, even more because of the face framing tendrils. She looks magnificent, chic and glamorous! Much much better than the altuzarra dress and blazer. I just wish she had added a bit of color (like she did with the burnt orange pumps in northern ireland). Anyway I love it!

    • bluhare says:

      She really looks amazing. And I adore the messy artfully styled hair. I suspect it will become her trademark and I’m all in for it.

      But her bag and shoe game is amazing. I want that bag.

    • Olenna says:

      ITA. This look is a complete 180 from the other day–well put together and the dress is perfect for her figure. She looks lovely and seems genuinely engaged as always.

    • someone says:

      She looked beautiful, perfectly done!

      • imqrious2 says:

        Agreed. The dress fits perfectly, has a very flattering/interesting neckline….love the thin belt, too. In one way, I like the fact that her earrings don’t take over the outfit, but I would like her bling to be a *bit* bigger; perhaps some 1- 1/2 ct. studs? That would’ve been great. Otherwise, perfection: skin, hair, makeup, shoes… all lovely.

    • magnoliarose says:

      She looks very pretty and chic. Harry looks like he is having fun. Good for them.

    • CynicalCeleste says:

      Love the hair and makeup. the pink lipstick she keeps wearing is very pretty.

    • Tulip Garden says:

      Agree. This is a great look. Also, I like the so-called messy bun. It is very flattering, imo.
      Yesterday’s outfit was a huge miss.
      Meghan is going to be hit and miss like everyone else.

    • DesertReal says:

      I agree!
      All of her looks are very Claire Underwood – tailored, belted, unique necklines…
      Elegant, streamlined, and powerful.
      No girly bulls**t.
      I love it!

  3. SK says:

    OR she has made it known that she wants to work and get right in there. The Royals are offered many engagements, they do what they want to do.

    • Eliza says:

      +1

      Young royal’s say they set their own schedule. I think they’re activity looking for projects for her to hit the ground running. Grey men approved but not provoked.

    • Nic919 says:

      This confirms what BP has said for years… they determine their own schedules.

  4. BaronSamedi says:

    Well I love the hair. It makes sense to have a slightly more relaxed look for a daytime even imho. With this dress and styling anything more severely pulled together would have taken this look from daytime to cocktail/evening.

    • Erinn says:

      She knocked it out of the park this time. I don’t tend to like a lot of the things she wears – I like pieces of everything for the most part. But this is a stunning look on her.

      Sexy, but polished and professional. And her hair looks amazing. It’s great combo of neat and relaxed.

      If she keeps up in this trend, I’m going to genuinely envy her wardrobe.

  5. Eliza says:

    That’s Black Halos signature dress. I’ve had the same one (different material) in my closet for years, so I wasnt shocked by the ID.

    The material is a lot thinner than RM, but they are known for their figure skimming structural dresses (that run small to size).

    • Charlie Canada says:

      That dress is ancient news. (I guess if you wanted to be gracious you could say it is timeless, but it is certainly not “on trend” as Meghan always likes to be.) My sister wore it as her wedding dress in cream/off-white in 2010. She bought it at Holt Renfrew in Vancouver. I’ve since seen it on TV presenters in at least four other colours besides black and cream. Snooze fest. Those square cap sleeves are so over. Plus the dress doesn’t flatter Meghan’s thick waist.

      • Hazel says:

        It reminded me of one of Kate’s many LK Bennett dresses.

      • lobbit says:

        She doesn’t have a “thick waist” – she has a short torso. And I think the dress actually works well for her figure because she’s got that skinny belt to give her a bit of definition at the waist.

      • Barcelona says:

        @ Charlie Canada

        I personally hate trends. I would rather wear something ” ancient ” than something trendy. But to each it’s own.
        I love the fit, skims her body nice. Yes, she doesn’t have an hourglass figure, but so what. There is nothing wrong with that. I love this look, to me it’s simple and classic. I don’t understand the need for trends. I think there is a good reason why LBD been around for such a long time. She looks lovely, simple clean lines, she is not a supermodel or a movie star at a premiere. MM does not have to chase the latest trend to please anybody. I hope she never wears that mess from yesterday, I hope she sticks to good quality, classic and timeless pieces.
        I wish them the best and I hope they use some of their good fortunate to help others.

