When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent out their 2024 Christmas card this week, much of the focus was—inevitably—on the rare glimpse it offered of their two growing children, who can be seen running into the outstretched arms of their beaming parents in a photo on the front. But while that picture of blissful domesticity (down to the three dogs scampering around the family’s feet) reveals that Prince Archie has most definitely inherited his dad’s hair, and that Princess Lilibet is now almost as tall as her big brother, other snapshots reflect the change that has taken place in their mother’s wardrobe over the past 12 months.
Three of the photos were taken during Harry and Meghan’s visit to Colombia in August, a fourth is from their trip to Nigeria three months before that. Almost five years have now passed since the couple relocated to California—and relinquished the ribbon cutting and pageantry (not to mention publicly-funded security) of their life in Britain—but these overseas excursions still functioned, in effect, as royal tours, what with their tightly choreographed schedules of charity visits and cultural performances and cute photo opps. The key difference? The Duchess is no longer bound by the same rigid expectations (unspoken or otherwise) she was obliged to take into consideration as a core member of the Firm.
And so, the strict heels and Philip Treacy fascinators of her pre-Sandringham summit tour wardrobe were replaced by flat leather sandals and straw boaters for 2024’s less formal—though no less high-profile—trips. Instead of prim shirt dresses and caped gowns, Meghan’s luggage contained relaxed skirts from the affordable Aussie brand Posse, billowing backless maxi dresses, and aviator shades.
Of course, there is more to the unique position Meghan now occupies on the world stage than the Sussexes’ new-look international promo trips, but these subtle shifts are instructive. This year, the Duchess seems to have approached dressing for all of the various facets of her life with fresh confidence. (Showing a little skin is extra enjoyable, one assumes, when doing so no longer risks inspiring insinuating commentary about “propriety” from right-wing tabloids.)
For the low-key day-to-day in Montecito (school runs, play dates, lunches at Tre Lune), there are relaxed La Ligne denim and white linen shirts by Anine Bing—quality basics elevated with the sort of accessories any woman who aspires to the Rich Mom aesthetic has on her wish-list. (Namely Cartier Juste Un Clou jewelry, Chanel ballet flats, and a Lady Dior.) And look, we’ve known it since she and Harry made their very first public appearance as a couple: Meghan looks great in jeans and a white shirt.
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