Duchess Meghan wore a deconstructed trench from House of Nonie: love it or hate it?

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit the launch of the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition

I like the fact that I can’t even keep up with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s schedule at this point, because they’re working so consistently and making appearances every week now. That’s how it should be, and that’s how it always should be done. We had gotten used to the way the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge did things for years, which was “announce an appearance two months in advance and then act like the announcement was an event in itself.” Today, Meghan and Harry visited the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition at the Southbank Centre in London. These are some photos from their arrival.

For this appearance, Meghan wore a sleeveless trench-dress by the Canadian label House of Nonie. The House of Nonie is apparently an “ethical” label. Some nice things: I continue to enjoy the fact that Meghan chooses conservative hemlines. She’s been wearing a lot of skirts and dresses which fall below the knee, and this dress is the same. It’s good hemline for her, especially at the beginning when people are going f–king bonkers about fictitious “protocol” mistakes. I also like the summery color of blush, especially with Meghan’s coloring. What I don’t like: the general design of this dress, the buttons, and the belt. All together, it’s just not the look. She looks like she’s aiming to be Chic Inspector Gadget.

Harry Meghan Mandela

Harry Meghan Mandela

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit the launch of the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition

Photos courtesy of WENN.

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200 Responses to “Duchess Meghan wore a deconstructed trench from House of Nonie: love it or hate it?”

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  1. Nancy says:

    I don’t like the dress, would never wear it…BUT, she pulled it off. It fits her! She looks sexy, which is probably not the look she was going for, but I like it on her. She has some thin stems, don’t know how she walks in heels without stumbling. It’s an artform, I can run in them, well I could and will again!! Good job Meghan!

    • Rhys says:

      Gorgeous! Love it!

      • Jan90067 says:

        I think it’s perfect for a summer’s day of work. Light, not tight, but belted, yup, even love the buttons (I love trench styles). Very flattering look for most women, and definitely for Meg. High score from me.

        Most importantly, with all the fecal matter her father is stirring up, she and Harry seem to be unaffected and very happy.

      • Yes, Jan! I love that Meghan and Harry are so unbothered.

      • RoyalBree says:

        I love it too! Nice look, great fit, not too tight, not too loose, nice colour, perfect length, perfect for a summer work day. (If I have to nitpick, I’ll say the upper collar is too big and bulky and awkward.) I also love that we’re seeing them a couple of times a week, out doing [what the Royals call] actual work.
        What I don’t love is her price tags on all these items (even if the dress is a repeat). Shoes and purses especially are meant to be repeated! She’s going to have difficulty endearing herself to the public if she continues spending this wildly. She would look so good in clothes 1/4 of the price. Wouldn’t it be awesome to see her in Reitman’s? Just dreaming …

    • Jess says:

      before people jump on her, this is a dress she already owned before she got married. So this dress does not count for her royal expenses js.

    • notasugarhere says:

      Light, summery, good shade for her. Similar to something CP Mary wore last year to a Danish fashion event. And Eugenie who loves trench dresses.

    • Morning Coffee says:

      I think its cute. Not my style, but she wears it well. It fits her properly, and she looks very pulled together. I love her style.

    • Masamf says:

      I love love love this dress. She is just…she is perfection to me. Love this gal, love this entire outfit. Yes, even the color is perfecto.

      • Stubbylove says:

        I love it too. The entire blush look is fresh, summery and fun. The only criticism is the weird extra trench material fold on the right shoulder – not getting what it’s there for? Other than that, glorious!

      • PodyPo says:

        The extra flap on shoulder is a classic trench element.

        Edit: see below Royal Bree explained in detail.

    • arianna says:

      The dress is awful, in fact all her clothes are bad, they don’t fit her body shape. You would think she’d be able to find a stylist who can help her dress to flatter her body type.

      Before Harry, she always wore low cut skimpy clothes, she has to kiss those goodbye forever.I really think she has no idea how to dress conservatively.

  2. Clare says:

    Oh noooooooo this is like the curse of the coat dressed but worse!!!

    Having said that, the colour is lovely on her and she looks really happy

    Stick with the classics! Pantsuits all day every day Megs!

    • Aoife says:

      The thing that is bugging me the most is the wacky piece of extra material on her right shoulder. However, I agree with you about the positives and she looks gorgeous regardless.

      • Lucy2 says:

        Yes that piece of fabric bothers me too, it would be so much better without it. She looks lovely though, and always seems to be having a nice time.

      • Abby says:

        Yea that extra flap is the only thing I don’t like.

        She is so fine boned. Oh to have such dainty ankles!

      • M.A.F. says:

        Yeah. If Kate has a thing for buttons, then she seems to have a thing for extra fabric that doesn’t belong.

      • RoyalBree says:

        That extra piece of fabric is a classic trench style that goes back a century to WWI (“in the trenches” — hence the term trenchcoat). It’s called a “storm flap” and served several functional purposes — to protect the wearer from the elements, wick away more rain, provide ventilation for the heavy (stinky?) uniform beneath, and also to protect from the kickback of a rifle over the chest and heart area. Of course, now it’s just decorative.

    • RoyalSparkle says:

      AWFUL sooo regular!!

      When will the Duchess become consistent in her wear. She dressed better as a celebrity than this more REGAL STATUS she has been given. At least her hair is in place, makeup.

      Taxpayers the British people the world expect better regal attire from senior Royals for the millions in support and status bestow. A little more respect is needed not just when on Tour.

