Meghan Markle’s Bold Slit Dress Pushes Boundaries Further

Meghan Markle, once bound by royal fashion rules, no longer needs to worry about adhering to strict guidelines set by the monarchy. This newfound freedom has sparked some controversy among royal enthusiasts, particularly regarding her bold fashion choices. One such outfit, a Johanna Ortiz dress worn during her visit to Colombia with Prince Harry, has caused quite a stir.

Some critics were not happy with their trip, suggesting it resembled a “pseudo-royal tour.” Meghan’s dress on that day, part of her three outfit changes, included a navy Veronica Beard vest. However, it was the Johanna Ortiz gown that drew much of the criticism from royalists. The dress, which featured shades of pink, burgundy, and maroon, was stylish and flattering: a perfect red carpet choice.

The Colombian designer’s creation had thin shoulder straps, a cutout detail on the bodice, and a long front slit, which left much of Meghan’s skin exposed. Though it was a thoughtful nod to her host country, many believed it was inappropriate for the occasion, sparking lively discussions on social media.

During one particular event at the National Center for the Arts in Bogotá, Meghan’s bold dress became the center of attention. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had prime front-row seats, leaving Meghan’s legs exposed when she crossed them, revealing her knee and even a bit of her thigh. This did not go unnoticed by critics. “She simply doesn’t know how to read a room about clothing styles and what’s appropriate,” one critic tweeted. “That slit is too high especially how she crosses her legs.”

Some users also pointed out that Meghan seems to favor this dress style, finding it repetitive. “Yick! That horrid dress style with the front slit and cutout. She must love it, to have it in multiple colors/patterns,” read one tweet. Meghan wore the same Johanna Ortiz dress in gold to the Ms. Foundation’s 2023 Women of Vision Awards and another in zebra print during her Nigerian tour, both similarly controversial moments.

Perhaps Meghan was simply dressing for the Colombian climate. The dress, with its lightweight fabric and slit design, may have been a practical choice to keep cool in the heat. This was evident when she adjusted a floor fan towards herself on stage at the Municipal Theatre, showing her need for comfort amid the warm conditions.