    • KBB says:

      I’m surprised people don’t recognize the dress. It has been around forever.

      Jezebel called it “the dress that won’t die” back in 2012.
      https://jezebel.com/5895614/every-single-celebrity-owns-the-dress-that-wont-die/

      People’s article on it has pre-nose job Blake Lively in it and Kim Kardashian back when she still looked like Kim Kardashian
      http://people.com/style/meghan-markle-black-halo-dress-worn-by-kim-kardashian-blake-lively-and-more-celebs/

      • whatever says:

        “Blake Lively rocked the dress in white to an event in 2006”

        – I didn’t realize the dress had been around for THAT long. It’s very rare to see a dress have this kind of longevity.

      • KBB says:

        It’s funny because I look at pictures of it from 06-07 and I think it looks very much of that time period, but I don’t think it looks dated on Meghan. Maybe because she’s wearing it in black?

      • Masamf says:

        People fashions get outdated and then come back. At the risk of dating my self, many fashions that are “on trend” now we’re around in the 70s. Meghan’s dress might have been around in the 70s but that doesn’t take away from the fact that her’s is on trend NOW and she looked very good in it. We can argue till we blue in the face of how long the fashion has been around but that don’t change the fact that this particular dress looks very nice on her. She might also have had it for years and is requesting an older dress, many people don’t wear dresses just once and throw out. The fact still remains that Meghan looked very very good in this outfit.
        And Meghan has a thick waist? I guess next we gonna hear is how she is fat and how she needs to lose weight!! I…I can’t..

      • LAK says:

        Masaf: saying MM has a thick waist is not a knock on her. It’s an acknowledgment of her body type which is thick waisted or would you be more comfortable describing it as rectangle which is the classic scientific description. A thick waist, with same width shoulders and hips is a marker for that body type. Ditto the very skinny limbs. Any weight gained starts at the waist and can quickly develop into barrel shaped. Limbs never add any weight. She shares the same body type as Angelina Jolie.

      • Masamf says:

        Lak, I guess being a EASL person, I don’t understand these definitions. I would not consider Meghan’s waist “thick” just as I wouldn’t consider her limbs “very skinny”. I wonder, for a person her build and weight, what size of limbs would be suitable for folks that consider Meghan’s limbs ” very skinny”? Anyway, I personally don’t even like labling people or discussing people’s bodies or body parts. What’s the point, if they can’t change a thing about them? That’s who they are so….

      • LAK says:

        Masamf: OMG, it’s basic human physiology not body shaming. They teach this stuff in high school biology. Body types have nothing to do with weight or height or shaming. They also have characteristics in limbs eg rectangles having skinny limbs and never adding weight on said limbs without a huge effort just as triangles have wider hips than their shoulders and attendant big legs and propensity to add weight on their lower half rather than their top half.

        When it comes to fashion, we discuss bodytypes because each body type has fashion that flatters and fashion that looks bad. If you have a fashion consultancy, the first thing they look at is your body type to work out the most flattering clothing. They aren’t bodyshaming you.

        Meghan being a rectangle means she is best flattered by a simple straight dress like the one above. She would look passable in a 1950s style prom dress which in turn would look spectacular on an hourglass like Beyonce. As for her limbs, they are skinny per her body type. She would have to put on several stone before they became bigger because that’s the way rectangle bodies work. Just as Beyonce gains weight in her limbs, but maintains a tiny waist regardless of any weight gain because that’s how her bodytype works.

        It’s weird that natural biology makes you uncomfortable. You jump straight to the negative about it.

  6. Toot says:

    I think Meghan is going to functions that actually interest her, not just because she’s new so the family is sending her to these events.

    • Digital Unicorn says:

      Yes and that shows, her interactions are not forced/faked – she’s there because she wants to be not because she’s being made to.