  3. Nilo says:

    It’s different but fine. She looks happy, and that’s what counts.

  4. Senaber says:

    “Chic inspector gadget” is everything I didn’t know I always wanted to be

    • Snazzy says:

      Me too!!

    • Spikey says:

      + 1. Hate the colour, love the dress!

    • Belluga says:

      It’s the dream. Sometimes when I get dressed my other half says I look like a “slinky secret agent”. Basically anything involving a pantsuit or a trench. Gotta say it makes me walk with a bit of a covert operations wiggle when he says that!

    • Bettyrose says:

      IKR? Meghan, if you’re reading, live the dream for us and make it your signature style.

    • SlightlyAnonny says:

      And it has pockets. POCKETS! Dresses with pockets are my secret dream come true.

    • Jamie says:

      Same here!
      I imagine a chic Inspector Gadget would have pockets in all her dresses, which IIBH, is my dream come true.

  5. Angie says:

    I usually agree with your opinion of clothes but I love this outfit. She looks amazing.

  6. lee says:

    I like it.

  7. Gine says:

    Eh. I want to like this because it’s unexpected, but I really don’t. I think it would be better with an actual belt instead of a tie. That color looks really good on her, though.

    • Muffy says:

      Yes! A slim, fitted belt in a contrasting color would have worked well with the deconstructed nature of the dress. Especially since her signature look seems to be “messy”.

      • Who ARE These People? says:

        Truly messy? Let’s look at Jessica Simpson. Meghan’s summer looks give off more of a Los Angeles vibe, which makes sense. Think about if Cameron Diaz dressed up for brunch with conservative in-laws (which is basically what Meghan is doing).

        Waiting for winter to see if her Toronto influence kicks in.

  8. Jane says:

    I like it a lot. No complaints here.

  9. PBAN says:

    I don’t like it. The color is not good on her skin tone. Maybe if she wore a more dramatic shoe would have worked. And the matching color clutch is off to.

    • Who ARE These People? says:

      Dress would look great in a real green. and I’d like a firmer belt. But, still a cute, professional look for summer daytime.

      If she wore a lot of ‘fun’ shoes then there’d be criticism over that expense too, yes? She has a basic shoe wardrobe and that’s that.

  10. Belluga says:

    Hmm, I think I’m going the opposite way: like the style, but would have liked it more in a traditional trench colour.

    But it’s great that they’re getting out there and doing regular engagements. That’s how it should be. I can’t wait to see which charities Meghan picks as her first patronages, hopefully the announcement cones soon, bit they might wait until the royals come back after the summer.

  11. Becks1 says:

    I actually like it – buttons and all – minus the shoulder flap on her right shoulder. I think without that element, it would look a lot better.

    Anyway like you said Kaiser – I’m having trouble at this point keeping up with their appearances and that’s how it should be (it seems William has finally fallen into that pattern as well over these past few months – ie working steadily.) I feel like we are seeing a lot of them and that’s a good thing.

    My guess is they will take a break in August around Meghan’s birthday, probably visit the queen in Scotland, and then we will continue to see a steady stream of engagements through the fall.

    • LahdidahBaby says:

      UES, it’s that shoulder flap I hate! But otherwise, she looks lovely and so happy.

      • Who ARE These People? says:

        Overall she’s best without too much fabric, especially stiff fabric, and detail, especially large detail, up top, it gets busy and overwhelming around her delicate features with her shorter torso. That’s what helped her wedding-day looks be so perfect – very little fabric or fuss where it mattered.

  12. Melania says:

    I love this dress! I had a similar one years ago. So chic!

  13. Esmom says:

    I don’t hate it but it seems to be wearing her more than she is owning the look. I feel like until she really figures out her Royal style, she will look like she’s wearing a costume.

  14. Jamie42 says:

    One of the few outfits I’ve really liked. And no stupid fascinator! That’s one tradition I hope she breaks.

    • Nancy says:

      Same. There haven’t been too many times I’ve been impressed. As I said above, it isn’t the dress, it’s how she looks in it. She owns it so much you don’t notice how Harry looks. Have to admit, he pulled it together a bit better, but he’s pretty hopeless in the fashion department.

  15. Vogue says:

    This seems too heavy for a summer dress. The cut of the dress swamps her petite frame which makes her look boxy, a straight cut would give her a better shape. Also too much matching colors, a contrast with black shoes or handbag would look nicer.

    • Beth says:

      It looks a too little stiff and heavy. Black shoes would’ve been better, but she now seems to live in nude pumps

      • Belluga says:

        Black pumps would be very heavy with it. Maybe burgundy or chocolate? I do like that she’s gone with light pink rather than true nude though, to me it brightens the look.

      • Nancy says:

        I’m with you Belluga. I’ve been commenting that she doesn’t dress for summer. Although the fabric seems a bit heavy, it is sleeveless and she has good arms to show off. A black shoe to me would have changed the seasons. I give her an A on this outfit. She’s rocking it.

      • Vogue says:

        She could have worn black/dark open-toe shoes which would still fit the summer season.

      • Abby says:

        Vogue, is she allowed open-toed shoes? I thought that was not kosher for the royals.

      • M.A.F. says:

        Chocolate with that pink would have been great.

      • Vogue says:

        @Abby Kate has worn open toe shoes before so I don’t see why Meghan can’t. The weather has been hot in the UK & I would like to see both ladies take advantage by wearing shoes for summer. Before you know it Autumn will be here & they’ll be back to wearing boots!

