On Monday evening the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended their first Royal Variety Performance together.
Meghan Markle's debut at the formal event was definitely head-turning, as the pregnant duchess arrived in a bump-hugging sequin top and long sweeping skirt by Safiyaa - a London-based brand that is fast becoming one of Meghan's go-to evening designers, since she wore on that beautiful caped gown by the luxury label to her first state dinner in Fiji.
The mix-match monochrome two-set was an unusual combination however, and another example of how Meghan is going against the grain when it comes to her royal wardrobe.
Here's why:
Meghan ditched a dress
Historically royal family members have always worn dresses to the black-tie event. Both Kate Middleton and the Queen have stuck to classic evening gown silhouettes for the benefit over the years.
Meghan, however, went against royal tradition donning a £895 asymmetric peplum top with sequin leaf adornment and a separate £595 black fishtail skirt.
It was definitely a modern take on royal evening attire, but we can't say we're too surprised. Meghan is known for her royal boundary-pushing style, which she showcased at her very first evening event with Prince Harry at the Endeavour Fund Awards earlier this year, through opting for a sleek Alexander McQueen suit instead of the customary evening gown.
The strapless top went against royal protocol
Meghan's choice of top was also a little out of the ordinary.
It's very unusual for members of the royal household to bare their shoulders in a strapless top. Whilst off-the-shoulder ballgowns are A-OK, Princess Diana was a big fan of the silhouette, a sparkly bandeau top? Unconventional to say the least!
It's possible Meghan was aware of this, because her sequin top had been slightly modified, to incorporate a slim halter-neck strap.
Again, this wouldn't be the first time Meghan has strayed away from tradition. For her first Trooping the Colour as a member of the royal family she wore a blush off-the-shoulder Caroline Herrera dress which raised a few eyebrows.
The top and skirt combination
Given that Meghan never shies away from wearing a suit or fitted trouser, we're perplexed as to why she didn't wear the top as styled on the website.
The sequin number is "styled with the Adrianna slim leg trousers in black stretch heavy crepe," arguably a more modern maternity look which would have been more in-keeping with Meghan's style.
