Oh that’s a fun question. If it was evening wear I’d say 2011 hands down. It had the lilac McQueen and the Jenny Packham beauty and even some other ones I loved like the Jenny Packham one shoulder, the Amanda Wakeley with the beaded straps, even the red Beulah is one of the few Beulah pieces I’ve really liked. For daytime, maybe 2016. I loved the India and Bhutan wardrobe but there were some really nice pieces that I would personally wear and I think she became a bit braver this year:
Oh there’s so many! Those two are definitely in my choices as well. I picked a few out:
Alexander McQueen bustle coat dress- I love this. It’s refined and chic but it’s still got the quirky McQueen edge and it is reminiscent of the bustle on her wedding dress. I also love it with the black hat
Lavender Alexander McQueen gown- This is just ethereal and effortless and I’d love to see it with a tiara or some of the Queen’s jewels she’s borrowed since 2011.
Erdem dress- This one is glitzy but it isn’t tacky. Erdem and Kate can be hit or miss but this one is more restrained and that works really well
Chanel coat- This has some of the hallmarks of Kate’s style- fit and flare, bell sleeves- but it feels different because of the fabric. It’s like her style but elevated.
Rochas floral dress- This one was perfect for the occasion- the Chelsea Flower show- but I think it captures Kate’s style really well. It’s simple, feminine, classic.
LK Bennett dress- I love this dress. I think the colour works beautifully on Kate. The silhouette is one we see on her a lot but the fabric makes it feel different. I think it would be nice to see it in the daytime as last time she wore it for a meeting with the Obamas:
LK Bennett dress- We only saw this from a distance but I would love to see it properly. I’ve shown what we saw from Kate and then what it looks like properly
Paul & Joe cape- I would love to see her reimagine this cape. She wore it first time around to match her traditional skirt in Bhutan but I think it could look really cute with something else and I’d love to see her in more capes:
Those wedding dresses weren’t that good in the first place and they weren’t anything special at all. I could find the same type of dress at a David’s Bridal down the street from where I live. It just shows once again Meghan has no weight when it comes to brand appeal. I mean it’s a royal wedding dress, that should boost the sales through the roof not hurt them. Maybe she should have put some more effort into the dress and came up with a more original design like previous royal brides and people would actually want to copy the style. Doesn’t suprise me she got hit with the “Markle-effect” lmao.
EVENING DRESS | Worn for a State Banquet at Schloss Brühl, during the State Visit to Germany, May 1965.
The ornate embroidery over the bodice of this dress was inspired by the rococo interiors of the palaces at Schloss Brühl, which Hardy Amies thoroughly researched prior to The Queen’s historic visit to the country, the first to take place since before the Second World War.
The Queen also chose to wear this dress for a series of official photographs taken by Cecil Beaton in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace in 1968 | The Royal Collection Trust.
They may be loaners, but I think that most fashion houses would accept some tailoring in return for their merchandise looking better in photographs. See the Ireland tour for examples. Either that or they are sending her the wrong size.
the value of her wardrobe including jewelry for the tour was almost what Kate spends in a year doing several tours. The arguement she is building a wardrobe is nonsense. Kate spent about 50K her first year of marriage and has never exceeded 150K since then. In one year Meghan is close to spending what Kate has spent for her entire marriage. Marie Antoinette.
I feel like Marie Antoinette had better taste with her clothes and better grooming though…
The outfit last night was a minimum of $15,000. I say a minimum because those Oscar de la Renta dresses range from $8-10k, I was nice and choose the lower number.
$15,000
I’ve never been more excited about someone reaching six figures until now. Don’t let us down Rachel.
How much has the Duchess of Sussex’s royal tour wardrobe cost so far?
