Meghan Markle: Wedding Dress Suggestions and Musings

[Frelinghighness]

Is 5'7" 'shorter than average'? I think 5'7" is considered average these days.[/QUOTE
Oh I thought she was 5’4, don’t know where I got that from. In any case, she looks shorter than average to me in relation to other people. certainly harry is very tall and looks big, not skinny, I have seen him in person.

 

[O-H Anglophile]

I believe that the average height for a woman in the UK is 5 foot 4. Women are getting taller so it's creeping up an inch or so per generation. But if Meghan is 5 foot 7, she is not 'short.'

Yes, I think 5'4" is average height, in the United States as well. So, if Meghan is actually 5'7" or a bit shorter, she's still above average height.

 

[Lady Nimue]

I've checked and 5'7" is considered average height these days. EDIT: Nope, that's 5'5" is average, so Meghan is slightly above average.

What I've noticed is individuals, like Catherine who is 5'9', will wear 2" to 3" inch heels, making her almost 6'. I've noticed the same with Queen Mathilde who is also 5'9", so with heels she towers. Princess Charlene same, at 5'10", with heels towers over others. Crown Princess Mary at 5'8", with heels towers.

Does Meghan wear heels that high? Definitely in photo shoots, but on a regular basis? Meghan is into yoga and high heels really do a number on one's hamstrings and back and you name it. Just wondering since so many seem to think she's 'short'.

 

[Pranter]

The casual photos we've seen of Meghan she tends to be dressed very casually and not in high heels. Mostly (so far) gym wear or in a flat heel boot etc.


LaRae

 

[Princess Squirrel]

I'm just under 5"4 and have always considered myself dead average for my generation (age 53). So it makes sense that a girl of the generation a daughter of mine would be, if I'd had one, would be in her 20s now and would likely be 5"5, although Meghan is a few years older than that. My mum's 5"2 so that theory works with us so far (my sister is the same height as me). Heights do vary by country but the UK and USA are similar I believe.

Did Meghan wear high heels when she has appeared with Harry so far? I know we haven't got many occasions to go on so far, but women married to tall men often do. As those with shorter men tend to wear a lower heel erg Diana and Charles.

I think Meghan may well wear a high heel to go down the aisle. Height can come into play when dress hunting too. An A-line can suit a tall girl, and a sheath or straight line can make a shorter girl seem taller. I do like straight if bias-cut. Ball gown styles I think would probably be very shortening and don't tend to flatter anyone under average height. Although I think most of us wedding dress speculators have ruled out a ballgown skirt as being a type royal brides do not go for.

Btw, it's OT, but I had a job for 18 months selling bridal gowns for a UK wedding company based in a department store. It was only part time but it was a lovely job and I really enjoyed it. Got a couple of interesting stories if anyone wants to hear them and doesn't mind me going a bit OT.

 

[jacqui24]

The casual photos we've seen of Meghan she tends to be dressed very casually and not in high heels. Mostly (so far) gym wear or in a flat heel boot etc.


LaRae

I think she dresses for the occassion. We’ve seen in her high heels coming out of SoHo house with Harry and I believe she also wore heels when they were photographed going to a show in London. We’ve also had pictures of her in high heels shopping with Jessica.

 

[Pranter]

I've just recently turned 51 and I'm 5'5 which has always been considered *around* average height for a long time...however maybe the parameters have shifted? I don't keep up with all that.

I have a daughter that is 5'1 and another that is 5'5 so they are (if the new standard is 5'7) below the average. Although truthfully I have a hard time believing it's gone up 2 inches ...I don't know very many women over 5'5 range...they tend to stand out if they are.


LaRae

 

[Pranter]

I think she dresses for the occassion. We’ve seen in her high heels coming out of SoHo house with Harry and I believe she also wore heels when they were photographed going to a show in London. We’ve also had pictures of her in high heels shopping with Jessica.

