We can officially claim that Meghan Markle’s outfit choices during her African tour were undeniably chic, but there was another special element to them that we nearly missed.
Indeed the slew of neutral tones, natural fabrics and simple (yet striking) silhouettes that graced our eyeballs as we ogled over each and every appearance from the Duchess were a complete knockout.
And to make the fashion-extravaganza even better, it turns out Meghan was pushing another rather important agenda, and it went well beyond simply looking incredible.
When it comes to the royal family, fashion has long been a way for them to showcase not only their flawless sense of style, but also to share subtle messages and tributes.
Kate Middleton is case in point – her outfits for poignant events are often strikingly similar to those of her late mother-in-law Princess Diana.
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And as for our unsung fashion hero Sophie of Wessex, her brave choice to don a jumpsuit to Royal Ascot this year had many of us applauding – she looked amazing, and celebrated the fact that outdated ladies dress codes are a thing of the past for many historic institutes.
That’s why it would have been a surprise not to see Meghan make use of her tour of South Africa to share a cause close to her heart – and her outfit choices posed the perfect opportunity.
Meghan Markle’s outfit choices in Africa had a special meaning behind them.
(Getty)According to a new report from PEOPLE, Meghan championed an issue she is hugely passionate about through her wardrobe choices in Africa: Sustainable fashion.
Speaking to the publication, designer Sarah Staudinger, who was behind the ethically made STAUD dress Meghan wore during her tour said it had elevated the company’s presence internationally.
“The response has been incredible and has exposed us to a much wider audience,” she said.
The khaki dress is completely eco-friendly, made entirely from recycled nylon.
Meghan wore a gorgeous sustainably-made STAUD dress during her royal visit to South Africa.
(Getty)The Duchesses’ first dress she stepped out in on day one of the tour was also sustainably made.
Created by local label Mayamiko, the fashion brand is known for its zero-waste ethos and use of up-cycled materials.
Meghan’s locally made Mayamiko dress was gorgeous on the trendy royal.
(Getty)And when Meghan wasn’t wearing ethically sourced designs, she instead opted to pick from her used wardrobe – wearing several designs she was seen wearing during her royal tour in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga last year.
This included her heavenly blue Veronica Beard shirt dress, which she was previously seen wearing in Tonga, as well as her maxi dress designed by Martin Grant. The Duchess also wore the frock during her visit to Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
Recognise this style? The Duchess re-wore her striped maxi, which she was previously seen in during her royal tour of Australia.
(Getty)This isn’t the first time the Duchess has used her knack for all things fashion to elevate social causes.
Less than a month ago the impassioned royal launched a clothing collection alongside charity Smart Works, which helps vulnerable women get back into the workforce by providing them with job interview-appropriate clothing, as well as upskilling them.
The Duchess’ dreamy five-piece collection was sold on a ‘one-for-one’ basis, meaning for each item sold, a second would be donated to the charity.
WATCH: Meghan Markle works behind the scenes on her clothing collection photo shoot. Story continues after video…
And it also looks like baby Archie is going to be following in Meghan’s footsteps.
In his first official outing during the tour of South Africa, the adorable five-month-old was dressed in a pair of dungarees from H&M’s Concious Collection.
The eco-line is entirely made from organic cotton and is made from at least 50 per cent recycled materials.
It just goes to show that you can pull off any trend and be kind to the planet.
Baby Archie is following in his mother’s fashionable footsteps.
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