Meghan Markle made a striking entrance to kick off the weekend, donning a daring dress featuring a cutout at the chest—a fashion choice not typically associated with royal protocol.
Despite her step back from official duties, Meghan, alongside her husband Prince Harry, graced the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, Florida, heralding the start of the annual Royal Salute Polo Challenge. This prestigious event serves as a fundraiser close to Prince Harry's heart, supporting the Sentebale organization, co-founded by him in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The organization's mission focuses on aiding children in Africa affected by poverty, inequality, and AIDS.
Photos of Meghan's ensemble, a cream-colored Heidi Merrick dress, circulated, showcasing its unique features. The dress boasted a crisscross halter-style bodice, creating a midriff cutout, complemented by a wide cinched waistband and a mid-length A-line skirt with substantial box pleats. Her accessories included vintage Chanel earrings, a Valentino bag, and Aquazzura shoes, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble. Attendees captured glimpses of the Sussexes at the event, with some remarking on Meghan's hairstyle, while others criticized her outfit choice, deeming it unsuitable for a polo match.
Critics voiced their opinions, citing Meghan's outfit as inappropriate for the occasion, emphasizing the impracticality of towering stilettos on grass and questioning her fashion choices in comparison to other attendees' more casual attire. Some even remarked on her apparent lack of undergarments, reigniting past controversies regarding her wardrobe selection. Despite these criticisms, a French designer commented on the ill-fitting nature of the dress, highlighting its gaping and creased bodice, suggesting a potential sizing issue.
In contrast, stylists for Hollywood celebrities questioned Meghan's consistency in dressing appropriately for polo games, contrasting her style with that of other attendees like Delfina Blaquier, known for her impeccable yet casual fashion sense at such events. Delfina's effortless elegance, whether in flats, espadrilles, or a breezy jumpsuit, stands in stark contrast to Meghan's perceived overdressed demeanor. The stylist suggested that Meghan may benefit from taking cues from Delfina's approach to blending glamour with practicality for sporting events.
Despite ongoing scrutiny, Meghan Markle's fashion choices continue to spark debate, with opinions varying on whether her ensembles align with the context of the events she attends.