money Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
Women in the royal family are constantly in the spotlight, so naturally they've developed a repertoire of fashion and styling hacks to ensure all of their formal (or even non-formal) events run smoothly. No one wants to have a wardrobe malfunction when they're shaking hands with a foreign dignitary with hundreds of cameras around! Here's a comprehensive list of the genius wardrobe tricks that have helped Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and Princess Diana pull off their chicest ensembles.
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Princess Diana used clutches to hide her cleavage.
Princess Di used her clutches to cover her cleavage as she got out of cars. Why? It prevented any prying photographers from snapping a revealing pic of her.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
Even her go-to handbag designer Anya Hindmarch famously called them "cleavage clutches."
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Metallic Box Clutch
nordstrom.com - 5/90
Color Me Roll-Down Leather Statement Clutch
Love Cortnie
lovecortnie.com
$178.00
This simple black option will go with pretty much everything.
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Kate Middleton wears pantyhose with sticky heels.
It's no secret that part of royal protocol for women is to wear pantyhose, but the smooth material makes it way too easy for their feet to slide out of their heels.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
Which is why Kate Middleton chooses tights that have silicone pads on the bottom so they stick to the inside of her high heels. Apparently, she's a fan of the brand John Lewis.
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Sheer Tights
John Lewis & Partners
johnlewis.com
£5.00
It's your lucky day: Kate's favorite pantyhose can be yours.
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Neon 40 Tights
shopbop.com - 10/90
Princess Diana wore hats with hidden combs in them.
Formal public occasions often call for hats, and I'm sure you've wondered how some of the gravity-defying royal headpieces manage to stay perched so perfectly—especially the larger, wide-brimmed ones.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
Reportedly, Princess Diana's hats often had combs inside them that would secure to her hair so they stayed put. Hidden but useful!
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Clear Hair Clips
Better Crafts
amazon.com
$6.78
If you love fascinators (hi, nice to meet you), these combs will keep your headwear in place.
amazon.com - 13/90
DIY Blank Metal Hair Clips
Lamdoo
amazon.com
$3.70
These guys are also helpful if you want to keep your hair out of your face.
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Kate uses hairnets to keep her strands in place.
Despite all odds, Kate makes a pretty convincing case for the hairnet. She often wears them when her hair is styled in more intricate updos—that way, she doesn't have any rogue fly-aways.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
Here's Kate wearing one over her low bun at the 2019 Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.
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Standard Hairnet
target.com - 17/90
10 Pcs Invisible Hair Nets
Amazon - 18/90
Royals wear weights on their hems...sometimes.
Another go-to fashion hack royals use to stop wardrobe malfunctions is weights added to their skirts and dresses. Seems like the royal family stylist sometimes runs out of time to employ this trick, though, as evidenced here by Kate's flying-skirt moment at Princess Eugenie's wedding in October 2018. Whoopsie!
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
Stewart Parvin, one of Queen Elizabeth's couturiers, told the Daily Mail that he sews small lead weights (used for curtains, actually) into the hems of her clothes, which prevents her skirt from blowing up in the wind.
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Reusable Dress Weights, 2pcs
Dress Downs
amazon.com
$5.99
Never have a Marilyn moment again, thanks to these small weighted stickies.
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Home Drapery Lead Weights
Dritz
amazon.com
$12.39
Or you can DIY it like HRH does. Just buy these drapery weights, and attach them to your skirts on the inside hem.
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Royals often wear heavier materials and fitted silhouettes.
Another way royals prevent their outfits from billowing in the wind is by choosing thicker fabrics and more fitted silhouettes, like Kate's tweed blazer-and-skirt set pictured here.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
A-line silhouettes have a greater chance of flying up in the wind, but a sheath dress like this is more likely to avoid any breezy malfunction.
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Cap Sleeve Tweed Shift Dress
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Tie Neck Ruffle Sleeveless Sheath Dress
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Royals wear shoes that are one size too big.
According to fashion expert Harriet Davey, going up a shoe size is a style hack employed by many celebrities. It looks like Meghan used this trick in this instance, as there's lots of room behind her heel in these strappy Aquazzura pumps.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
"Celebs often go a size up, or even two, in the shoe department when they're at an event or on the red carpet, and it's for one reason we can all relate to—to avoid blisters," she said in an interview with The Sun.
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Antilique Strappy Sandal
Vince Camuto
nordstrom.com
$119.95
Copy Meghan's kicks with these neutral heels that tie up the ankle.