    • magnoliarose says:

      I wouldn’t like black. That is too formal for this dress and it would not flow.

  16. D says:

    I hate the dress, but her make-up, hair and jewelry are flawless. I also like her shoes, this dress is a rough cut and style- I did read in harpers it was Burberry don’t know if that is true but when I saw that I thought oh good all the the duchesses have to wear British designers crowd will be happy.

    She does look pretty in that color but I think she looks better in brighter colors or black haha. The day she wore the yellow dress was perfection.

  17. Alexandria says:

    No I don’t like it. Next! One thing I like is that I always want to see what she’s wearing.

  18. Iknow says:

    I wonder if Meghan is a celebitchy reader and she’s trolling all the button haters?

    I think Meghan looks great. Give the girl a break. She’s trying new things and although it’s not always pulled off seamlessly, I think she’s had a lot of successes. She’s shown that she is willing to take as much risk as she can. People would’ve been up in arms if she were wearing another boat neck or a dress like she wore at the Garden party. The trench dress is young, chic, and she looks beautiful.

    • Becks1 says:

      This is something I like about her. I’m finding myself very interested to see what she wears, because she is mixing it up. Classic sheath dresses, chic suits, high-end separates, etc. She’s being interesting in terms of fashion choices without being crazy or “out there.”

    • Alexandria says:

      To be fair, this is a gossip site so talking about fashion is fair game. And we don’t have to like everything she is wearing or how she wears her hair I guess. I’ve liked a lot of her pieces so far and that she mixes it up while she is finding her style which I also agree will take time. Her face and smile are just so beautiful even if the dress doesn’t fit. She endears to me. Hope she remains fulfilled in her new role and of course remain happy with her new family.

  19. Beth says:

    After her looking so good in her bright yellow dress, I had hoped she’d stop wearing bland colors so much. This isn’t awful, but might have been better in a different color and without the shoulder flap

    • Who ARE These People? says:

      Blander colours are easier to recycle, yes? Less memorable. I wonder how much she’ll wear them again, if that theory holds up.

      If I were her … (how many of us are thinking that way?) … I might try the neutral basics w/bright accessories approach.

      • CairinaCat says:

        This isn’t a new dress, she already owned it

      • PodyPo says:

        Meghan doesn’t seem to accessorize at all, much less with bright ones. She l8kes dainty gold things for the most part.

  20. magnoliarose says:

    I agree. I like that it is a nod to Canada. Their designers have a hard time getting any attention. I absolutely love that it is ethical and she brought some attention to that cause. It is not that easy to find ethical chic clothing at reasonable prices that fit her needs. It is easy to look like an escapee from a Big Sur spiritual tree worshipping retreat.
    Stella and Viv Westwood are the only British ones I can think of off the top of my head.
    I like the color and I like that they are attending a very worthy event.
    But I hate the cut of the dress. A slimmer skirt, less buttons, less bulk up top and short sleeves could have made this a winner. Loose wraps are not her jam. She’s too tiny limbed for it.
    Again messy buns look better with more streamlined looks.
    But maybe she is out sleuthing for the fam and has a notepad in her skirt folds. DCI Meghan reporting for duty.

    • IlsaLund says:

      “It is easy to look like an escapee from a Big Sur spiritual tree worshipping retreat.”

      @magnolia….thanks, I needed that laugh this morning…lol

    • Enn says:

      “DCI Meghan reporting for duty” made me snort!

      That one weird shoulder flap is bugging me but otherwise I like it. Not love, but like. And yes to wearing a Canadian designer!

  21. Mego says:

    Like it! It’s kind of cool and interesting looking and agree the length is spot on – she is lovely.

  22. Lara says:

    Is it just me but does it look like in the picture where she is shaking hands that the dress/coat has a really high thigh split??

    • Skylark says:

      No, it’s just a shadow.

      Not keen on the dress. It’s a pretty colour but there’s just too much going on at the top, the bulky collar, the shoulder flap, the black buttons, the messy tie.

    • Mariangela says:

      I thought the exact same thing.

      For a moment I was like wow, that is a high slit

  23. Ms. Turtle says:

    I like the color. That’s the only nice thing I can say about this weird trench coat with the arms hacked off. And I don’t think more buttons is the answer you’re looking for, Meghan!

    Harry’s use of pastel here looks nice alongside his wife.

  24. merrit says:

    She’s a mess. Hair is all over the place, the coat-dress is too busy – too big, combined with the heavy fabric, it looks stiff and just swallows her. Again with the too-big shoes.

  25. Giddy says:

    She looks so pretty and care free that I can’t find anything to criticize anything about her dress. She’s happy, in love, and finding her place. Also, I adore her bag.

  26. DIRTNAP says:

    My body type is similar to Meghan’s, so while I don’t like the buttons, I understand their purpose. Her waist is not defined, and the buttons are meant to draw the eye inward for a “slimming” effect (although she is not heavy at all). For the same reason though, belts don’t usually flatter. The rib cage is usually right on top of the hips on our body type and belts rarely sit right. It is a challenging body type to dress in a way that draws praise and I do not envy her having to do it in the public eye; it’s hard enough for me to dress in a flattering way in my ordinary existence! Clean lines, dressing as if my body had three equal “zones” and solid colors (dark on top, light on bottom) seem to work best. That said, I think she looks lovely and that color is especially pretty on her!

    • Who ARE These People? says:

      Yes! I understand this – the short waisted, long legged dilemma. Belts have to be just right, and are often in the wrong place in fitted clothes (though a tailor could help a Duchess with this problem).

