This is the one time Meghan couldn't break the fashion rules

(Image credit: Rex)

Meghan Markle is known for shaking up the sartorial rules a little (see her sheer engagement dress and her Trooping The Colour dress), however Royal Ascot was one occasion where she had to abide by the Royal fashion etiquette.

The Duchess of Sussex today made her first appearance at Royal Ascot, alongside Prince Harry and The Queen, and chose to wear a design by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy for the occasion.

It's the third time she's gone with the French fashion house, after her wedding dress of course and the cream dress she paired with The Queen's earrings just last week on their first outing together.

As we all know, Royal Ascot rules are super strict, and Meghan's white shirt dress ticked all the right boxes (though there was no sign of that special name badge all the Royals have to wear).

Traditionally, dresses should be of modest length, and shoulders should be covered by a strap that's at least one-inch wide straps.

Plus, any old fascinator won't do, as you have to have a base of at least four inches in diameter, which again Meghan's hat more than covered.

She also kept her midriff covered (another big no no) with a chic black belt, which gave the traditional lace pattern a bit of an edge. Because Meghan is a maverick after all.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.