Meghan Markle made an appearance in Santa Barbara, once again demonstrating her apparent disconnect from the expectations of her surroundings. Her wrinkled outfit served as a metaphor for her complicated relationship with the Royal Family. News broke that Meghan was spotted at Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara on October 2nd, where she aimed to support a new digital wellness program for teenage girls. This program is set to launch on October 11th, conveniently coinciding with International Day of the Girl. However, if you think royal fans focused solely on the program’s positive mission, think again. Most of the attention was directed toward Meghan’s sartorial choices, and, as usual, the conversation quickly turned spicy.
Meghan was seen in a blue J.Crew *Marit* shirt, now coincidentally sold out online, paired with white wide-leg trousers that appeared determined to wrinkle with every movement. While some might categorize this as a smart casual look, the shirt's unbuttoned state raised eyebrows—more appropriate for a beach day than a mentorship event. The belt was Ralph Lauren, and she naturally chose Manolo Blahnik heels, as it wouldn't be Meghan without a high-end nod.
But here’s the kicker: did the shirt need to be unbuttoned down to her solar plexus? This choice, combined with the wrinkled trousers, left many scratching their heads. What exactly was J.Crew trying to communicate with this partnership? The once preppy brand was known for being the epitome of polished American fashion. With Meghan’s take on relaxed chic, it seems they have adopted a laissez-faire attitude towards ironing.
It almost feels as though J.Crew is subtly distancing itself from its long-held reputation for crisp, clean attire, opting instead to align with Meghan’s unique approach to dressing—wrinkles and all.
Of course, royal watchers and social media users had a field day. One comment cut straight to the heart of the matter: “I was buttoning my shirt to below my belly button when visiting a girl’s charity.” Another critic voiced concerns over her apparent lack of self-awareness, stating that there are many photos showing she struggles to dress appropriately for various occasions, which is quite disturbing—especially when around children.
While Meghan shared her own stories of digital bullying and emphasized the importance of mental wellness, critics were quick to highlight the irony. Some questioned the timing of her event, suggesting it was an attempt to overshadow Princess Catherine’s recent engagement—her first public appearance post-treatment just a day earlier.
It’s hard to imagine Meghan and a stylist sitting down and thinking, “Yes, let’s go for trousers that look like they’ve been dragged through a hedge backward.” J.Crew likely didn’t envision this image when they collaborated on the shirt. Is it possible that they are now regretting this sartorial alliance, especially as their clothing is showcased on Meghan in a less-than-royal condition?
The social media response has been swift and relentless, with one Twitter user commenting, “Wrinkled AF as usual,” and another adding that “giant man pants just don’t suit her.” At this point, it feels as if Meghan is daring people to critique her—whether it’s her penchant for slightly off-kilter outfits or her knack for releasing event photos at suspiciously convenient times. There always seems to be a reason for her to remain in the headlines. So, is it all part of some grand strategy?