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Crocodile Pumps
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Meghan opts for bodysuits so her top stays put.
Meghan looked super fashion-forward (like she always does, TBH) when she stepped out in this Alexander McQueen suit in February 2018. But perhaps more notable than her chic pantsuit was the fact that her white blouse was actually a BODYSUIT (!!!) by the brand Tuxe.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
It seems like Meg has actually worn the style on more than one occasion. She slipped into a sleeveless cashmere one by the same label to celebrate the publication of Together: Our Community Cookbook in September 2018.
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Cowl Neck Bodysuit
CINQ À SEPT
nordstrom.com
$165.00
Leave tops that ride up in the dust and get this bodysuit instead.
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T-Shirt Thong Bodysuit
SKIMS
nordstrom.com
$72.00
Going for a more casual look? Snag this black one and pair it with jeans.
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Surprisingly, royals also wear bodysuits that increase static.
Speaking of bodysuits, etiquette expert Myka Meier said in an interview with The Sun that Kate and Meghan often "wear bodysuits and clothes that actually increase static so it’s much hard[er] for something to fly up." Does this mean they're constantly giving each other static shocks or...?
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
It achieves a similar result as weighted hems, but in a more wearable form. This is just a guess, but it seems like Meghan might have worn one underneath this breezy pleated Self-Portrait dress in April 2018.
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Rib Tank Bodysuit
AGOLDE
shopbop.com
$68.00
Hate it when your dress unexpectedly flies up? Same, so I'm nabbing this sleek black style.
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Cami Thong Bodysuit
SKIMS
nordstrom.com
$58.00
This style has a super thin straps, which is helpful if you're planning to wear it under something sleeveless; plus, it's plain ol' sexy all by itself, too.
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Kate stays warm (and cool) with coat dresses.
One of many royal fashion rules discourages women from taking off their coats in public—surprisingly even indoors. To keep from overheating, while still remaining stylish, Kate often combines her coat and dress into one, as seen here in 2019 with this fuchsia Oscar de la Renta number.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
Kate has become the queen of the coat dress. No matter the event, you can often spot her wearing a colorful garment that buttons tightly at the waist and flairs out at the bottom, like this Michael Kors one from 2016.
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Red Double-Breasted Wool Trench Coat Dress
amazon.com - 41/90
Camel Coat Dress
CURLBIUTY
amazon.com
$89.99
This is a look the Duchess of Cambridge would choose right off the rack herself.
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Meghan wears low buns to prevent hair "dents."
Another speculation is that Meghan's signature low, messy bun makes it seamless for her to wear her hair down for another event later that same day. Her loose updo doesn't cause those annoying hair creases like tighter updos tend to do.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
According to Byrdie UK, "a low bun is like a form of damage control. Markle can wear one all day and then quickly unwind it—letting her loose waves fall beyond her shoulders, ready for the evening's function."
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Bun Hair Pins
amazon.com - 45/90
Super Grip Blonde Bobby Pins 400 Piece Tin
Beauty Rageous
amazon.com
$15.79
Another tip: Find pins that match your hair color so they blend in easily.
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Kate wears leather insoles in her heels to avoid sore feet.
Royal functions mean fancy attire, so that usually means women wear heels. Kate Middleton spends a lot of time walking around in sky-high footwear.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
This is why she's reportedly a fan of Alice Bow leather insoles, which add extra cushiony padding to any shoe. They come with double-sided sticky areas to really hold them in place.
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Insoles for High Heels
Alice Bow
Alice Bow
$19.90
Make your feet happy with a pair of leather inserts that will ease the pain of heels. These guys come in multiple colors, FYI.
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Ultra Thin Leather Insoles
Shoeslulu
amazon.com
$15.95
While this style isn't super thin, it does majorly deliver on the cushion, so your feet won't ache a bit even at the end of a long day.
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The Queen wears bright clothing so people can see her.
HRH is known for her bright, monochromatic looks, which she wears during public appearances so that she's easy to spot from far away.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
"She needs to stand out for people to be able to say, 'I saw the Queen,'" Sophie the Countess of Wessex explained in the documentary The Queen at 90.
And it seems like the Queen has passed this advice on to the future Queen, Kate Middleton. The Duchess has never been one to shy away from color, and in recent years, she's been going even brighter and brighter.
