As followers of The Glow Up know, we’ve been on royal watch since the marriage of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, eager to see how the former actress’ fashion sense translates to her new role as a duchess. Monday’s christening of nephew-in-law Prince Louis was yet another opportunity to see Her Royal Highness in action, this time wearing an olive-green, bateau-necked, belted dress by legendary American designer Ralph Lauren with a matching hat by Stephen Jones (whose chapeaux have become fixtures in the duchess’s wardrobe).
But of course, this is far from the first time we’ve seen this neckline on Markle; since her May wedding, the bateau (or, in one case, nearly off-the-shoulder) neckline has already become a staple in many of the newlywed’s wardrobe choices, leading many to now (perhaps prematurely) consider it part of the duchess’s signature style.
Frankly, we’re here for it; the bateau is pretty universally flattering, and, if she so chooses, an easy way for Markle to distinguish herself as a royal, since folks seem so intent on making incessant comparisons between her and sister-in-law Kate Middleton.
But more than anything, it’s fun to watch the duchess’s style profile continue to evolve. Admittedly, we’re on the fence about today’s difficult-to-wear shade, but as she gets more comfortable in her new role, it’ll no doubt be entertaining to see how she will continue to play with fashion. After all, we haven’t had a black woman in a comparable position on the world stage since our forever first lady Michelle Obama, who increasingly thrilled us over her eight-year reign in the White House (remember that Versace at the last State Dinner?).
Hopefully, Markle will take similar leaps and show the world that royal style—especially through the lens of an American woman of color—isn’t all stuffy pomp and circumstance.