(Culture)
Meghan Markle Kicks Off A Week Of Royal Engagements In Altuzarra Pants
The Duchess of Sussex has a busy week ahead of her. Prior to her first solo engagement on Tues., the Duchess attended the Coach Core Awards in Loughborough with Prince Harry. And while the footage of the royal couple playing basketball is priceless, the real highlight of the event was was Meghan Markle's black Altuzarra pants.
Harry and Markle traveled to Loughborough University on Mon. morning in support of Coach Core, a program that trains, mentors, and encourages young people to become coaches. According to Kensington Palace, the couple turned out on Mon. to meet with over 200 of the program's apprentices. In between playing basketball (in heels) and chatting with students, Markle stopped for some brief PDA moments with Harry.
Markle — who's introduced her obsession with pants and blazers in recent months — arrived at the university in a pair of perfectly tailored, slightly flared trousers by Altuzarra. But rather than top off the look with a matching blazer (like she did at the WellChild awards in early Sept.), Markle paired the pants with a long-sleeve, navy top by Oscar de la Renta.
The look was the perfect combination of formal and practical — although running around in stilettos isn't the slightest bit easy, Markle kept things casual by opting for pants and a blouse (rather than traditional outfit of royal women: a dress or skirt).
Markle's look also proved she may be ditching her signature, wispy bun for good. The Duchess almost exclusively wore a no-frills, low bun during her first months as a royal (who could forget her low-maintenance wedding hairstyle?), but she's recently traded it out for loose curls, subtle waves, and, as of today, a pin-straight look with a few face-framing layers.
It's no secret that Markle prefers easy, no-fuss looks — she reportedly even opts to do her on makeup throughout royal engagements — and the Coach Core Awards were no exception.
Although the Queen reportedly prefers royal women to wear skirts and dresses during engagements (see: Kate Middleton's extensive collection of A-line dresses, each chicer than the next), Markle proves time and time again that she isn't afraid to bend the rules. Much like her husband's late mother Princess Diana, the Duchess of Sussex doesn't shy away from menswear-inspired pieces (and sometimes even coordinates with Harry's signature navy suits).
There's a good reason Markle keeps relying on dress pants — they're truly a two for one. Although Markle went for a more casual look on Mon., the tailoring and luxe, crepe fabric can be dressed up with ease. Between fashion week and Blake Lively's A Simple Favor press tour, dress pants have quickly become the go-to item for the celebrity and street-style set alike.
Whether they're paired with a matching blazer or finished off with a crisp white t-shirt, trousers are one product well worth your investment this fall. Lucky for you, the Duchess of Sussex's exact pants are still available (but considering Markle's cult-like following within the fashion world, they won't be for long).
