Meghan Markle Has Found The Only Item You Need To Nail Summer Workwear

Some compensation for the fact that we got a mere one-and-a-half looks at Meghan Markle’s Jubilee weekend wardrobe (including that brilliant Dior couture coat for the Service of Thanksgiving): new images have been released of the Duchess of Sussex during April’s Invictus Games.

Making a secret visit to Amsterdam’s Project Fearless, a non-profit organisation providing after-school activities for girls aged nine to 14, Markle joined its Entrepreneurship course as a guest coach. ‘During her visit, she gave the girls inspiring and encouraging feedback on their sustainable business pitches, and enthusiastically joined in with a group exercise on facing fears,’ said Project Fearless on its Instagram page. It also shared a quote from the special guest: 'Safe, supportive spaces like Project Fearless allow girls the opportunity to express themselves, build each other up, gain resilience, and tackle new challenges.'

For the occasion, Markle channelled the low-key luxury and professional polish that she has made her calling card since moving back Stateside. As evidenced by everything from her business trip to New York to her recent appearance at the polo, her post-firm look doubles down on lavish labels worn in an unassuming, understated way. Valentino, Loro Piana, Celine, Khaite are just a few of the brands she has on rotation now. It’s a subtle expression of a newfound autonomy on her part: she is making her own money and can spend it however she wants.

The look, then? Black jeans, pointed pumps, a black T-shirt and a gently oversized cream blazer which is believed to be by Chloé. That would be the perfect brand for her to tap into right now. Chloé is now helmed by creative director Gabriela Hearst – a designer Markle already likes, having worn pieces from Hearst’s eponymous label in the past – who is renowned for her sustainable practices. A woman with conscious design credentials? That’s made for Meghan.

And there’s a lesson in there for the rest of us too: namely the power of a great blazer. Consider a loose, tailored jacket the solution to summer workwear conundrums; sleek enough to appear professional, relaxed enough to deal with stuffy commutes, covered enough to cope with over-enthusiastic air conditioning (and, you know, office dress codes). That pared-back colour is also a win, looking as good with black as it does with brights. In short, the ultimate wardrobe all-rounder.