There are some royal looks that are for the record books and Meghan Markle's $239 birthday dress by Posse is one of them. The phrase "living rent free in my mind" was designed for situations like this - I still remember the bold bodycon look she wore back in 2023 and it topped my royal fashion favorites that year.
That's probably why I immediately went on Shopping Editor Alert when I spotted an uncanny lookalike at H&M.
- Meghan Markle wore a $239 black and white striped strapless dress by Posse for her birthday in 2023.
- The Duchess of Sussex's chic tube dress was on pre-order at the time, but has now long sold out.
- I spotted a lookalike for the look: H&M's Ribbed Tube Dress, $23.99 (SAVE 20%) / £9 (SAVE 61%).
But let's rewind for a minute, in case you don't remember the Birthday Dress moment as much as I do. The Duchess of Sussex wore the look when she stepped out with husband Prince Harry for her 42nd birthday dinner in Montecito, California, in 2023. The Duchess looked fabulous in the strapless look she and Harry enjoyed dinner at trendy Tre Lune, an Italian restaurant frequented by the celebrity set - you can see how great she looked in photos published by the Daily Mail. Stunning, right?
© FilmMagicOn Posse website, Meghan’s Theo strapless column dress was described as “both elegant and timeless. It's patterned with classic bone and black stripes and is designed for a close, figure-hugging fit.” And we have to agree that it's a truly timeless look that's not as difficult to wear as you'd think!
"As an expert on shopping, I’ll say it plainly: bold stripes aren’t for the faint of heart, and that’s exactly why you should wear them," says Director of Lifestyle & Commerce Leanne Bayley. "I really enjoy how attention-seeking this look is, and forget the old fashioned myth that stripes are 'unflattering' - I beg to differ. The right bold stripe can sculpt the body, add structure, and inject personality."
At the time the $239 dress was available for pre-order, but with the Meghan Effect it soon sold out, and a new colorway that Posse released later has disappeared too. The Duchess' dress is timeless yet modern – and, let’s face it, very affordable as far as royal looks go. And since it is no longer available (*sad face*), the lookalike I found is even more tempting.
The H&M buy is a figure-skimming tube dress in a heavy, ribbed jersey. It’s calf-length, and has a concealed silicone trim at the top to help keep it in place. If stripes arent your style, the dress comes in red, (as well as dark brown and black if you’re in the UK.)
If you loved the Duchess of Sussex's outfit as much as we did, here's how to accessorize that H&M look with two luxury pieces that are Meghan's go-tos: her Cult Gaia ‘Nia’ clutch, on sale for $164.99 (SAVE 61%) at Saks Off Fifth and $495 Emme Parsons 'Cecilia' Sandals. Meghan's Cult Gaia bag is a classic - fans in the UK can shop the £355 mini version - and those Emme Parsons sandals are an investment shoe that will last for years to come.
It has an impressive 4.5 star rating, too, at H&M UK. One reviewer of the tube dress said: "Wow! I have lumps & bumps, but thus is so beautifully fitted, without showing them off. It has room, but also shape. Not clingy, but definitely not oversized. Looks fab with a linen blazer & a small heel or [sneakers] for the daytime. Great staple." Many reviewers said the dress runs small around the bust but others didn't have an issue.
"Wanted this and was concerned about sizing given previous reviews," revealed another reviewer. "I'm [UK size] 10-12 with medium bust and slight mum tum so bought a M. It does look scary out the packet, a narrow tube! However it has lots of stretch and once on wasn't tight. Love the rounding of the bust, gives shape. There's some silicone/rubber to stop it sliding although I may wear a strapless bra to be safe! Sophisticated cream and black, this dress looks more expensive than it is."
More bold Meghan-inspired stripes to shop
But but not everyone is ready for bandeau bodycon. So I’ve hunted down some similar styles for less, with silhouettes ranging from maxi looks to shirt dresses, all with the bold black and white stripe look that’s so hot for the season.
© ASOS, Mango, BodenMango’ Asymmetrical Low Knit Dress, $ 139.99 / £ 79.99 has a similar vibe to Meghan’s dress, but with a sleeveless crew neck design. Made from a fine cotton blend knit, it features a modern asymmetric hem and an A-line flow to the hemline.
YAS's maxi shirt dress, $103 / £65 is in a bold stripe, and has a 4.6 star rating from shoppers. The look features a spread collar, button placket and three-quarter-length sleeves for instant styling as soon as you put it on.
Royal favorite Boden’s Natalia Jersey Tea Dress, $149 / £99 is in a sweet and flattering flit and flare silhouette, and has a version in navy stripe that is selling like crazy right now. As I’m writing this over 1,200 people are looking at it online, and it’s a top seller, too. Not into stripes? It also comes in a florals - choose from green, blue or brown - a polka dot print, and classic black.
When it comes to styling, Meghan has the right idea - if you're styling a bold black and white dress like this you want to let it be the star of the show. I suggest teaming it with a black or white blazer, and black boots or sandals. Of course you can always have some fun with a pop of color - like red shoes and bag and a bold red lip. A great look for brunch or a night out.
