This Meghan Markle Outfit Will Convince You to Wear Shorts This Summer

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has done what I once considered to be the impossible—she has convinced me that I need to buy and wear a pair of shorts this summer. Attending a polo match in Santa Barbara, the royal was clearly keen to flex her fashion muscles, as she wore what I would say is one of her chicest ensembles to date. A bold claim considering her solid sartorial track record, but the way in which she styled her shorts is nothing less than a masterclass in looking elevated and polished.

The shorts in question are no tatty denim cut-offs, either. Instead, Markle opted for a pair of now-sold-out loose-fitting, tailored shorts by Khaite, a brand she and countless other celebrities, including Katie Holmes and Dakota Johnson, are firm fans of. Pairing them with a timeless Celine polka-dot blouse, statement sunglasses, her fail-safe Aquazzura heels and a black wide-brim hat, Markle understood (and aced) the assignment with her glamorous attire.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)

If you’re anything like me and tend to favour dresses and skirts over shorts each summer season, Markle’s outfit serves as proof that shorts aren’t as tricky to style as I previously thought. We all know how expensive-looking wide-leg trousers can be, so apply the same logic and styling principles to shorts, and you’re on to a winning outfit combination that’ll work for just about any summer outing or soirée. I’m also very here for the addition of Celine’s monochromatic polka dots, which present a fresh print alternative to the usual saturation of florals we see at this time of year. 

Scroll on to see and shop the pieces Meghan Markle used to create her chic shorts outfit, and then continue on to browse my edit of more stylish summer tailoring.

SHOP MEGHAN MARKLE'S OUTFIT

MORE ELEVATED SUMMER SHORTS AND POLKA-DOT PIECES

Next Up: The Lesser-Known Basket Bag on Every Fashion Person's Wish List This Year

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.