(Culture)

Meghan Markle Swapped Her Go-To Neutrals For A Bold, Printed Dress

by Julia Weiner
Chris Jackson/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

The Duchess of Sussex has a special way of bringing a unique edge to royal style. Her pregnancy hasn't slowed down her lineup of trend-conscious looks one bit, shining a spotlight on rich neutrals, dynamic fabrics, and now, super-daring prints. Meghan Markle's animal-print dress offers up a unique alternative to leopard or snakeskin, proving that a whimsical design can look sophisticated with the proper styling.

Markle and Prince Harry paid a visit to Bristol Old Vic Theatre on Feb. 1. The mom-to-be wore a black chiffon midi dress by Oscar de la Renta, featuring a belted waist, a v-neck, a buttoned bodice, and sheer sleeves. The most interesting component of the designer piece? The dress came complete with various animals and flowers delicately displayed throughout, including birds, deer, monkeys, and more.

She made the ensemble suitable for snowy weather with the addition of olive-green boots by Sarah Flint, effortlessly complemented by a matching clutch. As for jewelry, the duchess kept it subtle with dainty, diamond studs and a small pendent. Markle's strayed from her signature low bun in recent weeks, this time opting for a side part with glossy waves.

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Whether you've spotted it on your Instagram feed, the red carpet, or on your favorite celebs, animal print is a 2019 fashion must-have. From leopard-print skirts to snakeskin boots, the vintage-looking trend continues to renew itself in a variety of forms.

While Markle's stunned in cow print before, this specific venture into the world of animal print comes as a bit of a surprise. Since she's known for following trends in a particularly polished way, royal fans have been waiting for Markle to experiment with something like a cozy leopard-print sweater or a pair of snakeskin pumps. Instead, she took the style to a more literal level by wearing a jungle's worth of animals on a single dress.

Take a walk on the wild side by experimenting with the newest royal-approved print. Below, shop The Zoe Report's favorite animal-inspired pieces that are just as elegant as they are fierce.

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