The Duchess of Sussex has never been afraid to rewrite the rules, and on 25 February, she applied this freeing attitude to her style as she stepped out overseas. Meghan Markle, 44, was seen as she arrived at a World Health Organisation roundtable in Amman, Jordan, with Prince Harry.
Rather than the usual closed-toe shoes that royal ladies wear on royal engagements, Meghan opted for a pair of black sandals by Zara with a peep toe. They added a more relaxed feel to her structured suit moment.
Meghan's rule-breaking footwear
© PA Images via Getty ImagesDressed in angelic white, the former Suits star opted for a monochrome set by Veronica Beard featuring their 'Yves Tweed Jacket' and the 'Marbeau' wide-leg trousers. The ensemble, identified by Royal Fashion Police on Instagram, retails for £1,518 and was styled with a white camisole top.
Elevating her look to the next level was her yellow gold 'Love' bracelet by Cartier, which added a further £5,850 to her look. Though the structured suit moment felt very Princess of Wales, the open-toe shoes would likely not be an option in Kate's workwear wardrobe. It's an unwritten rule for royal ladies that open-toe shoes are a no-no as they are too informal for public engagements (hence Meghan not wearing them during her time as a senior working royal).
Meghan's 'liberating' fashion choice
© GettyFashion stylist Leanne Jones says Meghan's style rebellion is telling of her attitude towards public appearances in 2026. "There's something incredibly liberating about watching a woman under intense scrutiny make confident, deliberate fashion choices," she tells us.
"She projects assurance and appears to be stepping fully into her own era - dressing not to appease, but to express. The exposed toe is a small nod to that."
Should Meghan have chosen open-toe shoes?
© Getty ImagesWhen it comes to how Meghan styled her shoes, Leanne says the As Ever founder looks polished yet entirely at ease. "I love that she hasn't defaulted to predictable muted tones with this white suit; instead, the sharp contrast of white and black feels modern, intentional and perfectly suited to both the occasion and the setting," Leanne explains.
"It's also a trend we’ve seen lots of already this year, with black and white outfits big at The Golden Globes last month, and Meghan herself in that black and white gown in LA a couple of weeks ago."
Meghan's red carpet take on a classic colour palette
© GettyAs Leanne points out, Meghan did mix white (well, off-white) with black as she made an appearance at the annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala honouring Tina Knowles at Paramount Studios on 7 February. For her rare red carpet outing, Meghan opted for a gorgeous Harbison Studio gown featuring a sweetheart neckline and fitted silhouette.
"There's something incredibly liberating about watching a woman under intense scrutiny make confident, deliberate fashion choices."
© GettyShe added a shawl with a long train for added Hollywood glamour and slicked her hair off her face in an elegant balletic bun. Her dramatic earrings, a vintage 1970s onyx and diamond pendant pair from Maison Mèrenor, added to the flamboyant finish.
Meghan embraces 2026's trendiest neckline
© PA Images via Getty ImagesBoth black and white looks contrast her more understated (but on-trend) outfit worn to accompany Harry to a World Health Organisation delegation to the National Centre for Rehabilitation of Addicts in Amman.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesShe paired black slim-fit trousers and block heels with a taupe-hued wool jacket with this season's trendiest feature – a funnel neck. Her hair was tucked into the neckline of her coat to further accentuate it.