      • Montréalaise says:

        Yes, in contrast to Kate and Will, who always look they attend events because they have to and are counting the minutes until they can leave.

  7. twocatsngirl says:

    It is a very pretty dress. I love the timelessness of it.
    She’s very beautiful. They’re a very beautiful couple. He looks smitten. 😻
    I’ll bet she fiddles with her hair in the car on the way to events. By the time she arrives, she’s messed it up. Maybe she needs something to ease her stress, like those touch/texture things that are marketed for people (students, mostly) with autism.
    Once again I feel she missed the mark with the shoe choice.

  8. Loopy says:

    She already seems over whelmed or feeling the pressure.

    • Snazzy says:

      Really? I would say the opposite …

    • Alexandria says:

      It’s normal though for anyone new to be nervous. She is used to the camera but she wasn’t this famous. Let’s give her time, just as we should for other royal brides. After that it’s fair game lol.

    • MellyMel says:

      She looks comfortable to me, but all right…

    • MousyB says:

      lol literally every picture out there is of her smiling or looking neutral – there zero way to know how she’s feeling. Stop. Projecting.

    • Cynical Ann says:

      There’s always one in the crowd.

      • magnoliarose says:

        Lol I know. She looks relaxed and engaged.

      • Mimi says:

        I think there must be a weekly memo that goes out with the talking points of the moment because you will see several variations of the same comment selectively sprinkled here and there. This week’s is that Meghan seems overwhelmed or uncomfortable. I guess she’s been getting too much praise for hitting the ground running.

    • Nic919 says:

      When someone does not make a maniacal grin or guffaw throughout an event then clearly one must be stressed.

  9. Carmen says:

    I’m having a shoegasm. I want those shoes so badly…

  10. Adele Dazeem says:

    She looks great. I feel like evening events are where she really shines fashion wise. (i also adored the tuxedo outfit). Kudos, MM!

  11. minx says:

    Simple and elegant, love it. Very pretty. My only quibble is she should stand up straighter. Shoulders back.

  12. Citresse says:

    Everything fits, including the shoes. Crisp, tailored lines are best on MM. Beautiful, it’s a two thumbs up.

  13. Cerys says:

    For once, she didn’t look swamped by her clothes. A lovely outfit which suited her. Her best look, so far, in my humble opinion

  14. Redgrl says:

    This is a great look for her – and a good event for her too. Still hate the messy hair – agree with Kaiser on that.

  15. Muffy says:

    It’s … fine? Black dress, black shoes and tiny jewelry. It’s hard to mess that up. This isn’t some groundbreaking moment of fashion.

    Also the RF is pushing Meghan out there because the role of Commonweath Head is not inherited and there’s a chance Charles won’t be made leader. It helps his cause if his son is marrying a mixed race woman who has lived and worked in a commonwealth country. She’s eager; but they also need her.

    • Cranberry says:

      Yes she looks great. The black dress is pretty and a little sexy but still classy. But the heels seem a bit too glamorous for the occasion imo. They just seem picked more for the fashion pics/mags than for the commonwealth event. Was this an evening event?

      • PrincessK says:

        The shoes are good for Meghan she has thin ankles and legs and so shoes with ties around the ankle look good on her unlike people with very thick ankles and calves.

    • ASHBY says:

      @ Muffy

      I agree, it’s not groundbreaking and it should not be in my humble opinion.

      I don’t want any RF member to be a Style Icon, that’s not their role.

      I have actors and models for that.

      I think the RF should dress in classic, simple, high quality fabrics that are tailored nicely with clean lines and it should be appropriate for to the occasion.

      The fussy, busy over the top outfit from a day ago was a mess, big fail.

      It seems MM truly looks wonderful in black, she has lovely rich hair color and skin tone to glow in this black dress.

      • Muffy says:

        Disagree in that the BRF should be an icon showcasing British and commonwealth designers. And for better or worse, the only way we see these people is in pictures, which means a greater attention to their clothes.

      • NYCTYPE says:

        @ Muffy

        In my opinion, not one member from the royal family should be a Style Icon.

