Meghan Markle uses four tricks to flatter her figure - including cap sleeves, V-neck and midi length

Meghan Markle uses four tricks to flatter her figure - including cap sleeves, V-neck and midi length - Daily Mail

Posted: 30 Sep 2019 12:00 AM PDT

Meghan Markle has used four wardrobe tricks to flatter her figure during her royal Africa tour, a stylist has claimed.

The Duchess of Sussex, 38, stepped out in yet another shirt dress as she visited a Johannesburg art studio on day eight of the Africa tour today.

The royal, who arrived without son Archie, four months, or husband Prince Harry, opted for a $148 (£120) button-front midi dress in indigo by designer, Aritzia.

The mother-of-one paired the shirt dress with red suede slingbacks, which retail at £129 by Everlane, and accessorised with a distinctive pair of studded black earrings she picked up in Cape Town from a local 'ethical' designer, Pichulik, for just £46.

Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, a host of stylists have revealed the royal's wardrobe tricks - including a shirt dress to show off her hourglass figure, midi length to hide unwanted attention, v-neck to show off a nipped-in waist and cap sleeves to add femininity.

'The best thing about these shirt dresses is that they are very flattering to many people's figures,' explained expert Rochelle White. 'They have a good fit and with Meghan she is making smart choices on the tailoring and fit of each of her dresses.'

Meghan Markle (pictured) donned a £120 button-front midi dress by designer Aritzia as she visited a Johannesburg art studio today

SHIRT DRESS

Meghan recycled a loose-fitting £525 Veronica Beard 'Cary' dress when she arrived at District 6 museum in Cape Town on 23 September, 2019 (picture)

Meghan wore a floor-length olive shirt dress with a scarf to cover her head as she joined husband Prince Harry to visit Auwal Mosque on Heritage Day on September 24

Meghan donned a vintage-style ensemble, inspired by a traditional house dress, made from drapey fabric with a pebbled texture, for the visit to a Johannesburg art studio today.

And it's not the first time she's opted for a shirt dress during the 10-day royal Africa tour - as she wore a floor-length olive outfit during a visit to Auwal Mosque on Heritage Day on September 24.

She also donned the same loose-fitting £525 Veronica Beard 'Cary' dress when she arrived at District 6 museum in Cape Town on 23 September, as she did in Tonga while pregnant with Archie last year.

According to stylist Susie Halser, who runs Styled By Susie, the shirt dress is the perfect option for an hourglass silhouette because it shows off their 'perfect proportions.'

'Meghan wore a blue belted shirt dress which accentuated her tiny waist. This is also a nod to her chic style and personality,' she said.

'It's feminine with just the right amount of masculinity to make it a powerful piece to wear. It ensures she looks slick and timeless without too many frills or fuss.'

V-NECK

The Duchess of Sussex (pictured) donned a chic £100 jumpsuit by Everlane as she visited the African not-for-profit organisation 'mothers2mothers' during day three of the royal tour of South Africa on September 25, 2019 in Cape Town

During the royal Africa tour, the mother-of-one has also opted for several ensembles with a V-neck finish - be it a dress or classic jumpsuit.

She styled a chic £100 jumpsuit by Everlane when she visited the African not-for-profit organisation 'mothers2mothers' during day three of the royal tour on September 25 in Cape Town.

'She has beautiful curves and a nipped-in waist and should choose cuts that show this off,' explained Susie.

'A V-neck is flattering for her shape because high necklines on an hourglass can add bulk to the bust and upper body.'

She added: 'It shows off her beautiful décolletage and balances out a conservative midi-length dress beautifully.'

MIDI LENGTH

The royal, who arrived without son Archie, four months, or husband Prince Harry , opted for a $148 (£120) button-front midi dress in indigo by designer, Aritzia as she arrived at an art studio in Johannesburg today

Another style loved by Meghan in recent days is the midi length dress or skirt, which stylists suggest help to hide any unwanted attention.

The Duchess attended an engagement in Cape Town wearing an eye-catching monochrome ensemble, which comprised a £145 J.Crew midi -skirt and £66 tank top by Misha Nonoo, at the weekend.

The minimal yet chic knit was characterised by an elasticated waistband, A-line silhouette and contrasting stripes that created the illusion of pleats.

'A midi length is practical and conservative, while still being bang on trend,' explained Susie.

'This allows Meghan to wear flat pumps or wedges as it works with any shoe. It also conforms to the royal dress code of modest hemlines.'

CAP SLEEVES

Meghan Markle opted for a £370 wrap dress featuring cap sleeve detail by Canadian brand Club Monaco to meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Cape Town on September 25 (pictured together with Archie)

Meanwhile, the Duchess wore a £370 wrap dress featuring cap sleeve detail by Canadian brand Club Monaco to meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu at the Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, on day three of the tour in Cape Town.

And according to stylist Susie, a cap sleeve is one of the most flattering sleeve lengths on a woman.

'It shows off Meghan's toned arms without exposing too much flesh, and it was an appropriate choice for when she had tea with Archbishop Desmond Tutu recently,' noted Susie.

'A cap sleeve flatters the arm more than a T-shirt sleeve as it's looser fitting and adds femininity.'

Meanwhile, fashion expert commentator Karine Laudort told how a cap sleeve works the same way as a V-neck.

'V-necks will make you look slimmer and derive the attention away from the face, the same way cap sleeves will flatter the upper part of the body,' she said. 'This is demonstrated in almost all of Meghan's looks.'