I think she usually wears heels of some sort when dressed up....but when casual I've seen her in the tennis shoes and those nice brown boots.


LaRae

 

[Lady Nimue]

Did Meghan wear high heels when she has appeared with Harry so far? I know we haven't got many occasions to go on so far, but women married to tall men often do. As those with shorter men tend to wear a lower heel erg Diana and Charles.

For clarity: both Charles and Diana were the same height, 5'10". Early in their marriage she wore flats, but later she used heels, creating the impression that she was taller than Charles, and that Charles was 'short'. At 5'10" Diana was significantly above average height for women, and at 5'10" Charles is slightly above the average height for men.

 

[Pranter]

Comment from Lady Nimue on another thread:

Loving every aspect of this dress, even the collar which is pure fun!

A bit OT: Third picture reminds me of the kind of flowy gown I think would be great for Meghan (though the prototype for me is Mette-Marit's gown). Someone mentioned a waterfall, that's what I envisage when a gown like this flows across the steps of St George's.

I love this flowing gown CP Victoria wore. I could see MM wearing something similar (very 50's?) in a cream/blush or whatever off white. With some sort of sleeve (capped?)

BUT not that collar/neckline.

For those who haven't seen it:

https://s2.postimg.org/hdocjkijd/image.jpg

http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Princess+Victoria+Nobel+Prize+Award+Ceremony+ezo5_T0YXFtx.jpg

https://media.shootitlive.com/YZj8ovQqewkPxWiPP04AvKxbYpA/1200.jpg?project_id=expressen/2938


LaRae

 

[Missjersey]

Beautiful gown except collar

 

[Pranter]

I think it would look good with a more squared off collar and a flowing type of sleeve.


LaRae

 

[Lady Nimue]

I love this flowing gown CP Victoria wore. I could see MM wearing something similar (very 50's?) in a cream/blush or whatever off white. With some sort of sleeve (capped?) BUT not that collar/neckline.
For those who haven't seen it:
https://s2.postimg.org/hdocjkijd/image.jpg
http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Princess+Victoria+Nobel+Prize+Award+Ceremony+ezo5_T0YXFtx.jpg
https://media.shootitlive.com/YZj8ovQqewkPxWiPP04AvKxbYpA/1200.jpg?project_id=expressen/2938LaRae

I agree, though I think the collar is pure fun, I wouldn't be lobbying for the collar. Plus it would need sleeves.

It's the way the whole of it flows. It could be more statuesque, too, but with that train.....imagine it flowing up those steps behind her as she enters the church, as it swishes behind her as she glides down the aisle, and then as she descends those steps with it shimmering down the steps 'like a waterfall' behind her.

However, all that said, Mette-Marit's gown remains the quintessential gown to create the desired effect imo. More elegant, maybe because smaller folds?

I really think Meghan and the designer of the dress need to take into account the fabulous steps of St Georges'. Use that architectural feature rather than cope with it, ya know?

 

[Missjersey]

And a Teck tiara

 

[Pranter]

I'm not a huge fan of Mette-Marit's gown. It is almost too severe and plain. I think it has good lines but it needed something.

This CP Victoria dress has flow and movement The fabric is what I call soft and more romantic in 'feel'.

Ok hopefully someone who knows Meghan (or the designer) is reading this forum!!!! LOL





LaRae

 

[Pranter]

And a Teck tiara

I almost think the Lotus would suit the style better...but that's not to say the Teck wouldn't work!


LaRae

 

[Sunnystar]

I can't say that I agree about CP Victoria's dress being an ideal inspiration for Meghan. There were some complaints on the Victoria fashion thread about the ruched bodice making her look bustier than she really is - and that's a fair criticism. I think the same issue would present itself for Meghan (and, without trying to venture into something FAR too personal for a public forum like this, but as someone who sews formal dresses regularly) because her cup size is at least equal to if not slightly larger than Victoria's. Now, Catherine could pull it off without similar criticisms but not Meghan.

