Meghan Markle's White Cutout Halter Dress Is a Sign of Her New Style Era

This March, Meghan Markle hired stylist Jamie Mizrahi for a reported "Hollywood relaunch"—ostensibly tied to major career moves like the launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, and her forthcoming Netflix projects. Less than a month later, the Duchess of Sussex is ready to reveal her new outlook on personal style. Spoiler: It's a more daring approach to the polished neutrals and streamlined dresses she's worn in the past.

On Friday, April 12, Meghan Markle dressed in an ivory Heidi Merrick dress to cheer on Prince Harry at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge to benefit Sentebale. (The former royal founded the charity, which supports children in Africa affected by inequality, poverty, and HIV/AIDS, with Lesotho's Prince Seeiso in 2006.) Markle's high neckline and clean palette reflected past outfits for public engagements—with the exception of a large triangular cutout at the base of the bodice.

Markle's dress also had a banded, structured waistband that flowed into a mid-length skirt. She coordinated the piece with oversize square black sunglasses—a second item from the "California lifestyle brand" Heidi Merrick.

While the flash of skin was a style-180 for Markle's modest-yet-sleek wardrobe, her mix of accessories stayed true to past looks. She combined old staples (like a white Valentino bag and nude Aquazzura pumps) with vintage pieces (a pair of archival Chanel earrings).

Over the years, Meghan Markle has supported Prince Harry's polo matches in a range of spring-ready sundresses and suiting by luxury and contemporary brands—but never in the form of a cutout dress. In 2018, she attended the same Sentebale benefit match in a denim dress by one of her favorite designers, Carolina Herrera. She also stepped into Aquazzura pumps for the occasion.

Between the March news that Markle is exploring her style horizons and Friday's Polo Cup appearance, the entrepreneur has made a handful of surprise appearances. Those looks shared the same reserved, polished approach she took to dressing for life as a working royal—and for her return to the United States—with a stable of designers her followers will recognize. For a March visit to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Markle re-wore an Oscar de la Renta shirt dress with semi-sheer floral detailing. Speaking at the Kinsey Collection a few weeks before, she draped a floral cape by Carolina Herrera over her shoulders. (Very pretty, but not yet envelope-pushing.)

Markle has worn plenty of ivory before, but her more daring silhouette could be the start of something new with Mizrahi. The fashion expert is known for creating distinct-yet-aspirational style identities for her clients, from quiet luxury with The Row and Dior for Jennifer Lawrence to high glamour in Givenchy and Schiaparelli for Adele.

At the very least, the Duchess's look has a subtle tie to one of her upcoming projects. Heidi Merrick is a Los Angeles-based designer channeling an upscale-yet-relaxed lifestyle reflective of her Santa Barbara, California, upbringing into clothing. The vibe isn't too far off from Markle's Montecito-based American Riviera Orchard (based on the limited sneak-peek).

It'll take more public appearances for Markle and Mizrahi's vision to fully take form. So far, the results are delightfully unexpected. Shop little white dresses inspired by Meghan Markle's cutout halter moment below.

Shop White Dresses Inspired by Meghan Markle