Meghan Markle made an appearance at the 2024 ESPY Awards in a white dress that bore a striking resemblance to her iconic Stella McCartney reception gown from her 2018 wedding.
Her choice for the ESPY Awards was a custom dress by Oscar de la Renta, featuring a high-neck halter top and a long, flowing skirt, mirroring the design of her wedding reception dress. However, this time the dress had draped fabric around the neck, contrasting with the more closely fitted neckline of the Stella McCartney gown.
Meghan opted for minimal accessories, wearing El Schwarz emerald-cut diamond stud earrings valued at approximately $450,000, her ex-husband's Cartier Love bracelet worth $7,350, her wedding and engagement rings, and a large golden diamond ring on her other hand. She completed the look with strappy black heels, which showcased a pale pink pedicure that matched her neutral nail polish. Her ensemble was styled by Jamie Mizrahi, who also works with celebrities like Adele, Jennifer Lawrence, and Nicole Richie. Daniel Martin was responsible for her makeup, creating a natural look that complemented the dress.
Despite the high-profile styling team, some critics felt the outfit was unremarkable, noting its similarities to her previous gown and describing the look as bland and poorly fitted around the hips. In a move likely influenced by the ongoing controversy surrounding Prince Harry's award, Meghan and Harry chose to skip the red carpet. However, Meghan did get the opportunity to showcase the dress in front of the cameras after her husband's appearance on stage, posing for photos with Serena Williams backstage. Standing next to Serena, Meghan's proportions drew attention; while she is petite, her broader shoulders were comparable to those of the tennis star. Critics also commented on the choice of a high neckline, which they felt didn't suit the stiff fabric of the dress. The gown appeared too tight around the hips, causing it to pucker rather than gently hug her figure.
Despite Meghan's efforts, she couldn't outshine other notable attendees. Libby Dunn, the Louisiana State University national champion gymnast, was crowned with the best red carpet look at the 2024 ESPYs. Dunn made a dazzling entrance in a pleated gold halter-neck gown by Sherri Hill, featuring a keyhole cutout. Her dress embraced 1970s trends with its metallic hues and shimmery fabrics. She accessorized with a chain-link bracelet and platform heels, wearing her blonde hair in a half-updo adorned with gold leaf chips. Her makeup was subtle, with brown eyeshadow, a mauve lip, and matching blush.
The night's host, tennis superstar Serena Williams, also turned heads in a form-fitting silver and black gown. She wore her light blonde hair in bouncy waves, enhancing her glamorous look. Lindsey Vonn showcased a daring yellow dress with a side cutout and thigh-high slit, completing the look with strappy black heels and cascading curls. Halle Bailey sizzled in a black and gold mini dress paired with strappy black heels and a dainty gold necklace spelling out her son's name, Halo. Rapper Saweetie highlighted her washboard abs in a sultry black dress with a front cutout, accessorized with black heels and a silver lariat necklace.
Overall, Meghan Markle's appearance at the ESPYs, while drawing attention for its resemblance to her wedding reception gown, was overshadowed by other attendees who made bolder fashion statements. Her choice to skip the red carpet and the controversy surrounding Prince Harry's award further added to the subdued reception of her outfit.