        There are much bigger and more important issues in the world that need their attention.

        I would like their focus to be on charity work, they have a great platform and I would like to see them promoting and helping good causes as much as possible.

        Of course, it’s also very good idea to showcase British and commonwealth designers, but being a Style Icon is on a different level and should not be their top priority.

        They are not supposed be in the business of blazing the trail in fashion.

        Their clothes obviously should be well made, of good quality and appropriate for events.

      • Addie says:

        I agree ASHBY. When young-ish female royals step out, the press is mostly about the clothes and their cost with minimal attention paid to the event and the people associated with it. That defies the reason why the royal attends in the first place: to shine a light on others’ work so that it can be widely supported.

        I though Meghan looked lovely and appropriate at this event. The current trend to be style icons moves the royals into celebrity which is not their role at all. They can support British fashion where possible but it should not dominate at the expense of the event’s purpose.

  16. Beta says:

    The hair is what makes it the perfect Meghan style. If she had one of Kate’s up-dos she’d look matronly.
    I could see something like this for her wedding style, the strands of hair make her face softer.

    • Girl_ninja says:

      Completely agree. Perfect from hair to heels.

    • Redgrl says:

      I agree she doesn’t need a severe updo. – but there’s a line between soft/relaxed hair & just messy hair and imo she hasn’t quite found it.

  17. Lulu says:

    She looks wonderful.

    Simple, classic and elegant.

    Clean lines, well fitted, but not skin tight dress.

    The dress beautifully skims her body.

    Great skin, not much make up and not a severe updo.

    Delicate jewelry.

    I like that she is not a fashionista, no RF member should be.

    • Cranberry says:

      But she is a fashionista. Maybe just not as flamboyant as you might think. She’s always had a budget to work within. She’s done well for herself, but she’s not super rich heiress with unlimited means. She’s a budget-fashionista. She’s always known how to make choice picks and get the best out of her buck, but she does follow and buy or borrow high end, couture fashion. Maybe I’m missing something.

      • Lulu says:

        @Cranberry :

        Maybe, I’m missing something, because I don’t see her as a fashionista.

        I think she likes clothes, like many women/men do and yes most of us don’t work with unlimited budget.

        I don’t find her to be in the forefront of fashion at all.

        I invest in some key designer pieces, but I always first look for top notch quality fabrics like silk, cashmere, organic cotton and wool regardless of the label and I nearly “study” the tailoring.

        I want quality not quantity, I couldn’t care less for trends and my motto is less is more.

        It’s not part of her job to be a fashionista, she only needs to dress in classic well made pieces that are appropriate for the particular event.

      • Cranberry says:

        No I agree she’s not in the forefront of fashion. And I agree I think she is very tasteful while still being fashionable but not a fashionista. I guess I was comparing her to Kate as so many do on here. If Kate was considered a fashionista that didn’t make sense to me. She is more like what you describe as some one that loves clothes and does wear couture but is not at the ‘forefront’ of fashion. I’m sure Kate might wear more designer clothes than MM, but imo she’s a not at the front of fashion because she’s doing the safe, traditional route.

  18. Lindy says:

    This is much better, she looks fantastic, great dress and shoes.

  19. Becks says:

    I love it. It’s simple but classic and the dress looks great on her.

  20. klutzy_girl says:

    This is my favorite look from her, tbh.

    And when is Kate going to have this baby? At this point, I’m hoping the baby’s born tomorrow, on the Queen’s birth.

    • Citresse says:

      More evidence W&K love to play with the media. William told someone at BP at end of March to expect baby very soon. Perhaps baby probably won’t arrive til May just like Charlotte. But we’ll see. Right now I’m betting baby will arrive on 25 April. And I’m quite sure Kate will bounce back OK for H&M wedding.

  21. whatever says:

    This is a great look. The best so far. Can’t fault it.

  22. Cher says:

    Great outfit. Well put together, the hair works, the matronly look on a young woman does not work.

  23. Nene says:

    Megan and Harry have similar profile and their nose shape is almost the same too. They seem like they’ll be one of those couples I’ve seen that resemble each other after years of being married.
    Her LBD is so chic. I love her whole look here.