 

[Missjersey]

I almost think the Lotus would suit the style better...but that's not to say the Teck wouldn't work!


LaRae

To have such a dilemma.....a what tiara should I wear. That’s quite a good day!

 

[MARG]

No, that dress dues not conjure up "wedding dress" to me. Now her wedding gown has definite "ideas". Plain gown with fabulous veil or having a very defined waistline, pared down gown and killer tiara.

Really the idea's are myriad.

 

[Skippy]

Not a gown like Mette-Marit's (as stated above, too severe and plain) and the Nobel dress that Victoria of Sweden wore yesterday was a major fail. The collar did her no favors and that shade of blue totally washed her out (and she already looked like she could really use some sleep...). So I wouldn't take it as a possible example for a wedding gown for Meghan....

 

[Lady Gudgeon]

Hi all - I've read the entire thread and have loved looking at all of the links you've all provided!

I think it was on this thread that someone mentioned Phillipa Lepley (Phillipa Lepley | Dresses | Couture Wedding Dresses). I've been looking through her designs and there are some that I absolutely LOVE! I'm voting for her being the one! Mark it down ?

Overall, I like the idea of something with tulle, plain satin, or beading. I don't like lace for Meghan and feel it doesn't really go with her more streamlined, modern aesthetic. Plus I think it would invite comparisons with Kate and even Pippa, and I don't think she'd want that (she wants to have her own look and feel to the day, not like anyone else's, IMO). I like something with a defined waist since Meghan has sort of a boxy torso with long thin arms/legs. I think she needs a slightly full skirt to give her more of an hourglass figure (assuming that's what she wants). Not a full ballgown, but something with some width to the bottom half.

I think she'll go with something classic and streamlined, but I don't see her wearing a sheath dress like CBK - too minimalistic/not grand enough for the wedding venue. Hopefully she'll have a long train and veil.

I'd love something like this, but with the tulle covering her shoulders. I think this first one is my favorite so far. Simple yet not, it has presence and oomf without being OOT, IMO - https://hips.hearstapps.com/harpersbazaaruk.cdnds.net/17/04/1485530462-pltwinkle.jpg?resize=768:*
close up of top - http://phillipalepley.com/wp-conten...pley-Off-The-Shoulder-Tulle-Wedding-Dress.png

Or something simple, like this - https://i2.wp.com/phillipalepley.co...g-Train-Couture-Wedding-Dress.jpg?fit=460,690

Or this (but obviously not strapless) - http://phillipalepley.com/wp-conten...esigner-Wedding-Dress-Sweetheart-Neckline.jpg

Or this - http://phillipalepley.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Phillipa-Lepley-Satin-Collar-Wedding-Gown.jpg

Or - http://phillipalepley.com/wp-conten...in-V-Back-Wedding-Dress-London-Long-Train.jpg

Or even these with a tulle top again, but some texture in the tulle and skirt - http://phillipalepley.com/wp-conten...aded-1920s-Corseted-Bespoke-Wedding-Dress.jpg

Or beading in a champagne color (I don't like the t-shirt style of the top, but do like the idea of the dress, with beading) - http://phillipalepley.com/wp-conten...lipa-Lepley-Wedding-Dress-Designer-London.jpg

 

[Princess Squirrel]

I like the idea of a medieval style, but less plain than Sophie's. The Gothic splendour of St George's Chapel would really suit that style. I'm thinking, like my wedding dress, white with silver trim around the neck, or she could have cream with gold trim. Matching trim halfway up the sleeves too. I had long tight sleeves but with chiffony fabric coming down from the elbow. I had a silver rope-style belt too, and the skirt was A-line. Mine was a kind of off-the-shoulder neckline, but a slash, square or round neckline would work too.

 

[CyrilVladisla]

Lady Gudgeon, I brought up Phillipa Lepley. Phillipa has stupendous choices. You chose nice Phillipa gowns in your response.

