Meghan Markle's Date-Night Dress Isn't Just Beautiful—It's Loaded With Meaning

Umbrella: check. Water droplets capturing the flash of the cameras just so: check. Incredible dress: check, check, check! Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped out in the rain on Tuesday to attend the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Awards in New York City, and, wow, they did so in style. I don't know about you, but after being in a relationship for a very, very long time, I can tell you my date nights have become significantly less glamorous over the years. So gazing on as Harry and Meghan enjoyed a midweek night out made for delightful and vicarious viewing. 

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(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

For the occasion, Markle wowed in a custom Louis Vuitton column dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline and long sleeves, which bore a subtle resemblance to her wedding dress silhouette. This dress, however, features elegant (and on-trend) draping to the waist and a perfectly positioned split to better showcase a shoe moment. Keeping things classic, Markle opted for a pair of timeless black patent pumps and a coordinating clutch, completing her ensemble with a sentimental touch: an aquamarine ring that once belonged to Harry's late mother, Princess Diana. With her hair slicked back into a low bun and her makeup as flawless as ever, this just might be one of her best looks to date. I have no notes. 

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(Image credit: BACKGRID)

It would, however, be remiss of me not to mention that this is the first red carpet appearance the couple have made since the trailer of their new Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan, was released, and with that comes the understanding that all eyes would be on them even more so than usual. We all know that Meghan Markle dresses with purpose; that every item she chooses to wear tells a unique story, so why would this night be any different? While white features regularly in Markle's wardrobe—she's a classicist at heart—choosing to wear it now could be symbolic. We all know the impact that colours can have on our moods and well-being; individual people will gravitate towards specific shades when, say, they want to feel empowered in a work meeting. In chromotherapy, also known as colour therapy, white is said to attract "positive spiritual energy and cultivates purity for the wearer," and wearing white is a statement of peacefulness. Perhaps this is the true message Meghan Markle wants us to take away from her ensemble; one which I support, particularly over the coming days. 

Still, I have to admit that Markle's outfit has me searching for a white dress of my own. Scroll on to see my edit of the best white dresses on the market that are as close to Markle's one-of-a-kind Louis Vuitton number as I can find. 

Shop My Edit of White Occasion Dresses

Next Up: The Cult Moisturisers Rosie HW, Victoria Beckham and Meghan Markle Actually Use

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.