  24. MellyMel says:

    Love everything about this look! Can’t go wrong with a LBD. Very classic!

  25. Rapunzel says:

    I preordered that amazing Gucci bag. This was a great look on Megan. Regarding the hair, I think once Megan goes those bangs out she won’t have those little pieces hanging anymore and her hair will look a lot neater

    • NotSoSocialButterfly says:

      I wish her bangs/fringe was braided in a single loose, simple plait, starting on one side and carried to the other. That would have been superb.

  26. Lucy says:

    Love it and would wear the hell out of the whole look.

  27. Jayna says:

    She looks lovely.

  28. So Cal says:

    Royal protocol against wearing black unless its a funeral is a myth, I guess.

    Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie like to wear too much black and it annoys me, all the royal ladies look so much better in brighter colors, and its Spring, what’s going on? It works for the Queen.

    Just imagine Meghan’s dress in purple or magenta, it would’ve been awesome!

    • LAK says:

      The QM set the protocol against wearing black and told off Diana when she turned up at an event wearing black.

      Once the QM died, the Queen relaxed many of the protocol rules and other areas that had been rigidly held due to the QM.

      That said, the rule was ALL black outfit like MM is wearing as opposed to a black outfit with a mix of other colours eg like Eugenie at the same event.

      To a large extent, everyone follows protocol except for Kate and now MM, but if you notice, they do it when HM isn’t about. They both follow protocol when around the Queen.

  29. Pamsicle says:

    She is so so pretty. And looks just fantastic.

  30. Mego says:

    Swoon. She looks absolutely beautiful. She also looks so engaged by those around her which makes her even more attractive and that is the way in which she is similar to Diana Princess of Wales and Prince Harry for that matter.

    • Avery says:

      I totally agree. She looks like she is really enjoying herself by engaging with the public. Harry looks so happy that he is about to burst. I love her outfit from head to tails. I love the pieces out in the front. It romanticized it and softens the hard lines of the dress and shoes.

  31. violet says:

    Well, I think the is the best I’ve seen on her yet. I don’t mind the messy bun, I think it works. My only minor quibbles are yet another belt, even a skinny one, I just think belts never do her any favors – and I think the blush may be a bit overdone – you notice she’s got a lot of blush on and you don’t want to notice the makeup, just the effect. But small quibbles, this is much more on point. Not cluttered up, feminine but polished, love the asymmetrical neckline, hemline the right length, and this time the shoes work. But I thought they weren’t supposed to wear black except for mourning? Or does it not apply until you’re formally IN? Maybe a British poster can help out here?

  32. Karen says:

    Perfection! Stylish and not a coat dress!

    They really look very happy. I am pleased for Harry.

  33. Betsy says:

    I like everything except the belt and I do wish her hair were a little less messy day bun. You’re becoming a princess (basically. I don’t want to quibble about “duchess” or “countess” or whatever title she’s getting) – you don’t have to look just folks anymore!

    She looks cute.

  34. Keepitreal says:

    10 out of 10! She absolutely glows here. I do think that she needs to have handmade shoes, the ones she has been wearing recently look like they have rubbed her feet raw. Back to the positives! She was engaged, engaging and she owned the room and had the delegates enthralled…Harry mumbles platitudes…Megs has the experience and knowledge to really get into substantive conversation.

    Well played, Megs, well played!

  35. Rayan says:

    I love this look! Classic, elegant and delicate fine jewellery to match. My go to look. I recently bought the Dionysus bag and the satin is so lush! She looks so pretty, her best outfit to date. The main thing is she’s eager to get stuck in.

  36. Lexa says:

    She looks great—this is definitely my favorite look of hers so far! I do wish she’d pin her hair back more fully to keep her from constantly touching it, though.

    And as someone said, MM loves her belts!

  37. Vic says:

    She looks soooooo pretty but also tres cocktail with the embezzled clutch and strap high heels. Thinking that going for the same pretty dress in deep purple or navy would have worked better for a day event and with how the rest of the attendees were dressed.