By Unity Blott
Monday 15th October
Sydney: Walking in the gardens of Admiralty House
Just hours after announcing their baby news on Monday 15th October, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were spotted walking in the gardens of Sydney’s Admiralty House
. Misha Nonoo black pleated Saturday skirt: £192.49
. Sarah Flint Jay pumps: £478
. Wolford Portland Turtleneck: £160
OUTFIT TOTAL: £850.49
Tuesday 16th October
Sydney: Taronga Zoo and Sydney Opera House
The couple kicked off their long list of engagements with a visit to Taronga Zoo before visiting Sydney Opera House. Tuesday also saw Meghan pay tribute to her late mother-in-law by wearing a pair of her butterfly earrings as well as one of her gold bangles
. Karen Gee ‘Blessed’ dress: £972
. Stuart Weitzman Legend High Heel Pumps: £360
. Martin Grant trench coat: £1,287
. Krewe ‘Gravier’ shades: £384.86
. Diana’s butterfly earrings and bangles: N/A
OUTFIT TOTAL: £3,003.86
Sydney: Afternoon reception at Admiralty House
Meghan flawlessly pulled off a costume change as she returned to Admiralty House for a reception hosted by the Governor-General, swapping her white shift dress for a khaki green pleated button-up shirt dress, her most expensive piece of the tour so far
. Brandon Maxwell dress: £1,728
. Dior Essence pumps in nude: £490
. Princess Diana’s butterfly earrings and gold bracelet: N/A
OUTFIT TOTAL: £2,218
Wednesday 17th October
New South Wales: Dubbo community BBQ, Victoria Park
The Duchess of Sussex paid homage to Australian fashion in a pair high rise jeans by local brand Outland as she arrived in Dubbo on Wednesday. Meghan, 37, covered the first hints of her baby bump in an oversized white shirt by Maison Kitsune, teamed with an oversized grey check blazer from her friend Serena William’s fashion range
. Outland Denim Harriet jean in Black: £140
. Maison Kitsune white button-down collar shirt: £40
. J. Crew Sadie ankle boots in suede: £178
. Boss oversized blazer by Serena Williams: £109.95
. Natalie Marie Precious Initial necklace: £272
. Pascale Monvoisin Cauri Nº2 necklace: £295
OUTFIT TOTAL: £1,034.95
Thursday 18th October
Melbourne: Government House
After an early start, Meghan started off the day at Melbourne’s Government House wearing an elegant ‘folded sail’ dress from Australian label Dion Lee. She teamed the navy number with a Martin Grant trench coat, which she later removed (pictured)
. Dion Lee Folded Sail dress: £703.23
. Gucci Sylvie chain bag: £1,510
. Manolo Blahnik BB navy stilettos: £556
. Shaun Leane gold diamond cuff bangle: £995
. Martin Grant trench coat: As above
OUTFIT TOTAL: £3,764.23
Melbourne: South Melbourne Beach
After starting the day in a bussinesslike navy ensemble, Meghan later changed into flats to take a stroll along South Melbourne Beach. The shoes, from eco-friendly label Rothy’s, are made from recycled bottles once destined for landfill and cost £110
. Club Monaco dress: £325.26
. Rothy’s pumps: £110
. Martin Grant trench coat: As above
. Shaun Leane gold diamond cuff bangle: As above
OUTFIT TOTAL: £435.26
Friday 19th October
Sydney: Bondi Beach
Despite the damp and dreary conditions, Meghan looked radiant in a khaki maxi-dress from Melbourne-born designer Martin Grant’s 2019 Resort collection – teamed with Castaner espadrilles – as she touched down at Bondi Beach with Prince Harry
. Martin Grant pleated stripe long dress: £1,080
. Castaner canvas wedge espadrilles: £80
. Adina Reyter teardrop pendant: £228
OUTFIT TOTAL: £1,388
Sydney: Macarthur Girls High School
The royal couple visited Macarthur Girls High School on the fourth day of their whistle-stop tour of Australia. She wore a blue colour block midi dress from British label Roksanda’s pre-AW18 collection, teamed with her trusty Stuart Weitzman pumps and a white gold bracelet from her favourite jewellery designer, Maison Birks
. Roksanda ‘Athena’ dress: £1,850
. Stuart Weitzman nude pumps: As above
. Maison Birks 18ct white gold flex wrap bracelet: £2,538
. Maison Birks topaz earrings: £498
OUTFIT TOTAL: £4,886
Saturday 20th October
Sydney: Opening the ANZAC War Memorial, Hyde Park
Harry and Meghan were greeted by adoring fans as they opened a new extension of the war memorial at Sydney’s Hyde Park in a surprise appearance. The couple arrived at Hyde Park with NSW Governor David Hurley, a former chief of the defence force
