Meghan Markle’s fashion failsafe: The TEN times the Duchess of Sussex has worn halternecks – as royal fashion expert ELIZA SCARBOROUGH reveals they can even be used to hide broad shoulders

Ever since she has been part of the Royal Family, Meghan Markle’s fashion failsafe has never been far away.

The  Duchess of Sussex has embraced the halterneck as her go-to look for everything from royal engagements to glamorous red-carpet appearances. 

First catching global attention at her 2018 wedding reception, the halterneck neckline on her Stella McCartney gown became Meghan’s trademark.

She has often been spotted in variations of the sophisticated high neckline with cutaway shoulders.

The Duchess often favours sleek, minimalist designs in neutral tones, which perfectly complement her refined taste whilst highlighting her toned shoulders and slender frame.

Designed to camouflage the broadness of shoulders and to slim the silhouette, a halter neckline can draw attention to the areas you want and away from areas you don’t, making this a failsafe fashion formula for Meghan.

Bridal Style

Meghan’s custom Stella McCartney gown – which she wore at the evening reception on her wedding day in 2018 (above) – was her first big halter neck moment

Meghan’s first and possibly most famous major halter neck fashion moment was on her wedding day. 

Her custom Stella McCartney gown for the 185-person evening reception at Frogmore House featured a figure flattering silhouette and a high halter neckline.

She paired the outfit with her signature loose chignon hairstyle. 

The halterneck crepe gown generated such attention that a month later the label produced an evening gown collection called ‘Made With Love’.

It included a limited-edition piece that resembled Meghan Markle’s reception dress for the evening soirée.

Summer Neutrals

Pairing a chic Anine Bing knitted halter tank with Brandon Maxwell belted wide leg trousers for the Invictus Games One Year to Go Event in Dusseldorf in 2023, Meghan bared her shoulders in a fresh daytime ensemble.

Leaning into summer neutrals, the tonal look not only highlighted her favourite feature but was reminiscent of her wedding gown. 

Her accessories for the Invictus event were much more low-key than the dazzling jewels she sported for her wedding reception.

They were paired with her signature messy bun.

Meghan showcased her incredible arms in this Anine Bing halter neck top at the Invictus Games in 2023

Turtleneck Knitwear

The Duchess stuck to her post-palace, stealth luxury aesthetic for an Invictus Games Reception in 2023, wearing a form-fitting knitted Toteme dress in a muted tone of grey. 

The luxurious knitwear and high turtleneck collar added a demure edge to the revealing cutaway shoulders. She styled the strapless number with classic Dior pumps and loose waves.

The Duchess stuck to her post-palace, stealth luxury aesthetic for an Invictus Games Reception in 2023, wearing a form-fitting knitted Toteme dress in a muted tone of grey 

Quiet Luxury

Meghan Markle continued her display of quiet luxury at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge in April this year by wearing an ivory halter sundress. 

Created by California designer Heidi Merrick, the silk frock ticked all of Meghan’s style boxes and featured a folded halter top with a statement bow and cutout detail. 

Markle completed her ensemble for the California outing with sunglasses from Merrick paired with nude leather pumps by Aquazzura.

Meghan Markle continued her display of quiet luxury at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge in April this year by wearing an ivory halter sundress 

Markle completed her ensemble for the California outing with sunglasses from Merrick paired with nude leather pumps by Aquazzura 

Understated Glamour

Meghan Markle pulled out all the fashion stops for her last day in Nigeria earlier this year.

She wore a printed Johanna Ortiz halter dress to attend the Nigeria Unconquered game at the Lagos Polo Club. 

Johanna Ortiz was her designer of choice during the tour and her third frock from the Colombian designer featured a halter neck with a scarf wrapped around her neck.

Meghan Markle wore this Johanna Ortiz  halter dress to a charity polo match  at the Lagos Polo Club

Wedding Whites

Meghan Markle’s bridal ESPYs look channelled one of her most memorable fashion moments: her 2018 wedding reception outfit. 

Stepping out to the event in support of Prince Harry, who received the Pat Tillman Award for Service, the Duchess slipped into an angelic custom look from Oscar de la Renta.

It featured a draped halterneck and a whimsy maxi skirt. 

She paired her evening look with Lorraine Schwartz jewels, a slicked-back hairdo, her go to Cartier love bracelet, and black Celine pumps.

Meghan was wearing a ‘bridal’ white halter gown from Oscar de la Renta at the  ESPY Awards 2024

Laid Back Tailoring

Meghan attended the star-studded G9 Ventures Summer Summit in July in a matching cutaway waistcoat and trousers in beige linen by Revolve. 

Ahead of her lifestyle brand launch, the Duchess displayed a more laid-back approach to business dressing yet still flashed her bare shoulders. 

She accessorised with all-gold jewellery and black Heidi Merrick sunglasses for a California-girl ensemble.

Meghan’s halter neck cutaway waistcoat and trousers in beige linen by Revolve

Polished Elegance

The Duchess of Sussex brought her brand of California chic to Colombia on the first day of her tour with Prince Harry in August.  

Meghan opted for a summer staple every West Coast girl has in her wardrobe, a sleeveless suit.

The Duchess wore this navy Veronica Beard set consisting of a high collared waistcoat with bare shoulders and matching trousers in Bogota, 2024

Her elegant navy Veronica Beard set consisted of a high collared waistcoat with bare shoulders and matching cropped straight-leg trousers. 

Meghan finished the polished ensemble with Manolo Blahnik heels, a Loro Piana top-handle bag, Ray Ban sunglasses and her hair pulled back into a neat bun.

Timeless Tuxedo Jumpsuit

Duchess Meghan looked radiant in a halterneck jumpsuit for a surprise appearance with Oprah for the opening of a new bookstore near Montecito.

Taking the opportunity to continue to showcase her laid-back yet chic approach to a business-casual wardrob,  she dressed in a navy blue jumpsuit from Club Monaco.

It featured a collared halterneck, buttons down the centre, a belted waist, and straight-leg tousers.

Meghan wore one of her favourite brands from Club Monaco and wore a navy jumpsuit with a featured collared halter neck for a surprise appearance with Oprah at the opening of a new bookstore

Tweed Tennis Dress

For a special appearance at the George Zajifen Tennis Tournament in Los Angeles in September, Meghan nailed tennis chic dressing.

She wore a Giuliva Heritage tailored sleeveless halter dress.

With a shirt collar and cutaway shoulders, the mini dress would have been just as fitting on court as well as off. 

The Duchess paired the ivory dress with her Carolina Herrera satchel, a tan top handle bag beloved by Queen Letizia, Ray Ban aviators and Aquazzura heels.

For a special appearance at the George Zajifen Tennis Tournament in Los Angeles in September, Meghan nailed tennis chic dressing. She wore a Giuliva Heritage tailored sleeveless halter dress