  38. Ginger says:

    She’s already losing weight.

  39. Bailie says:

    I really love this look. Very classy, not a spray painted on dress, just nicely hugs her body.
    Not the overworked, fussy and busy outfit she had done a day ago. Great hairstyle, it brings out her beautiful features. The accessories are excellent too, the jewelry is not overbearing, the bag and the shoes are actually appropriate for this event.
    I think her greatest asset is her wonderful glowing skin and her lovely skin tone.
    Black seems to be her color, I also loved her evening pantsuit look.
    Usually people look the best when they pair it down to high quality, classic pieces with clean lines.
    Fussy looks like try hard to me.

  40. homeslice says:

    Ohhh, she looks very pretty here! I love those shoes!

  41. happy girl says:

    At first glance, I immediately thought Roland Mouret, too. Beautiful dress.

    I actually have these shoes—ankle strap is my absolute favorite silhouette so, of course, loves them, too. It’s kind of funny the way she’s holding the handbag in these photos. It’s a little Price is Right presentation model, lol “this elegant evening bag can be yours ifffffffff the Price is Right!!!”

  42. ValiantlyVarnished says:

    Can we STOP talking about Meghan’s hair?? She doesn’t like a tight updo. It’s not her style. Clearly. Tight updos are aging. I don’t see anything wrong with her hair. It’s classic but modern and soft. And the dress is perfect for the occasion.

  43. Hoping says:

    Such a tender couple. He looks so happy around her.

  44. Joannie says:

    I like her shoes! She looks good here. Looking at other pics though her smile looks very forced to me. In fact she appears to be somewhat overwhelmed at times.

  45. NYCTYPE says:

    I love, love this unstructured up-do. Looks perfect with the dressy outfit.
    I think the best accessories she has ( besides the bag, jewelry and shoes ), is her thick dark hair and her lovely rich skin tone.
    Black seems to be her color.
    Much. much, much better than that fussy mess from yesterday. No, she isn’t re-inventing the wheel in this LBD, but she doesn’t have to. That’s not what she is supposed to be doing. No need for fashion plates in the monarchy.

    • Addie says:

      Totally agree. The unstructured up-do softens her features and provides a good contrast with minimalist lines, such as this dress. I do think this type of thing suits her best. And no, her job is not to be a fashion plate. That can be left to others.

    • Grinning mama bear says:

      All-Black looks like office clothes or funeral. I don’t like it for daytime wear that much.

  46. Lyla says:

    I remember this dress. A couple years back, this dress was everywhere

  47. whatever says:

    I’m curious to know how long they actually stayed at the event?. The Mirror has said they left before Boris Johnson’s speech. Seem’s kinda rude to go to an event but then leave before the host has delivered his speech.

    • Peg says:

      Harry went to another event, dinner with the Commonwealth Heads of Government at Buckingham Palace, so he was not rude to Boris Johnson.

      • whatever says:

        I mean, if Meghan was going to the dinner I could understand that she would want enough time in between events to get ready but only Harry went to the second event. Not only can men get ready in about 5 minutes, Harry would have had a courtier/assistant get his clothes and shoes ready. It’s not like he had to rush home to iron his shirt or something.

      • Peg says:

        You said they were rude in leaving before Boris speech, I said Harry had another engagement.
        I don’t know who dresses him or how far the distances are between the Boris event, Buck Palace and Kensington Palace.
        I don’t see him getting a police escort for a reception, and just maybe he wanted to be on time for the formal dinner.

  48. Sage says:

    Love the heels.

    I don’t like the loose tendrils of hair. She’s constantly pushing it away from her face of tucking/untucking the hair so why not just pin the hair back!

  49. HC says:

    The reason, I speculate, she has the two strands down or behind ears is to conceal her hairline, which is African-biracial. Even though the hair is being processed straight, the hairline tells. IMO. As I’ve said before here, it would be very empowering to some women of color if she once wore her natural texture, which can be clearly seen in her childhood photos. Her choice and I support her, but this is why I suspect they are deliberately concealing the hairline every time she wears this style.