    • magnoliarose says:

      Shorter waisted long legged here too. I don’t have to deal with a torso as boxy as Meghan’s though but I can appreciate her challenge when being photographed. She doesn’t get to pose and then have them snap her photo so she has be aware of all angles.

      • Alyrae says:

        Long-legged, short waisted as well. A personal shopper once told me that belts were the enemy of my shape. I agree with her. I also would never, ever wear anything double breasted, adding bulk to my torso is a big no!

        That’s why Meghan looked so amazing in that yellow sheath dress, there was nothing to break up her long lean lines.

        I give Kate credit for working with a tailor/tailors who get her long-waisted silhouette.

      • Aurelia says:

        Agreed, since she lost her Suits stylist she has no idea how to dress for her body shape. It’s startling just how short her torso looks here.

      • magnoliarose says:

        The funny thing is that some of the things I don’t like on Meghan would look great on Kate.
        I can’t wear anything very full on the torso and very slim on the leg. I don’t look balanced with certain types of belts either.

  27. Livvers says:

    Harry wears dark blue suit jackets so often, it really stands out that he’s wearing a lighter coloured jacket that coordinates so well with Meghan’s almost-millenial pink. The visual harmony enhances the sense of them being very in tune with each other, a united team. A stylist’s choice or their own intuition, or simply coincidence?

  28. IlsaLund says:

    I think she looks lovely as usual. They make a charming couple.

    Question though….it appears that she’s not wearing pantyhose. Does she only wear hose at formal engagements and when it’s just her and Harry she goes nude?

    • LizB says:

      I think it’s when the Queen is present that hose is called for, or something like that.

    • wisdomheaven says:

      “when it’s just her and Harry she goes nude?”

      I know what you meant, but I still giggled. I will see myself out.

  29. Dazeem, Adele says:

    I like it. I think this is very reflective of pre-wedding Meghan, minus the ever present millennial blush color. She seems to love jackets and coats, and over size ones at that. I’ve seen far worse, no complaints here,

  30. April May says:

    I definitely think she should wear this shade of pink over the Trooping one, suits her colouring much more. Loving the clutch!
    And the brand confirmed that she bought it last year before she moved to London, so bought with her own money.

    • minx says:

      Yes, this is a richer shade than the Trooping color, very flattering to her skin and hair. Nothing grandma about it.

  31. MrsBump says:

    This is truly tragic. it screams celebrity, not serious duchess doing serious duchessing.
    When will she ever re-wear this?
    After her recent wins, this and the too long pants are both fails for me.

    • Nancy says:

      I don’t understand. She never wears prim and proper. This is part of who she is. I agree she has a problem with sizing, which I don’t understand. A woman in her position should be fitted properly. I guess if you go back in time, her mother-in-law who had a model like figure, tall and thin, wore stylish clothing and was a bit of a trend setter. Are you British? If you are, you’re obviously in a better position than I to discuss the duchess on a more personal level. She’s growing on me. I think she looks lovely.

      • MrsBump says:

        As an representative of the british people, shouldnt prim and proper be a requirement? She can wear whatever she wants in private and express her individual style then.
        This outfit is just not professional enough as an official.
        Can you imagine the queen, or princess Anne, camilla, sophie or kate turning up in this? Im not sure this is what people had in mind when they talked about modernizing the monarchy.

      • Nic919 says:

        Kate has worn jeggings on official engagements so you are pulling this out of your ass. There is nothing improper with this outfit.

      • MrsBump says:

        @Nic919

        and didnt we complain about it night and day and aren’t we still bringing it up years later ?

      • Lizabeth says:

        Surely the rule for 36-year-old Meghan’s clothes shouldn’t be “would the Queen or 67-yr-old Anne wear this.”

        Even if people don’t like it, I don’t see what could possibly  make this dress seem unprofessional. It is a modest length, not see-through, not likely to be caught by the wind, not too tight or low-cut, is a conservative color… Some might object to any sleeveless style worn in the daytime, I guess. But when QEII was in her 30’s and 40’s she wore sleeveless day dresses as did Anne. I can’t imagine TQ today in this dress, it’s true. But honestly I can’t really imagine her wearing a trench coat either!

      • notasugarhere says:

        When people think a simple, long, sleeveless dress is *not* prim and proper? Then yes, Kate’s inappropriate jeggings will be brought up as contrast.

      • MrsBump says:

        I didn’t say it wasn’t prim and proper, but there is nothing professional about this and neither was Kate’s jeggings, i’m not defending either. Just like Kate’s jeggings technically covered her ass, the style was still innappropriate.
        Sleeveless isn’t the issue here, she was radiant in the yellow dress of a few weeks, ago but a sleeveless trench coat dress ? To an official event where her husband is wearing a suit ?
        The simple fact that so many commentors here mentioned how sexy the style was is a good indication that this is probably not work appropriate.
        I’m a year younger than Meghan, and work in a corporate setting, looking good is a plus, sexy is less so. She’s representing an entire country, so i would assume that her dress code should reflect that ( and the same goes for Kate’s jeggings )

      • notasugarhere says:

        Just keep stretching. There is nothing inappropriate in this. Mid-calf, sleeveless, simple high v-neck, cotton summer dress.

      • Aurelia says:

        LOLZ, just imagine Di showing up for an offical engagement in spray on jeggings.

    • Natalie S says:

      It’s like a cheeky nod to a coat dress. I like it. And it’s an ethical brand!

