The Duchess of Sussex is no stranger to dressing for special events but her latest red carpet look was a little different for her. Stepping out with Prince Harry in New York on 9th October to attend the Project Healthy Minds' World Mental Health Day gala, Meghan went for a dramatic all-black outfit with a statement gold necklace.
It’s a far cry from the knitwear and jeans that have been the base of most of autumn outfit ideas recently and would work so well - dare I say it so early - for party season. The Duchess opted for a sleek black blazer by Armani for the event which saw her and Harry honoured for their work to create a safer online world for families and the youth.
She wore it as a top in its own right and paired it with matching palazzo trousers, black heels and an Anine Bing Double Link Chain necklace.
Shop Black Blazers
Featuring a lapel collar, long sleeves with shoulder pads for extra structure and front flap pockets, this jacket is something you'll get wear out of for many years to come. It fastens at the front with a button and is single-breasted.
With a fitted silhouette and an affordable price-tag, this blazer can be thrown on with jeans for a casual look or with trousers or leather leggings. The cuffs are buttoned and there are two pockets with flaps on the front. To complete the outfit, why not check out the straight leg trousers to match?
Crafted from an RWS wool blend, this refined blazer is tailored with precisely placed darts and seams to define the waist. It's finished with structured shoulders and a collarless neckline. Wear with a cami top underneath or as a top if you want to recreate Meghan's look.
Shop Chain Necklaces
The Duchess of Sussex's actual necklace is a pricey item but one that's well worth it if you love making a statement with your jewellery. It's crafted from 14ct gold-plated brass and has a box clasp closure with a safety latch. Sadly, this design is sold out in the UK, but you can sign up to be notified when it's back in stock.
Missoma is a jewellery brand that both the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Sussex wear and this dainty paperclip chain necklace is such a pretty piece you can wear everyday. It's more minimal compared to Meghan's and is 18ct gold plated for a shiny finish.
Not everyone wants to invest hugely in statement jewellery and if that's the case for you, then this affordable H&M piece is a lovely option. It's adjustable thanks to the trigger clasp and has a shiny gold-coloured finish. If you prefer cool-toned metals, then it also comes in a silver shade.
It takes a lot of confidence to style a blazer in this way, but it’s simple to recreate a version of this look with a top underneath. If you want a similar effect with slightly more coverage, go for a black cami underneath your jacket.
Alternatively, a black shirt would also look chic, especially if it’s satin. The key to a successful black outfit is mixing different textures - and Meghan Markle did just that in New York.
Her Armani clutch bag was satin and her heels were leather. The contrast of these materials against her crisp blazer and trousers brought dimension to her ensemble. It’s easy to think of blazers and matching trousers as being too "workwear" or basic to make good occasion or date night outfits.
However, by styling them simply and with some glittering jewellery they instantly become more sophisticated and fashion-forward. The Duchess of Sussex tends to prefer dainty necklaces but this one was the perfect contemporary addition.
It was bold without being colourful and tied in with the gold hardware on her bag to create a cohesive, polished feel. Her brunette tresses were pulled back into a voluminous ponytail - something else we don’t see a lot from her nowadays. This ensured that the sweeping v-neckline of her blazer and the chain necklace weren’t obscured by her hair.
After all, they are the stars of the show and her hairstyle fitted with the smart but not super formal outfit. To make something like Meghan’s suit more cold weather-appropriate for a party or evening out, I’d recommend layering a black coat over the top and perhaps swapping court shoes for heeled ankle boots instead.
This wasn’t necessary for the gala in New York and it was announced ahead of time that the Sussexes would be receiving their award at the event. They declared in a statement that “working with families and young people to prioritise safety online has been some of the most meaningful work” of their lives.
Following the World Mental Health Day Gala, Harry and Meghan won’t be immediately leaving the city for their California home. The couple will attend the Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival on 10th October where their Archewell Foundation will be co-producing a series of conversations with mental health changemakers.