 

[Alliec76]

Hi all - I've read the entire thread and have loved looking at all of the links you've all provided!

I think it was on this thread that someone mentioned Phillipa Lepley (Phillipa Lepley | Dresses | Couture Wedding Dresses). I've been looking through her designs and there are some that I absolutely LOVE! I'm voting for her being the one! Mark it down ?

Overall, I like the idea of something with tulle, plain satin, or beading. I don't like lace for Meghan and feel it doesn't really go with her more streamlined, modern aesthetic. Plus I think it would invite comparisons with Kate and even Pippa, and I don't think she'd want that (she wants to have her own look and feel to the day, not like anyone else's, IMO). I like something with a defined waist since Meghan has sort of a boxy torso with long thin arms/legs. I think she needs a slightly full skirt to give her more of an hourglass figure (assuming that's what she wants). Not a full ballgown, but something with some width to the bottom half.

I think she'll go with something classic and streamlined, but I don't see her wearing a sheath dress like CBK - too minimalistic/not grand enough for the wedding venue. Hopefully she'll have a long train and veil.

I'd love something like this, but with the tulle covering her shoulders. I think this first one is my favorite so far. Simple yet not, it has presence and oomf without being OOT, IMO - https://hips.hearstapps.com/harpersbazaaruk.cdnds.net/17/04/1485530462-pltwinkle.jpg?resize=768:*
close up of top - http://phillipalepley.com/wp-conten...pley-Off-The-Shoulder-Tulle-Wedding-Dress.png

Or something simple, like this - https://i2.wp.com/phillipalepley.co...g-Train-Couture-Wedding-Dress.jpg?fit=460,690

Or this (but obviously not strapless) - http://phillipalepley.com/wp-conten...esigner-Wedding-Dress-Sweetheart-Neckline.jpg

Or this - http://phillipalepley.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Phillipa-Lepley-Satin-Collar-Wedding-Gown.jpg

Or - http://phillipalepley.com/wp-conten...in-V-Back-Wedding-Dress-London-Long-Train.jpg

Or even these with a tulle top again, but some texture in the tulle and skirt - http://phillipalepley.com/wp-conten...aded-1920s-Corseted-Bespoke-Wedding-Dress.jpg

Or beading in a champagne color (I don't like the t-shirt style of the top, but do like the idea of the dress, with beading) - http://phillipalepley.com/wp-conten...lipa-Lepley-Wedding-Dress-Designer-London.jpg

I too fell down a Phillips Lepley rabbit hole, and found so many nice designs. I think her aesthetic might match Meghan's. Very classic, elegant, not too much "extra". I'm seeing really clean lines. Something classic with a little twist. Nothing over the top.

 

[Princess Larisa]

I'm not a huge fan of Mette-Marit's gown. It is almost too severe and plain. I think it has good lines but it needed something.

LaRae

I don’t think it’s the dress that was the problem, but the rest of her styling. Her tiara disappeared in her blond hair, the veil was flimsy, her makeup was non-existent, her neck was too bare, so that basically her head had no definition or pop to draw the eyes. Imagine her dress with Maxima’s veil, Marie’s tiara, a diamond collet necklace and a bigger purple bouquet, with her makeup like this: https://fashionbride.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/crown-princess-mette-marit-of-norway-4.jpg?w=640

On the other had Victoria had a very plain wedding dress, but her styling was totally different and she didn’t disappear.

 

[Lady Gudgeon]

Lady Gudgeon, I brought up Phillipa Lepley. Phillipa has stupendous choices. You chose nice Phillipa gowns in your response.

Thanks, CyrilVladisla! That was an excellent suggestion. I really liked most of her dresses! If I haven't been married already for almost 15 years, I'd want one of her gowns for sure.

 

[Princess Squirrel]

Thanks, CyrilVladisla! That was an excellent suggestion. I really liked most of her dresses! If I haven't been married already for almost 15 years, I'd want one of her gowns for sure.