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Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress
Dress the Population
nordstrom.com
$122.00
You don't have to wear neon to make a statement—this bold red dress will do the trick.
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Striped Summer Dress
amazon.com - 54/90
Kate wears hats to keep her hair out of her face.
The Duchess, on more than one occasion, has had to walk down steep stairs in front of hoards of photographers, while holding the future King in her arms. In other words, she's got no time for a face full of hair. Her clever hack: Always wear a hat at the airport.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
A perfectly-placed fascinator gets the job done, too.
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'Messer II' Felted Wool Fedora
BRIXTON
nordstrom.com
$64.00
Even if photographers aren't waiting at your arrival gate, you'll feel totally chic in this wide-brimmed number the next time you travel.
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Beret
Eugenia Kim
nordstrom.com
$295.00
Or maybe you're more of a beret person? It's subtle, but also makes a statement that more or less says "fashion is kind of my thing."
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Royals opt for nude nail polish—per the Queen's request.
All female members of the royal family are instructed to keep their nail colors as natural as possible—AKA neutral or light pink. There are a few exceptions to this rule (see: Meghan at the British Fashion Awards), but generally the women try to adhere to this one.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
What's more ~au naturel~ than no nail polish at all?! At times, you'll see the royals sporting bare nails, but they're still *impeccably* groomed.
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Ballet Slippers Nail Polish
Essie
essie.com
$9.00
Essie's "Ballet Slippers" passes the royal test—Queen Elizabeth has been wearing it for years.
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Wild Nudes Collection
Eternal
amazon.com
$14.99
Or try out these pretty neutral shades that channel your morning coffee.
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Royals invest in classic pieces they can rewear.
Kate Middleton is the queen of repeating outfits—a move that signals practicality and frugality, which aren't adjectives one usually associates with the monarchy. Hey, when you find something as good as this burgundy set, you gotta wear it more than once.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
Meghan also knows the value of investing in a timeless piece, like her Sentaler camel coat. After wearing the piece to Sandringham for her first royal Christmas, Meghan wore it again over her shoulders at a charity visit this November.
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Large Collar Wrap Coat
De La Creme
amazon.com
$179.99
This camel coat is a perfect substitute for Meghan's staple and will remain timeless.
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Chamberlain Blazer
L'AGENCE
lagence.com
$345.00
Whether it's a pant suit or dress suit, a timeless pattern and cut will allow for maximum re-wearability.
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Meghan uses a toothbrush to fight flyaways.
"I spray hairspray on a small boar bristle toothbrush (a regular toothbrush also works great!) to lightly brush them down or smooth the hairline—this is especially good for a sleek bun when I'm off-camera," Meghan told Birchbox in 2014. GENIUS.
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Natural Bristle Bamboo Toothbrush
Gaia Guy
amazon.com
$21.99
A normal toothbrush works just fine, but Meghan uses a boar bristle brush, like this one, for its coarse texture and gentle bristles.
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Texturizing Hair Spray
Ouai Haircare
net-a-porter.com
$26.00
Crunchy hair is sooo '80s. For a strong hold that feels natural and soft, try this option from Jen Atkin's line Ouai.
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Royals always have a shawl on hand.
There's a protocol that states royals can't remove their coat in public...yeah, eye-roll, we know. As a work-around, the ladies have discovered the shawl, which keeps them warm and complies with the palace's rules.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
Even Queen Elizabeth knows the value of a good shawl—though she usually opts for a more glamorous and Queen-like fur stole.
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Ribbed Travel Wrap
BAREFOOT DREAMS®
nordstrom.com
$118.00
This comfy wrap is perfect for throwing on top of a fancy dress or snuggling up in while traveling.
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Shawl Collar Ruana
Echo
echonewyork.com
$129.00
Here's a warm navy one with a handy button closure if it's extra chilly.
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Royals turn to monochrome ensembles when they want to make a statement.
Queen Elizabeth is the OG of monochrome and has been rocking the look *long* before it was trending. We'd expect nothing less from the woman who even has custom umbrellas to match her outfits.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
Meghan was quick to pick up on the Queen's monochrome trick. She wore a number of these looks during her time as a royal, like this crimson 'fit in 2019.
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Faux Leather Pencil Skirt
Simlu
amazon.com
$17.98
The popular burgundy color of this faux leather pencil skirt is relatively easy to match if you want to try out your own Meghan-approved monochrome look.
