Meghan Markle is quickly morphing into the perfect princess. She’s adapting to her royal duties nicely (the queen even passed one of her roles off to Meghan) and her princess street style has been spot on. She's swapped her jeans for polished dresses, fedoras for fascinators, and, now, her casual crossbody bags for elegant clutches.
Prior to becoming the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan was spotted in crossbody pieces and top handle totes from the likes of Strathberry and Chloé. While the items themselves were cute and trendy, they apparently weren't a fit for a royal's wardrobe, especially for more formal public appearances.
"Cross-body bags look great with jeans and trousers and more informal clothes, but not with designer outfits, especially when you are being photographed and scrutinized from every angle," Royal expert Penny Junor said to Harper's Bazaar UK. "Now that she is a Duchess, she doesn't need anything more useful than lipstick, and possibly her phone."
Clutches do look daintier and cleaner with Meghan's new royal wardrobe, as the photos can attest to. "As the Duchess of Sussex has started attending events that are more formal in nature, we see her handbag style transitioning from larger, casual totes to smaller, more formal clutches," said etiquette coach Myka Meier from Beaumont Etiquette.
She's also seemingly following in her sister-in-law's footsteps as Kate Middleton's known for holding clutches in order to avoid awkward handshakes. Princess Diana, too, often carried the tiny accessory as a way to shield her chest when she wore low-cut dresses. So, you can say clutches run in the family.
RELATED STORIES
-
Princess Diana Wore an Unbelievable "Disguise" for Secret Night Out"We were nudging each other like naughty schoolchildren."
-
Why Archie and Lilibet Aren't at the Invictus GamesRoyal experts break down why the little prince and princess have remained at home in California.
-
Taylor Swift Makes Her Feelings Known in "Joy" DressThe superstar's emotions were on full display at a New Orleans dinner date ahead of the Super Bowl.
-
Hailey Bieber Is the Quintessential Rich Mom Styling a Fur Coat, Massive Designer Bag, and Luxury StrollerThe Rhode Beauty founder keeps expanding her collection of mom-friendly designer bags.
-
A Classic White T-Shirt Is the Best Winter Styling PieceThis basic is the secret ingredient to creating the perfect outfit.
-
Jennifer Lopez’s Masterclass in Making Every Outfit Look Like a Billion DollarsThe secret to J.Lo’s impossibly glam style? It’s not just the Birkins—it’s the strategy. Here’s how she makes every single piece exude pure luxury.
-
Spring 2025 Trends I'm Already Shopping On-Sale From COS, Mango, and ReformationSnag these sought-after styles before anyone else (and for less).
-
Here's How Regular People Can Style Leggings Like a Miu Miu ModelTen outfits that showcase the stretch pant's elevated everyday potential.
-
10 Must-Haves Marie Claire Editors Are Buying to Kickstart 2025Our team's investing in these items to start the new year right.
-
Angelica Hicks Can Turn Literally Anything in Your House Into High FashionThe internet sensation recreates Zendaya and Taylor Swift’s iconic red carpet looks with everyday items.
-
30 Pieces Zendaya Would Probably Buy at the Nordstrom Half-Yearly SaleFrom polished trench coats to sultry date-night dresses.
