Meghan Markle's Signature All-White Look Under Scrutiny in Jordan
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has once again turned heads with her penchant for monochromatic white ensembles, this time during a two-day visit to Jordan with Prince Harry. Invited by the World Health Organisation, the couple participated in activities at a refugee camp, where Meghan's fashion choices became a focal point of discussion.
A Calculated Fashion Statement
Stepping out in Jordan, Meghan wore a complete white outfit: a £1,050 ivory tweed cropped jacket by Veronica Beard layered over a simple white T-shirt, paired with £448 milk-coloured flared 'Marbeau' trousers from the same designer, and finished with open-toed mules. This isn't an isolated choice; the Duchess has consistently embraced all-white looks in various settings, from her cancelled Netflix show to a surprise appearance at the Balenciaga show in Paris last October.
For Meghan, white represents more than just a colour palette. It symbolises luxury, optimism, hope, purity, and incorruptibility—values she appears keen to associate with her public image. The choice of a jacket and trousers combination over more traditional dresses signals a modern, working-woman aesthetic that is both proper and relaxed.
Fashion Critics Voice Concerns
Despite the intentional messaging, fashion observers have noted several missteps in Meghan's Jordan outfit. The Veronica Beard jacket, described as double-breasted yet collarless with a V-neck and cut-away front, has been criticised as overly fussy. While fringe details add a contemporary edge to the tweed, covered buttons are seen as cheapening the overall effect.
The fit of the trousers has also drawn negative attention. Intended to appear modern and fresh, the flared design instead looked swampy and creased due to being too large. This issue extended to another outfit worn during the visit: a white shirt over a khaki T-shirt with pleat-front linen trousers at a youth centre, which similarly appeared at least a size too big and rumpled.
Symbolism and Royal Distancing
Analysts suggest Meghan's all-white wardrobe serves a deeper purpose beyond fashion. By adopting this clean, serene look—both day and night—she positions herself and Harry as modern, forward-thinking figures distinct from the controversies surrounding Prince Andrew. The colour white's association with purity offers a subtle contrast to the shadow cast over the royal family by Andrew's disgraced situation.
However, the execution has led some to question whether the Duchess resembles a travel representative for a resort hotel rather than a royal on a diplomatic mission. The combination of a slightly scooped neckline on the underlying T-shirt and the ill-fitting trousers created a messy effect that undermined the intended sophistication.
Room for Refinement
As Meghan continues to establish her signature style, there is acknowledged room for improvement. The stealth wealth theme—evident in her luxury brand choices—remains consistent, but practical considerations like fit and appropriateness for active engagements, such as playing football at a refugee camp, need addressing. Despite these critiques, the Duchess's commitment to a distinct visual identity through her all-white ensembles shows no signs of waning, promising further fashion conversations in future public appearances.