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Burgundy V-neck Short Sleeve Sweater
Lulu's
lulus.com
$24.00
The lightweight fabric of this short sleeve sweater is practically made for French tucking into a skirt.
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Royals keep their makeup looking natural.
The palace prefers that members of the royal family wear minimal, natural-looking makeup for public appearances. That's why you won't catch Kate rocking a red lip or bright eye shadow.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
Meghan follows this protocol too. Though she hasn't shared her beauty bag with the public recently, she did reveal that Nars Blush in Orgasm was one of her can't-live-without beauty products in an interview with Beauty Banter.
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Blush Set in Orgasm
Nars
nordstrom.com
$30.00
Turns out Meghan's go-to blush is a cult favorite product. Better stock up on this baby, because it tends to sell out fast.
Nordstrom - 80/90
Nude Lipstick
Natasha Denona
sephora.com
$25.00
A simple nude lipstick, like this one from Natasha Denona, is natural enough that even the highest-ranking royal (cough Queen Elizabeth) would approve.
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Meghan conceals tired eyes with highlighter.
According to the royal, a dab of highlighter is the key to looking rested—even when she's not. "To open up your eyes, apply a highlighter like Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Éclat in the inner corner—this trick is especially good when we're filming at 3 a.m. and I need to look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed," Meghan told Birchbox.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
This trick likely came in handy when Meghan was adjusting to the many early morning appearances and appointment-packed foreign tours that came with royal life.
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High Beam Liquid Highlighter
Benefit Cosmetics
sephora.com
$18.00
A liquid highlighter, like Benefit's High Beam, is easy to blend and will help give you that bright-eyed look Meghan was talking about.
Nordstrom - 84/90
BACKSTAGE Glow Face Palette
Dior
sephora.com
$45.00
If you aren't a fan of liquid highlighter, Dior makes an entire palette of highlighting powders that will do the trick.
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Kate Middleton chooses pieces with meaning.
The Duchess of Cambridge is known for letting her outfits do the talking. Case in point: In 2017, when the Duchess attended the 20th Anniversary of Princess Diana's death at Kensington Garden in a dress with a poppy print (AKA the flower of remembrance).
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
Though protocol requires Kate to remain impartial on "political" matters, the Duchess showed solidarity to the #MeToo movement by rocking a black sash at the 2018 BAFTAs.
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Floral Chiffon Midi Dress
BB Dakota by Steve Madden
nordstrom.com
$119.00
Weaving hidden messages into an outfit is a nice touch for anyone. But no matter the occasion, this floral Steve Madden dress is very Duchess-like, don't you think?
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Royals give nods to their travel destinations in their apparel.
The royals are known to dress diplomatically while visiting other countries. For example, Kate incorporated her trusty diamond maple leaf brooch on a visit to Canada.
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Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's Go-To Fashion Hacks Are Really, Really Smart
Meghan was mindful of the importance of tartan plaid while visiting Scotland and was sure to sport a coat with the print while in Edinburgh.
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Double Breasted Plaid Coat
Allegra K
amazon.com
$85.99
Whether you're representing the Crown or not, paying sartorial homage to the place you're visiting is a fun way to pull together a chic look for your next vacay.
amazon.com
![<p>Speaking of bodysuits, <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/7015284/duchess-effect-etiquette-secret-item-meghan-markle-kate-middleton-dresses-flashing-knickers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:etiquette expert Myka Meier said in an interview with The Sun;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">etiquette expert Myka Meier said in an interview with <em>The Sun</em></a> that Kate and Meghan often "wear bodysuits and clothes that actually increase static so it’s much hard[er] for something to fly up." Does this mean they're constantly giving each other static shocks or...? </p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/O6nIlXb.1eDtICfTv6W9vg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE1MjQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/cosmopolitan_438/70e23ca830e4785c44c265649c544dca)
![<p>Speaking of bodysuits, <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/7015284/duchess-effect-etiquette-secret-item-meghan-markle-kate-middleton-dresses-flashing-knickers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:etiquette expert Myka Meier said in an interview with The Sun;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">etiquette expert Myka Meier said in an interview with <em>The Sun</em></a> that Kate and Meghan often "wear bodysuits and clothes that actually increase static so it’s much hard[er] for something to fly up." Does this mean they're constantly giving each other static shocks or...? </p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8fs54Pkvu.5go8T8TDiRMw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTIxMDtoPTEzMQ--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/cosmopolitan_438/70e23ca830e4785c44c265649c544dca)
