Why Meghan Markle is ditching her signature accessory
Meghan Markle seems to be seamlessly transitioning into life as a royal — and the proof is in her wardrobe.
The Duchess of Sussex has undergone a style evolution that has seen the 36-year-old ditch her signature crossbody bags in favour of something a tad more regal.
Following in her famous sister-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge,’s footsteps, Markle has been carrying high-fashion clutch bags by Givenchy and Wilbur & Gussie for her first official royal engagements.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, celebrity stylist Rochelle White said the move is a sign of Markle’s royal image overhaul.
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“Before Meghan became part of the royal family, she definitely had a much more relaxed casual sense of style,” White revealed. “Now that she is part of the royal family, she has to adapted her style to fit that. I think Meghan has taken some inspiration from Kate, but is putting her own spin on it.”
According to White, Markle’s choice in handbag, although minor, elevates her look.
“Clutch bags look much more elegant than her trusted cross-body bag and adds a more traditional, classic regal style,” she said.
Aside from looking chic, clutch bags may actually be a strategic move for royals to maintain their distance from spectators.
One etiquette expert says Middleton’s go-to pose of holding her clutch in both hands in front of her stance helps the Duchess avoid awkward encounters with people who want to shake her hand.
“When the Duchess is at an event, she holds her bag in front of her in both hands when shaking hands might be awkward,” Myka Meier told Good Housekeeping. “Or she can place it in one hand to have the other free. It never gets tucked under an arm or placed on the ground or table.”
When it comes to the royal family, a purse is never just a purse!
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