      Anyway, serious duchessing is about the content of the visit and it would be great to get more of that and just details on her outfit.

      Also, this is from her personal wardrobe so it’s possible that this already is a rewear.

      • MrsBump says:

        if this is a re-wear from her own wardrobe, then she can only be applauded for it but this is just not professional enough.

        As much as the coat dresses look old fashioned, they are basically the royal female equivalent of a suit, and whilst boring it is never inappropriate and will look good even 20 years from now when the pictures are unearthed.

      • Natalie S says:

        I disagree. I think those coat dresses tend to look very frumpy and costume-like. It’s like Barbie cosplay instead of engaging with the people they’re meeting. The royals are out of touch and coat dresses reflect that. They would only look timeless because it’s a strange quirk of royal dressing.

        Twenty years from now, I want people to look at and remember the content. I’m waiting for Meghan to make a speech. We remember Diana’s actions while we roll our eyes at her clothes. I don’t want a frozen timeless image of a woman in a dress to be what we think about we look back at images of Meghan. She has a brain. She’s a person not a doll or a fashion plate.

        Meghan really needs to start speaking and working on her own initiatives instead of accompanying Harry. She has so much more to contribute than her physical image.

      • MrsBump says:

        The royals are by their very existence out of touch, wearing all the latest fads doesn’t make them any more relevant. So that is a moot point.

        Here we are discussing fashion and pictures because at the moment there is nothing else. To me, those coat dresses for royal women make sense, the same way a suit does, it gives of a professional image, whether you find it boring or barbie cosplay or not.

        As you said, i also want to hear Meghan speak, i think that is where she shines.

        However, i’m sure you would agree that no woman is a doll and we all have brains.

      • Natalie S says:

        Diana wore outfits that didn’t stand the test of time and it didn’t hurt her.

        No woman is a doll but women are rewarded by society for being successfully ornamental and that includes being silent and ornamental. But that’s more of a -Don’t hate the player. Hate the game situation for me. Meghan doesn’t want that for herself which is a difficult route even in 2018 with her level of privilege.

      • Lizabeth says:

        I kind of see what you are saying @MrsBump. But if the bar for proper royal attire is corporate world attire, then probably only about 15% of Kate’s clothes would pass (and even less of the Queen’s or Queen Mother’s frou-frou feathered and flowered looks that I personally adore.) Jeggings aside, Kate’s ruffles and peblums, boho looks, busy prints, mini skirts, rugged boots, all-white day outfits, lace dresses during the day– none of that says corporate either. At least not where I live. But Harry’s outfit today is too casual for corporate too. No tie, no suit, no dress shoes…. Although she was considered somewhat of a rule-breaker, Diana’s day outfits probably came closest to a corporate look. I disagree with those saying her clothes didn’t stand the test of time. After ditching the 1980’s ruffled look that plagued fashion (those DO look outdated) she wore alot of suits. And real coatdresses– real at least by the American definition meaning a dress of a certain style. Not an outerwear coat worn as a dress, or a dress worn over another dress.

        I thought this spread on Anne was interesting. https://www.tatler.com/gallery/princess-anne-in-pictures

        Can you imagine the outrage if Meghan was photographed in a similar grass shot after joining the royal family? Or the full face B&W shot? 

      • MrsBump says:

        Kate’s outfits (other than the jeggings of doom) read twee to me, but i wouldnt be particular shocked if a woman wore ruffles, lace or a peplum or busy prints (within reason) to work. But she always looks better in her boring coat dresses, they may be dull, but they are virtually fail proof regardless of the occasion, just like a man’s suit.
        This trench coat dress however, i would put in the same category as the awful stripey dress she wore before the wedding, it’s just not work attire.

        The picture of Anne lying in the grass is quite reminiscent of the shoot Kate did (which many here hated if i recall correctly), but it seems pretty innocuous to me, Regardless of who is posing. i genuinely don’t see why Meghan would be criticized in that particular pose.

      • Lizabeth says:

        Perhaps I’m not remembering Kate’s Vogue shoot but I don’t remember her lying down on her stomach in any photos @MrsBump. But I hope you are right and Meghan won’t be criticized for things other royals have done. It’s not looking promising to me.

        I think we have different ideas about “corporate” looks. Might be a difference between the US and UK. Floaty flowered ruffled “twee” looks wouldn’t fly here, at least not if one hopes to advance.

    • notasugarhere says:

      Crown Princess Mary wore something very similar to an event last year. Was it “celebrity” and not royal when the future Queen Consort of Denmark wore it too? Or just Meghan?

      This is a simple cotton blend dress, sleeveless, and in a neutral shade. Can be re-worn for years.

      • MrsBump says:

        if you are referring to the sleeveless coat that Mary of denmark wore over trousers and a top, the looks are very different. it doesnt give the illusion that she is only wearing a coat and nothing else.

      • notasugarhere says:

        This. Is. A. Dress. There doesn’t need to be anything under it as it is a dress. A calf-length, simple cotton summer dress with a high v-neck, neutral shade. Nothing inappropriate here. You’re really really stretching to try to turn this into a Mata Hari outfit.

      • MrsBump says:

        sorry NotASugarHere , we are not all required to see things the way you do.
        A simple dress would have a been perfect, this particular coat dress gives off a different vibe. you may disagree, just like you disagree with every.single. criticism of Meghan , but we are allowed to have differing opinions.

