Since joining the royal family, Meghan Markle has upped the ante when it comes to dressing for official events. From going against the Queen’s pantyhose rule to wearing a messy bun and often opting for pants over dresses, the Duchess of Sussex’s fashion sense is reminiscent of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.
But unlike her late mother-in-law, Meghan Markle often ditches the clutches both Princess Diana and Kate Middleton wear to official royal engagements, choosing instead to use on-trend handbags, such as top-handle and crossbody bags.
Now, it seems the Meghan Effect has consumed even the royal family themselves, with Kate Middleton taking style cues from Meghan for her first event with Prince William since giving birth to Prince Louis.
Recycling an Emilia Wickstead lilac dress, which she first wore when visiting Germany, Kate matched the look with nude pumps and wore her hair in loose waves.
But instead of holding a clutch – as she has for almost every royal event since marrying into the royal family – the Duchess of Cambridge held a top handle bag by Aspinal of London.
If Kate is indeed getting fashion inspiration from her American sister-in-law, we can’t wait for the day she steps out in a power suit.
This originally appeared on InStyle Australia