You could always renew your vows like we are doing next year for our 20th anniversary! (Except my dress is more of an evening/bridesmaid dress in gold, with one shoulder. It's not the done thing to wear a 'wedding dress' to renew).

 

[Missjersey]

You could always renew your vows like we are doing next year for our 20th anniversary! (Except my dress is more of an evening/bridesmaid dress in gold, with one shoulder. It's not the done thing to wear a 'wedding dress' to renew).

That sounds lovely! I’m sure you’re as excited as Meghan With all the lovely dresses posted I think she will surprise us all with a wow!

 

[Lady Nimue]

I don’t think it’s the dress that was the problem, but the rest of her styling. Her tiara disappeared in her blond hair, the veil was flimsy, her makeup was non-existent, her neck was too bare, so that basically her head had no definition or pop to draw the eyes. Imagine her dress with Maxima’s veil, Marie’s tiara, a diamond collet necklace and a bigger purple bouquet, with her makeup like this: https://fashionbride.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/crown-princess-mette-marit-of-norway-4.jpg?w=640

On the other had Victoria had a very plain wedding dress, but her styling was totally different and she didn’t disappear.

I think we saw two different dresses! The concept for her dress was amazing, and her beauty was sufficient to draw the eyes. JMO. ?

As Sartorial Splendor states: "Mette-Marit was never the typical royal bride. [...] She [...] show[ed] up in a wedding dress that was absolutely, uniquely her, rather than trying to use a giant fantasy dress to try to prove herself the fairy-tale princess nobody thought she could be. This is a wedding dress you might not like at first. At first, it might seem way, way too simple. Too bland, not enough sparkle. But just keep looking at it - eventually, it will hypnotize you. It's like a cloud [...] Designer Ove Harder Finseth collaborated with Mette-Marit on this surreal, dream-like interpretation [...] this dress still holds its place as the ultimate expression of her personal style. [...] there has never been a better personality-to-dress match in the history of royal weddings."

Her tiara was a 1910 antique and it looks perfect to me. Meghan could easily wear it to advantage. The veil was silk and amazing. The simplicity of her make-up was inspired. Meghan could not do better than to be inspired by Mette-Marit's refreshingly honest and minimalist style. JMO.

The Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor: Top 10 Best Royal Wedding Dresses: #8. HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/68328119318457534/

 

[Skippy]

I think we saw two different dresses! The concept for her dress was amazing, and her beauty was sufficient to draw the eyes. JMO. ?

As Sartorial Splendor states: "Mette-Marit was never the typical royal bride. [...] She [...] show[ed] up in a wedding dress that was absolutely, uniquely her, rather than trying to use a giant fantasy dress to try to prove herself the fairy-tale princess nobody thought she could be. This is a wedding dress you might not like at first. At first, it might seem way, way too simple. Too bland, not enough sparkle. But just keep looking at it - eventually, it will hypnotize you. It's like a cloud [...] Designer Ove Harder Finseth collaborated with Mette-Marit on this surreal, dream-like interpretation [...] this dress still holds its place as the ultimate expression of her personal style. [...] there has never been a better personality-to-dress match in the history of royal weddings."

Her tiara was a 1910 antique and it looks perfect to me. Meghan could easily wear it to advantage. The veil was silk and amazing. The simplicity of her make-up was inspired. Meghan could not do better than to be inspired by Mette-Marit's refreshingly honest and minimalist style. JMO.

The Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor: Top 10 Best Royal Wedding Dresses: #8. HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/68328119318457534/

Actually she could. Meghan is a much more visible woman than Mette-Marit was at the time. I think she would be selling herself short if she would opt for a Mette-Marit like gown.

No matter how much praised her gown is and will be, I don't like it. Never have. It may have been reflective of her style, but it's not mine. It's too plain/simple and too severe.

For a royal bride I expect something a little more present or 'popping'.