    • Vanessa says:

      maybe she just likes hair style this way two strands of her hair out and it’s not a deliberate attempt to cover up her ” natural hair ” . Megan could you know just like her hair straight rather than curly and it’s not some plot to hide her natural hair for public

    • violet says:

      @HC – doesn’t Meghan wear hair extensions? I always thought so and heard it mentioned in a few places – maybe the messy updos help conceal those?

    • Peg says:

      With a mother wearing dreadlocks, I’m sure Meghan is trying to hide her new hair growth.
      Women are allowed to wear their hair however they want.
      Why would it be empowering to women of color, who wear wigs, weaves and whatever they feel like, stop making HAIR that important in Black Communities, and focus on Education and Health Care.
      American Black Women are losing babies at an alarming rate due to the stresses they’re under, more important than if Meghan wears her her Natural or Perm.

  50. Moneypenny says:

    She looks nice. Kind of surprised to see her wearing this dress. It was the “it” dress of 2007. Lauren Conrad wore it, it was the dress I was wearing when I got engaged that year!

  51. Grinning mama bear says:

    Boring, bland and all-black. Sorry, this outfit doesn’t do anything for me. It seems she took the Suits-series-style as a measure.

    • violet says:

      Well, one person’s bland and boring is another’s classy and timeless. Does Meghan always have to show up in coats that swallow her and too much cloth? This was an evening cocktail dress event, the dress is totally appropriate for that, the shoes are sexy – it’s not as if she’s wearing her grandmother’s pearls with it (not that there’s anything wrong with that before the pearl aficionados shoot me).

    • Grinning mama bear says:

      Judging by the pics all the other women present wore colourful black dresses, except Meghan ;-P

  52. HC says:

    Vanessa: She can like what she wants and, as I already said, I support her choices. But she is a public figure and her choices have meaning beyond her which she is well aware of, and which is why we are discussing her appearance.

    • Masamf says:

      @HC but you are speculating that she wears her hair this way to HIDE her natural hairline. In my mind, I see HIDE and I’m thinking: do you mean she’s being decptive? Are you saying she’s ashamed of being a WOC with curly hair so she hides it to look white? Are you meaning that she’s ashamed of her natural curly hair? Im just confused as to what choices you are supporting, the HIDING or something else?.

  53. JRenee says:

    I love the look…wish I could still pull it off. The dress is beautiful.

  54. Jane says:

    I love the simplicity of this look. No fuss, no messiness. To me LBD like this is timeless. A classic piece, I never get tired of it and the nice thing is that it can be dressed up with different accessories. I like her style for the most part, except yesterday’s stripped/buttony disaster.
    I wish she would get her pants tailored, so she is not dragging them around, looks kind of sloppy. Hemming them wouldn’t take much. Otherwise, her look is pretty good, nice to see that she is not going crazy with ridiculously over priced clothes, especially considering who she is going to marry.

  55. Sticks says:

    I thought it looked like Banana Republic

  56. paddingtonjr says:

    I love Meghan in that dress! It looks professional, but not stiff or matronly. The loose strands soften the hairstyle. She has good instincts (or good stylist advice!) and, for the most part, knows what looks good on her and what is appropriate for different occasions. Kate dresses the way she thinks a duchess/future queen should dress, regardless of the occasion or decade.

    The BRF and Meghan seem to be a good fit: she has shown a desire to be an involved and visible supporter of causes and marrying Harry gives her that opportunity. TQ and her advisers aren’t stupid; they know Harry’s choice of bride, especially a divorced mixed-race American who has worked in Canada, would be newsworthy and the public wants to see them. So, they probably suggest a number of things, then H&M (or just H or M) choose what they want to do. The fact that she and Harry look so much in love is a definite bonus!

  57. Elisse says:

    I like the dress and it’s something you would never see Kate in. She’s ultra conservative.
    Btw, the term “on fleek” is out. I heard this whole tv segment on it. It’s now “fire” or “lit”.