      • Nancy says:

        I tend to agree with you MrsBump. People get too rattled sometimes when you won’t relent to THEIR opinion. She has the cutest figure, so it will be hard to dress her without looking what some might say is unprofessional. Idk, she’s trying. She’s new at this and am certain she knows she’s being critiqued. I further think she wants to impress her husband and to him, probably anything she wears is perfect!

      • Natalie S says:

        There is rarely anything that would be simple and perfect when it comes to any woman in the public eye.

        No one can win fashion-wise with everyone. Problem is when people think their opinions equal truth about the character of the person they are critiquing whether it’s Meghan or Kate or whomever. It’s just fashion. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and opinions aren’t facts.

      • Nancy says:

        Well said Natalie S. I have this conversation with my husband and it isn’t always a fun chat! If he believes something strongly, it automatically becomes fact. This is where we butt heads and I believe what you’re talking about. Five of us could each give our opinion on her dress or anything, and none of us would be right or wrong. Not just fashion, either. It’s an opinion. I’m glad I read your post, just might make him read it too!

      • eto says:

        Gonna stick my head in here and say, MrsBump, I think you’re taking this way too seriously. If anything I think that lime green that queen wears favors is…not my favorite. I don’t know anyone who would seriously venture into an office wearing some of the colors/patterns the queen chooses.

        This is a simple dress and it matches Harry’s laidback styling. Maybe stop making up rules for royal dress?

      • notasugarhere says:

        You insist this conservative, tea length cotton dress is too sexy. But you also state you never said it wasn’t prim and proper. Can’t see to make up your mind.

        Let’s do another comparison, you enjoy those so.

        Meghan is wearing a simple, classic, tea length dress. Designed, described, styled, and sold as a mid-weight cotton blend dress. Not a coat dress. Styled and sold as a dress, wearing it as a dress.

        Kate in Goat blazer in Harlem. Designed, described, styled, and sold as a blazer. Styled and designed to be worn open with the matching trousers and a shirt underneath. Kate added a short strip of fabric and wore a blazer as a minidress, no trousers, nothing underneath.

        Meghan wearing a dress as a dress = appropriate

        Kate wearing a blazer as a minidress = inappropriate x3 plus unattractive

      • DK says:

        Hey, blazer dresses are cute! Bare legs, heels and it’s a sexy outfit – at least for me, lol. I looked up the outfit you mentioned and she’s wearing a dress underneath. Eh, I think her outfit looks fine, tbh. Maybe for Royal protocol, a bit too short? Kate would’ve looked inappropriate if she wasn’t wearing tights, IMO. https://i.pinimg.com/originals/63/9f/93/639f9381eb7671255da16456abfef803.jpg
        https://i.pinimg.com/736x/6c/a6/34/6ca6346553b7689b4a8d75963d22968d–duchess-kate-royal-style.jpg

    • PodyPo says:

      Mrs Bump Am I looking at the wrong photos? I see Harry without tie in khakis and a sport coat and casual shoes, not a suit. I think her look is just as casual as his.

  32. Mego says:

    Kensington Palace posted some great pictures of them at the event on twitter. Love seeing them out doing Royal appearances as a couple.

  33. Jane says:

    I have been looking for a dress like that!

    Love the style and it’s only $1085 Canadian.

  34. Themummy says:

    I would love it on someone else, but I hate it on her. The dress is wearing HER…she is not wearing the dress. It overwhelms her frame.

  35. Maria says:

    I like the dress, minus the flap. She has the figure for it and the colour looks good. A good choice.

  36. LizB says:

    Good look for her. I also like the shape and color of her shoes.

  37. Osnat says:

    This colour is just so pretty and really suits her. I love the length, it’s very feminine. To me, this looks a teensy bit like something Melania Trump would wear (except with full sleeves) which makes me wander if this is an American thing? * I only have the Duchess, Melania and Kim Kardashian as reference points when it comes to ‘media / public’ fashion so feel free to shut me down.

  38. Dee says:

    They were there for a grand total of 45 minutes! And people complained about how short the length of time Kate stayed at her engagements. Lol

    • Josie says:

      It doesn’t come up in the Cambridge threads, but 40-60 minutes is extremely typical for a Royal engagement. Of course some go longer, involve a meal, etc, but most day events are brief. One of the queen’s staff talked about this once not too long ago (in the last 24 months) — how challenging it can be to attend a series of very brief events where you never really have time to learn anything. It’s relentless photo ops.

      The easy response to this is to ask why the Cambridges don’t just do more of them, since they are so short (and William does indeed appear to have stepped up the pace). My personal theory is a bit of laziness, a bit of assuming how people feel about them now won’t matter in 25 years when Charles dies (plus resting on the laurels of their charming young children), and a bit of early strategizing about the “slimmed down monarchy” that Charles is always going on about.

      • magnoliarose says:

        @Josie Great response.

      • notasugarhere says:

        afaik Charles has never publicly said anything about streamlining the monarchy, so therefore he isn’t “always going on about” it at least in public sources. We can speculate but nothing has been formally announced.

        He cannot get rid of Andrew, as Andrew is a Counsellor of State. Nor can he get rid of Beatrice entirely, because she will be a Counsellor of State if Charles ascends before PGTips turns 21. If Andrew dies in the next 17 years, Eugenie will also become a Counsellor of State.

      • Josie says:

        The working assumption on this site has been, for years, that most stories about Charles are sourced from Charles and his household. I’m actually skeptical about that, but if we’re going to assert that Charles is estranged from William, doesn’t see George and Charlotte often enough, etc., then we can also definitely assert that his plans to streamline the monarchy are a repeated topic of conversation.