. Emilia Wickstead ‘Camilla’ wool crepe dress: About £1,595
. Philip Treacy OC 471 hat: Approx £780
. Tabitha Simmons ‘Millie’ shoes: £566.09
OUTFIT TOTAL: £2,941
Sydney: Invictus Games Driving Challenge
Harry and Meghan traded their formal attire for casual looks as they took a boat across Sydney Harbour to Cockatoo Island for a special Invictus Games car challenge. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex took the private vessel from Admiralty House in Kirribilli where they were staying a guest of Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove
. Altazzura ‘Acacia’ blazer in white: £1,180
. Mother ‘Looker’ skinny jeans in black: £159
. Tabitha Simmons ‘Millie’ shoes: As above
. Illesteva ‘Palm Beach’ sunglasses: £182
. Invictus Games branded black shirt: Approx £21.89
OUTFIT TOTAL: £1,542.98
Sydney: Invictus Games Opening Ceremony
In a rare move, Meghan recycled a previously worn item when she joined Harry for the Invictus Games opening ceremony on Saturday night. She dug out a navy Stella McCartney cape dress first wore during the Queen’s birthday celebrations
. Gillian Anderson x Winser London swing coat: £395
. Stuart Weitzman Legend High Heel Pumps: As above
. Birks cushion cut sapphire and diamond earrings: £12,021.53
OUTFIT TOTAL: £15,355.62
Sunday 21st October
Sydney: Lunch reception, The Pavilion Restaurant
Meghan opted for head-to-toe monochrome when she joined Prince Harry for an Invictus Games lunch with the Australian Prime Minister in Sydney. After skipping an earlier engagement due to exhaustion, she arrived by car to join her husband for a lunch hosted by the Australian Prime Minister at the city’s trendy Pavilion Restaurant
. L’Agence ‘Brea’ pinstriped linen and cotton-blend blazer: £510
. Aquazzura Deneuve Bow Pumps in black: £490
. Orton ‘Avalon’ zip top crossbody bag: £171
. Outland Denim Harriet jean in Black: As above
. Wolford Portland Turtleneck: As above
OUTFIT TOTAL: £1,171
Sydney: Elliott 7 Team racing
Following lunch on Sunday, the couple, who are expecting their first child together in Spring 2019, wrapped up in Invictus Games branded waterproof jackets as they headed out into Sydney Harbour to take in the action at a sailing event
. Veja perforated toe sneakers: £115
. Black jeans: As above
. Krewe ‘Gravier’ shades: As above
. Wolford Portland Turtleneck: As above
. Invictus Games branded waterproof: Approx £87.45
OUTFIT TOTAL: £202.45
Monday 22nd October
Queensland: Arriving at Kingfisher Bay, Fraser Island
The Duchess channelled Pretty Woman in a casual polka dot dress from & Other Stories when she touched down on Fraser Island. The Duchess remained at the luxury resort where she and Harry were staying on the island for a much-needed rest
. & Other Stories Waist Knit Midi Dress: £89
. Sarah Flint ‘Grear’ sandals: £277
. Karen Walker ‘Northern Lights’ sunglasses: £221
OUTFIT TOTAL: £587
Queensland: Exploring Kingfisher Bay, Fraser Island
The Duchess of Sussex stepped out in one of her most daring ensembles yet when she sported a thigh-flashing dress on Fraser Island on Monday. Meghan, 37, wore the Reformation ‘Pineapple’ dress to explore the Australian tourist spot – where temperatures hit a balmy 24°C on Monday – with Prince Harry
. Reformation ‘Pineapple’ dress: £166.56
. Sarah Flint ‘Grear’ sandals: As above
. Karen Walker ‘Northern Lights’ sunglasses: As above
OUTFIT TOTAL: £166.56
Sydney: Garden party at Government House
. Jason Wu ruched-trim sleeveless crepe sheath day dress : £1,536
. Jimmy Choo black ‘J Box’ clutch: £750
. Aquazzura Deneuve Bow Pumps in powder pink: As above
OUTFIT TOTAL: £2,286
Tuesday 23rd October
Queensland: Leaving Hervey Bay Airport
The duchess, who is pregnant with her first child, boarded a Qantas jet on 23 October in an old linen shirt from J.Crew teamed with skinny jeans (pictured), before emerging on the other side in an elegant white dress from Australian label Zimmermann
. J. Crew linen shirt: £77.47
. Outland skinny jeans: As above
. Karen Walker sunglasses: As above
. Aquazzura DJ mules: £490
. Adina Reyter Pavé Teardrop Necklace: As above
. Pascale Monvoisin Cauri Nº2 Necklace: As above
OUTFIT TOTAL: £567.47
Fiji: Arriving at at Nausori Airport
