There no two ways about it, Meghan Markle is a fashion icon. Though the phrase is much overused few people have the same effect sales and trends as the Duchess of Sussex. The newlywed prompts sweaters to sell out and little-known labels to become household names. Now she’s sparked a steep rise in the sales of boat necklines.
Sitting shy of the collarbone this demure cut, which is also known as a bateau, Bardot and Sabrina neckline, was most notably worn by [Markle on her wedding day](https://graziadaily.co.uk/celebrity/style/meghan-markle-wedding-dress-clare-waight-keller/-keller/). Though that’s not the only time, she wore a more extreme version on a Carolina Herrera dress at the Trooping of the Colour last weekend.
The shopping site Lyst, which tracks users search terms, has noted that 52 per cent more customers in the last two months searched for dresses and tops with the word ‘boat’. Similarly, the website witnessed a 40 per cent increased in searches for ‘halter neck dresses’ and a 21 per cent rise in hunts for ‘halter neck tops’ since the Duchess wore a Stella McCartney evening gown on her wedding day with this tapered neckline.
Considering its name one would think that the Royal Ascot dress code would be aligned with the taste of nobility. However, the 2018 official guidelines confirm this newly popular neckline doesn’t meet the regulations of several enclosures. This Tuesday those frequenting Ascot Racecourse - including Meghan Markle if she wishes to attend - will need to avoid strapless, halter neck and spaghetti strap designs. Though the rules are strict for women, for the first time in six years Ascot has inducted a new regulation for men too. No longer will male attendees be allowed to bare their ankles for if they would like to enter the Royal Enclosure they must wear socks, a waistcoat, a tie and black or grey top hat.