All eyes have been on Meghan Markle this year [1] as she becomes accustomed to her new royal life, and she's been exceeding our expectations every step of the way. Each time the Duchess of Sussex steps out with Prince Harry [2], she gives us a major case of outfit envy by sporting the loveliest dress [3] and most versatile heels [4]. Though Meghan's ensembles have ranged from floral dresses [5] to black pantsuits [6], we're already seeing the newlywed develop a signature style, and it all boils down to bateau necklines.
Bateau is the fancy French word for "boat," and it's used to describe wide, high necklines that cut straight across the top along the collarbone without plunging. The silhouette is flattering, modest, and downright regal, aka the perfect fit for a duchess. Meghan has worn boat-neck dresses for multiple occasions this year, including Prince Louis's christening [7], her visit to Ireland [8], and, most notably, her wedding day, when she wowed us by slipping into an understated yet gorgeous Givenchy gown [9] that showed the subtlest bit of shoulder.
Considering the power of the so-called "Meghan Markle effect," [10] we would hardly be surprised if there's an uptick in the popularity of boat-neck dresses as Meghan continues to wear them. Ahead, take a chronological look at all the times the former Suits star [11] has put her bateau obsession on display this year — so far.
The Plaid Theory Blazer
OK, OK — this isn't exactly a dress, but the plaid blazer [12] Meghan wore while visiting Cardiff Castle in January [13] is still worth talking about. Though the Theory jacket reveals a bit more shoulder than some of her more recent boat-neck looks, she still looked incredibly sophisticated for the royal engagement in Wales.
Meghan styled the check-print jacket with black pants and booties, while Prince Harry wore a cashmere Everlane sweater [14] that we'd totally rock on a Winter day.
We bet Harry was whispering a little something about how much he loves that bateau neckline.
The Prewedding Navy Dress
Fewer than 24 hours before Meghan and Harry's highly anticipated royal wedding [15], the soon-to-be-bride stepped out sporting a gorgeous blue number by Roland Mouret [16]. Her dress featured a draped detailing on the side, and she paired it with grey suede Manolo Blahnik pumps, one of her go-to choices for high heels [17].
Meghan wore the dress while helping her mom, Doria Ragland, get situated at the Cliveden House [18], the lavish hotel they both stayed in the night before Meghan said "I do."
"BRB, getting married tomorrow!" — Meghan, probably
The Givenchy Wedding Dress
Meghan kept things simple yet impossibly stunning on her big day [19], wearing a lovely wedding gown designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy [20]. Her dress featured three-quarter sleeves, an open bateau neckline, and a full skirt that allowed her satin pointed-toe pumps [21] to peek out as she walked down the steps of St George's Chapel with her new hubby.
Meghan kept her five-meter-long wedding veil [22] in place with a diamond-encrusted bandeau tiara [23], which originally belonged to Queen Mary and was lent to her for the special occasion.
Since Meghan's tiara was so jaw-droppingly sparkly, she kept the rest of her jewellery pretty muted [24], opting for simple diamond earrings and a Cartier bracelet.
The Pink Suit Dress
Meghan gave us major Jackie Kennedy vibes [25] when she showed up to Queen Elizabeth's Young Leaders Awards alongside Prince Harry [26] in a blush suit dress by Prada [27]. The custom design featured a double-breasted bodice with a thin matching belt and — you guessed it — a bateau neckline.
Meghan paired the coordinating set with black pumps that featured the cutest bow detail on the back [28].
The perfectly tailored bodice fit Meghan like a glove!
The Yellow Brandon Maxwell Dress
The Duchess of Sussex looked positively radiant when she stepped out with Harry for the Your Commonwealth Youth Challenge reception in London [29]. Though her bright yellow Brandon Maxwell dress [30] cuts a bit higher than many of her other boat-neck outfit choices, it still has that same straight-across silhouette on top.
Meghan truly let her bright marigold dress do the talkin', as she simply paired it with neutral pumps and diamond Adina Reyter earrings [31].
Find someone who looks at you the way Meghan looks at Harry [32].
The Olive Green Christening Dress
When Meghan made an appearance at Prince Louis's royal christening [33], we were quite taken aback by the colour of her outfit — in a good way! She opted for an olive green Ralph Lauren dress [34] for the occasion, which made her stand out among the other royal family members in the official christening portraits [35].
The Duchess styled her dress with a thin belt, Stephen Jones hat, clutch, and gloves, all of which perfectly matched the olive green hue.
Oh, and she also coordinated her shoes, slipping into a pair of suede Manolo Blahnik pumps.
The Black Dior Dress
While celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force at Westminster Abbey in London, Meghan donned a simple black Dior dress [36] that featured three-quarter sleeves, a nipped-in waistline, thin belt, full skirt, and, once again, a bateau neckline. She paired it with beige pumps, a black box clutch, a swirling netted headpiece, and white gold diamond earrings by Cartier.
Ugh, could these two be any cuter?! Meghan and Harry snuck some loving glances at each other as they sat together at the commemorative service [37]. Kate Middleton, who wore a powder blue Alexander McQueen coat [38] for the occasion, was also there with her hubby, Prince William.
If this dress gave you major flashbacks to the royal wedding [39], you're not alone. As soon as Meghan stepped out in the Dior number, many onlookers compared it to her famous Givenchy wedding dress, which had a a nearly identical neckline, sleeve length, and flared-out skirt. The only minor details that differentiated it were the shorter hemline and thin belt.
The Gray Roland Mouret Dress
Meghan sure does love Roland Mouret! After sporting a navy boat-neck dress [40] just one day before her wedding, she gave us déjà vu by slipping into a very similar number by the French designer [41] while touring around Ireland with her hubby [42].
Though this dress was grey instead of navy blue and had three-quarter sleeves instead of capped ones like her prewedding getup, the draped detail on the side immediately tipped us off that it was designed by Roland Mouret. Seeing as Meghan is a known fan of buying the same clothing items in multiple different hues [43], we can hardly say we were surprised by her move.
Meghan wore the grey ensemble alongside Prince Harry while the two played with the Irish president's very furry dogs.