Meghan Markle wrapped up in a chic Stella McCartney coat for her royal outing with Prince Harry yesterday, but underneath, she wore a checked off-the-shoulder jacket by Theory, which she styled as a top. The grey check paired nicely with her otherwise all-black ensemble, which included Hiut Denim skinny jeans, Tabitha Simmons velvet boots and a black scarf.
Markle proved the versatility of her outfit, after wearing it to both the banquet hall of Cardiff Castle and a Star Hub street dance class for disadvantaged children.
The look turned out to be an unexpected tribute to the royal family as well. The pattern Markle wore is called the Prince of Wales Check, or glen plaid, which is a subtle nod to Harry's father, Prince Charles, who currently holds the same title. However, the print was originally named Edward VII, a former Prince of Wales.
The pattern choice was also a nod to the country that hosted Meghan and Harry today. (The couple visited the Welsh capital of Cardiff.) A tip that Meghan has picked up from The Duchess of Cambridge.
However, other royal references were more obvious. Other members of the British ruling family—namely, Markle's stylish predecessors, the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Diana—appeared to be fans of the same plaid.
The Duchess of Cambridge most recently wore it on an L.K.Bennett coat in December 2017 during an appearance in Manchester.
She also wore a more luxe iteration in this Alexander McQueen look in October 2014.
Years prior, in 1988, Princess Diana wore the pattern on an oversized blazer, which she layered over a white turtleneck.
Markle's sartorial shoutouts were probably coincidental, but if they weren't, she chose the right style icons to emulate.
Erica Gonzales is the Deputy Editor, Digital Content at ELLE, where she helps to oversee coverage and strategy. She was previously the Senior Culture Editor at ELLE and an editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com. She’s probably listening to Lorde right now.