        I completely agree that Charles will face push-back from the Yorks. That’s been part of the story since at least 2011. It doesn’t change the tenor of the coverage for the last decade, when it comes to Charles and his intentions for the monarchy.

      • notasugarhere says:

        We can assume his intentions while pointing out they’re still assumptions. Like rumors of BP becoming a museum and Balmoral being given back to Scotland as a national park. All we can do is wait and see.

        It isn’t getting push back from the Yorks; it is Law which Charles cannot change. The first 4 people in the line of succession over the age of 21 are automatically Counsellors of State, required to live in the UK, are advisors to the monarch, can be chosen as Regent, and can fill in for certain higher-level duties.

    • Nic919 says:

      Usually the critique has been since the engagements are about an hour then why can’t Kate do them at this point? She spent hours at Wimbledon this weekend. Being away from Louis for about an hour is clearly something he can handle at this point.

      • Enn says:

        This was brought up yesterday; women on maternity leave or a modified maternity leave are not required to stay in the house.

      • violet says:

        @Enn – ITA with your comment. Also, Kate is the Royal Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, so there was a special reason for her to show up. When (hopefully soon!) Meghan is on maternity leave, I hope the same courtesy will be shown to her!

      • notasugarhere says:

        Kate had no problem being at Wimbledon for hours on end, two days straight. But didn’t bother to attend the reception for the RAF event – which is her royal military patronage.

      • Enn says:

        But she went to the ceremony.

        She can’t do anything right in your eyes and it’s kind of funny at this point.

    • notasugarhere says:

      We’re lucky if the Cambridges stay that long. They typically stay 15-30 minutes, like her drive-by of a childrens hospice. The longest was when she overstayed her welcome at the Downtown Abbey set. Completely unnecessary visit, as Sophie had been there the week before with the President of Mexico’s wife. It was just that Katie Keen wanted to visit the set.

  39. Nicegirl says:

    Love it

  40. Valiantly Varnished says:

    I love it. I actually own a deconstructed trench dress myself. The color is a more traditional trench color and it’s off the shoulders. I love it

  41. Flying fish says:

    I like the dress without the shoulder flap and if it didn’t look like it was engulfing her.
    Her frame is just to petite for this dress cut, it does not flatter her frame.
    I agree with Kaiser on the dress length.
    Pants would have been perfect for this function.

  42. Bethany Karger says:

    I wish she’d give up the messy look. Her hair looks like she just got out of bed. If she wants to be professional, she should look the part. Personally I can’t understand how she can tolerate those strings of hair hanging in her face. And, honestly, they must bother her, too, because she’s always fussing with them, getting them away from her face & many times pulling them behind her ears. If that’s what she’s going to do, why not just pin them back to start with.

    • Honey says:

      Her messy bun and center part are the equivalent of Kate’s sausage curls. I think Kate has finally stepped away from the sausage curls and I’m hoping Meghan will step away from the messy bun then eventually the center part as an everyday thing.

    • PodyPo says:

      Yes I agree that messy hair look is trendy but not good for photos and does look like it’s not been styled, just bedhead hair.

  43. girl_ninja says:

    I like this dress, she looks sexy as hell and despite her father’s efforts she looks incredibly happy.

  44. Amelie says:

    I like this look. Not my favorite and I find the dress a tad bulky for her frame but she pulls it off. I read on People the dress is from her own closet so people can stop badgering her about spending too much money on bespoke pieces/couture.

    I just noticed her pocketbook/clutch is kind of giant!

  45. minx says:

    I might like it on someone else but it’s too much on her. Too much fabric, too many buttons, the sash doesn’t flatter. Strange cut. I don’t mind the color on her and of course she looks beautiful as always.

    • Aurelia says:

      Agreed Minx, petitie clothing sized women need to avoid this too much of everything like the plague.

  46. Bettyrose says:

    I’m still puzzling out how chic inspector gadget could ever be considered a bad thing. Love this look!

    • Agenbiter says:

      Yes!
      “DCI Meghan reporting for duty” as magnoliarose said above : )

      • keis says:

        The Fug Girls have a running joke about Princess Anne being a detective inspector and I like to think Meghan is petitioning to join with this look.

      • Agenbiter says:

        Also calls to mind Emma Peel and Jane Tennyson. Hard to believe they were such radically liberating role models for young women during our lifetimes.

        Go DCIs Anne and Meghan! Get that royal work done!

  47. Right says:

    I love that Harry wears a wedding ring 😍

  48. Tourmaline says:

    This color looks so pretty on her
    Go, Gadget, go!

  49. Malachite says:

    I mostly love this….except the tie-belt. Too bulky and almost ruins the look for me. But she is so gorgeous that I am always mostly looking at her face no matter what she wears!

  50. JRenee says:

    Wow, I like the color on her.
    How many engagements has she logged already this year? They seem to be very busy.

  51. Karen says:

    I think she looks very chic. Don’t forget she is meeting with Mandela’s granddaughter who is wearing a very colorful outfit. She does not want to upstage her.

  52. Macko says:

    I think she looks great, but not because of the dress. The dress doesn’t do her a favour. She is a baerly no waist type of girl, just like me. As for her work schedule, she was a working girl before compare to Kate who has never been. Why would that change? She is still a working girl just the job changed.

  53. KidV says:

    It’s an odd dress but I like it. I think it looks good on her. Love the color.