While on board the plane to Fiji, Meghan changed into an unusually demure white dress by Australian label Zimmermann (pictured), a label generally known for its statement prints and fabrics. She emerged at Nausori Airport looking glowing and refreshed
. Custom Zimmermann dress: Approx £600
. Stephen Jones hat: Approx £2,000
. Earrings: A gift from the Queen (N/A)
. Bracelet: A gift from the Prince of Wales (N/A)
. Tabitha Simmons ‘Millie’ shoes: As above
. Kayu Anna clutch bag: £173.52
OUTFIT TOTAL: £2,773.52
Fiji: Black tie reception at Grand Pacific Hotel
The Duchess of Sussex showed off her growing baby bump as she attended a lavish black tie reception with Prince Harry on the first day of their royal visit to Fiji on Tuesday 23 October. She wore a Ginkgo cape dress from SAFiYAA in ‘Fijian blue’ (pictured)
. SAFiYAA ‘Ginkgo’ cape dress: £1,095
. Diamond drop earrings: N/A (on loan)
. Manolo Blahnik BB navy stilettos: As above
OUTFIT TOTAL: £1,095
Wednesday 24 October
Fiji: University of the South Pacific; local market in Suva
Meghan beamed in a vibrant red gown on Wednesday morning as she walked hand-in-hand with Prince Harry to the University of the South Pacific in Suva (pictured), before visiting a local market. She paired the red number with Castaner espadrilles
The Duchess of Sussex started the day in a forest green Jason Wu design as she waved of her hosts at Nadi Airport in Fiji (pictured), before going on to change her outfit twice after touching down in Tonga. She teamed the dress with her Manolo Blahnik heels
. Jason Wu Collection fitted mid-length dress: Approx £2,229
. Pippa Small Peepal leaf earrings: Approx £900
. Pippa Small ‘Oshna’ bangle: £115
. Pippa Small ‘Omeen’ bangle: £160
. Dior navy satin clutch: As above
. Manolo Blahnik BB navy stilettos: As above
OUTFIT TOTAL: £3,404
Tonga: Arriving at Fua’amotu Airport, Nuku’alofa
Meghan, 37, battled the elements as she and Harry disembarked the private jet at Fua’amotu Airport on Thursday in a £345 Self Portrait dress, teamed with Manolo Blahnik pumps. There was further embarrassment for the duchess as eagle-eyed royal watchers noticed the price tag was still hanging off her designer frock
Tonga: Evening reception at the Royal Palace, Nuku’alofa
Meghan and Harry met the King of Tonga on Thursday evening for a glittering reception and dinner, formally kicking off the Fiji leg of the royal tour. The duchess stunned in a dress by Theia Couture, described as a ‘cap sleeve beaded silk satin column gown’
. Theia Couture column gown: Approx £800
. Givenchy satin clutch with jewellery clasp: £1,390
. Birks ‘Snowflake Snowstorm’ diamond earrings in white gold: £7,137.36
Hey 🙂 So I do indeed keep a break down of how many pieces are repeats. How I do it is everything she wears is a piece in itself so if she wears the same watch at two events it’s counted as two items. And I also keep a record of how many have been worn before. Then I work out percentages. The only thing not included is unidentified pieces. I also keep a record of British brands so if I can’t identify the designer then I don’t include it at all. Luckily for Kate and Meghan there are very few unidentified pieces because they’re so closely followed. So these are Kate’s figures:
2018 (so far, not including yesterday because I haven’t done it yet): 65%
2017: 64%
2016: 56%
2015: 69%
2014: 63%
2013: 65%
2012: 45%
2011: 29%
Meghan’s repeat rate right now is 26% (again, a few days still to catch up on so that might change). So it is lower than Kate’s but not by a considerable amount. I think next year is the year to look out for as you’ll be able to see if her repeat rate stays low or if she was building up her wardrobe with the intent of repeating more things next year. Also in case anyone’s interested Sophie’s repeat rate is way sketchier in terms of accuracy but it’s way over 80%
I may compile a more detailed record so that people can see an entire year piece by piece to see where the number comes from.
In the centre of the photograph is a pale blue and gold evening dress by Sir Norman Hartnell, which was worn by The Queen on a State Visit to The Netherlands in 1958.
I think it’s the mermaid skirt that gets on people’s nerves. Also the first pics were pretty bad. This picture is fantastic, though.
I like that she looks very comfortable with the jewelry. She’s not overwhelmed by it at all and the gown is a nice backdrop to all the bling. The clutch is really nice too.
House of Brat 