Meghan Markle gave denim a whole new royal edge when she stepped out at Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter concert last month (May 9th) in California. Her new look appears to have inspired her husband, Prince Harry’s, cousin, Princess Eugenie, as she recently rocked a strikingly similar outfit.
The Carolina Herrera design retails at $1,690 (£1,247). It features an off-the-shoulder, form-fitting feminine cut. The ruffled neckline, sleek silhouette, and body-hugging fit showcased her signature approach: effortless chic with a modern twist, breaking away from stiff royal fashion norms.
Just weeks later, on May 26th, Princess Eugenie echoed her ultra-chic ensemble when she was named as a mentor for the King’s Foundation.
While the royal’s version was slightly more conservative — sleeveless, high-neck, and featuring a flared, midi-length skirt — the choice of dark denim fabric mirrors Meghan’s statement.
By opting for a denim dress in a formal context, Eugenie subtly nods to Meghan’s fashion-forward influence, showing she’s willing to break away from traditional royal materials like silk, wool, or lace.
The Daily Express spoke to leading fashion stylist Ciara Russell, who explained why Princess Eugenie may have copied Meghan’s look.
She explained that Eugenie is “aware” of the Meghan effect and her impact on the industry.
Ciara revealed, “Meghan’s style impact is undeniable; she’s known for sparking trends not just inside royal circles but globally.
Eugenie’s pick suggests she’s aware of Meghan’s ability to elevate casual fabrics into polished, headline-worthy outfits.”
She continued, “While Eugenie stayed true to her own softer, more demure style, the choice of denim hints at a shared fashion conversation — one that proves even royals aren’t immune to each other’s influence.”
Speaking of their shared love of denim, which has had a huge revival this season, the fashion expert added: “Meghan’s really brought a modern feel to royal style.”
She explained that the Duchess has recently been seen wearing “more sleek, clean lines and pieces that still feel wearable. I think Eugenie’s been inspired by that and has started experimenting with similar looks, which actually really suit her.”
Over the past few months, we have seen Eugenie’s style shift, with the help of the likes of huge brands such as Rebecca Vallance and Rixo.
While she’s always maintained a sense of elegance, she’s also incorporated more modern and personal touches into her wardrobe.