    It looks like Meghan’s arms are getting more muscular. Maybe she and Kate are gym buddies.

  54. violet says:

    I think she looks lovely in this. I like the hemline, I like the proportions, and the length and width of the skirt I don’t think – for once – is too much cloth and allows the belt to do what she wants it to, achieve a waist look. It’s summery but tailored, very appropriate, I like the matching accessories, and let’s face it: this color looks terrific on her.

    But I do agree with others that the extra detail of the shoulder flap detracts from it. Other than that, I don’t mind the buttons and belt at all – this is a “trench” dress and those are classic details of the trench look.

    Thumbs up from me on this one for Megs.

  55. Vinot says:

    I like the trench minus the belt. I give it a toot.

    • Vinot says:

      I’m here to formally retract my statement re: the belt. I saw her and Harry on NBCNews’ Instagram and I actually like it. I think these pictures are not flattering to the design because you can see how it is actually formfitting up close. Toot sustained.

  56. Cerys says:

    The dress is hideous but I agree with the original article regarding the suitability of it’s length and that Meghan suits the colour. It is also good to see the Sussexes out and about doing their royal duties.

  57. bonobochick says:

    I read on twitter that this isn’t a new dress but one she owned when she lived in Canada.

    I like the color. Not totally sold on the design as I am not feeling the shoulder flap but outside of that, I think it’s cool.

  58. Betsy says:

    I love it! I think that right after the wedding she was wearing a lot of clothes based on what she thought she “should” be wearing instead of her own personal style. Starting with the Ireland trip she seems to be returning to her own style and I am here for it! I love a coat dress, I love a trench coat, and I love this trench coat dress. She looks amazing.

  59. YankLynn says:

    I think she looks great – young, stylish and summer-professional. I usually like her handbag choices so that was what stood out to me as not interesting. A darker shoe and bag choice would probably have been more interesting — and we know she has more interesting bags than this anyway. But whatever, it wasn’t a tragic choice.

    And Tom Markle Sr — that smile doesn’t look “pained” at all to me. Though its a miracle she doesn’t weep in public some mornings after you shoot off your mouth yet again.

  60. M.A.F. says:

    While I do love this color on her and for once the messy bun with those fly aways is appropriate, I don’t get this “dress”. It just looks like a sleeve-less over-size coat. Can she wear another dress underneath? Because I feel like she can.

    • notasugarhere says:

      It isn’t a coat it is a dress. as seen on the designer’s site. Like the trench dresses Eugenie has worn a couple of times to Ascot.

  61. Madeleine says:

    I love it. Also, I must say that I find the comments about what she wears increasingly toxic. It may not be your style – it’s definitely not mine; I would never wear that dress or even the shoes – but she looks elegant, formal but not too much, fresh, happy. That’s all that she’s supposed to achieve (and more…!).

  62. Kathleen says:

    I think she’s trolling us with this dress. It looks like coat-dress cos play to me! It is still cute tho & looks good on her.

  63. Aerohead21 says:

    Wrong fit, wrong color, too many embellishments. Pick one or two. Not 3 and 4.

    • YankLynn says:

      she’s not the dress designer though. Like I don’t know what people want her to do about that flap of fabric from the shoulder. Rip it off ? Or I guess you mean don’t buy the dress at all period because it has a flap of fabric.. *shrug* I think she looks cute even if every single element wouldn’t be in my Barbie Fashion Show dress design 🙂 🙂

  64. PodyPo says:

    Love this. Love this. Love this a lot! Buttons are integral to a trench and that’s the look that she is aiming for here. Would have loved to have seen more casual shoes, heels but not pointy shiny courts, but that’s a very small nit to pick.

  65. BegoneOrangeCheeto says:

    Liking the dress and color (Meg looks good in that blush pink), not liking the price tag. Between the purse and the dress, that’s 1600 bucks. I am glad that she wore a Canadian designer but I’d like to see her wear more UK designers.

    • magnoliarose says:

      It was hers before she married though. So she probably picked it up when she lived in Canada.

      • BegoneOrangeCheeto says:

        Thanks for the clarification. Good to know. I do like it. Wish I could get away with something like that!

  66. MeghanNotMarkle says:

    It took me a minute but I think I’ve warmed up to this. It’s not totally blerghy and she has nice arms. My only quibble would be the way the belt is done. Other than that I think it’s a great showing. I love that she hasn’t settled into one cut and shape and I never know what she’s going to wear next. Hopefully it stays that way, and that we start seeing some mix-n-match and more repeats soon.

  67. Jane says:

    I think it would look better on someone taller, like Melania Trump or Michelle Obama. I think on Meghan it needs to be shortened to accommodate her height.

    • Lizabeth says:

      I think the length is fine @Jane but I respect that others have different opinions. But I have to say Meghan’s “size” differs in lots of ways besides height from that of Melania T and Michelle O. I think this exact style dress would look completely different on those ladies and I’m not sure I’d personally like it as much.

  68. Jane says:

    I like Harry’s outfit a lot!

  69. San says:

    A little off topic but what ever happened to Prince Harry’s blue suit

  70. San says:

    A little off topic but what ever happened to Prince Harry’s blue suit…….he is really looking handsome lately

  71. DK says:

    Meghan doesn’t even look mixed race so it’s hilarious that white people are freaking out over her with their horrible racism. Can you imagine if Harry married a black woman? They would go even more insane! Meghan could pass for quite a few different ethnicities – from Middle Eastern to Sephardi, North African to Italian, etc. She looks lovely here.