Meghan Markle [1] put a California-cool spin on a classic look [2] when she dressed in polka dots to cheer on Prince Harry at his polo match in Santa Barbara, CA, on May 22. She combined a classic black-and-white polka-dot blouse featuring long sleeves and a front tie with white high-waisted Bermuda shorts [3] that hit just above the knee. Both her wide-leg slacks and black leather belt are from New York-based fashion label Khaite, which she recently repped in the form of an off-shoulder bodysuit [4] at the Invictus Games.
Upon seeing Markle's outfit, royal-family followers quickly drew comparisons to several of Princess Diana's polka-dot ensembles. Markle's combination looks like a modern-day iteration of an outfit Diana wore to a Cirque du Soleil show with Harry and William back in 1990, and it's somewhat similar to a white dress with black spots that the late royal wore to one of Prince Charles's polo matches in 1987. Though the nod might not be intentional, the resemblance is hard to ignore, considering the many times Markle has paid homage to Diana [5] in the past.
As for the rest of Markle's polo-match look, she chose classic jewellery pieces, including a gold "A" pendant necklace ("A" for son Archie), a Cartier watch [6], a Cartier bracelet, several thin rings, and square-shaped diamond earrings from Lorraine Schwartz. The duchess pulled together the outfit with a black sun hat, black Aquazzura pumps, Valentino sunglasses, and bright, berry-coloured lipstick.
Read ahead to see and shop Markle's latest style moment and reminisce about Princess Diana's similar polka-dot outfits.
Meghan Markle's Outfit at Prince Harry's Polo Match in Santa Barbara
Princess Diana's Similar Polka-Dot Outfits
At a Cirque du Soleil show in August 1990.
At a polo match in June 1987.
At Derby Day in June 1986.
Shop a Similar Polka-Dot Shirt
Nili Lotan Carina Tie Neck Silk Top [8] ($595)
Shop a Similar Polka-Dot Shirt
Yours Balloon Sleeve Blouse [9] ($38)
Shop Similar White Shorts
H&M Bermuda Shorts [10] ($25)
Shop Similar White Shorts
Madewell Lightspun Easy Pull-On Shorts [11] ($50)
Shop Meghan's Exact Belt
Khaite The Bella Belt [12] ($480)
Shop a Similar Black Belt
Free People Branson Leather Belt [13] ($48)