She’s been ripping up the royal rule book by wearing trousers and jeans on official engagements, and it seems that Meghan Markle’s bold sartorial choices are rubbing off on fellow celebrities and everyday shoppers alike.
While black trousers may be viewed by many as office wear, Meghan’s slim cigarette pants and elegant wide legged styles prove that the staple doesn’t have to be boring – and can even work for high-profile occasions.
According to global fashion search platform Lyst there were spikes in searches for ”wide leg black trousers’ in the 24 hours following both Meghan’s visit to Edinburgh this week, and her appearance in Brixton in January.
Overall, searches for ‘black trousers’ are up 19 per cent year on year, and 40 per cent since the beginning of the year – and experts say the fact their rising popularity coincides with the sky-rocketing profile of Prince Harry’s bride-to-be is no coincidence.
Celebrity stylist Rochelle White told Femail: ‘Meghan has 100 per cent changed the face of black trousers and given them a new lease of life.
‘The most basic of wardrobe staples has been transformed into a versatile fashion statement and is now no longer known or worn just for the office.’
Yesterday, Meghan stepped out in trousers for the fourth time in a row wearing high-waisted Veronica Beard pants with pearl buttons in Edinburgh
Even though Meghan is making black trousers her uniform for official engagements, she always makes sure each pair if a bit different – from her wide legged Burberry pair in Brixton in January to skinny jeans in Wales.
‘Meghan has a great way of keeping true to her and her style, but has a good eye to keep things interesting,’ Rochelle said.
‘Simple detail is all you need when rocking black trousers, it can make an outfit go from boring office look to trendy and stylish – Meghan does this so well.
Ever since Meghan stepped out in an all-black Alexander McQueen suit, to the annual Endeavour Fund Awards, searches for black cigarette style trousers have increased by more than 30 per cent.
Meghan wore a black trouser suit by Alexander McQueen for her first red carpet appearance with Harry (left). Ten days later, Minnie Driver stepped out in a similar look for the Writers Guild Awards (right)
Victoria Beckham wearing wide-legged black trousers during New York Fashion Week in February. Perhaps she was inspired by Meghan who rocked a similar outfit in Brixton in January
Meghan again turned royal dressing on its head again by wearing jeans on her first official visit to Wales
And her influence is definitely trickling through to the red carpet with fashionistas Bella Hadid and Victoria Beckham adopting the look in recent weeks.
Ten days after Meghan’s sleek appearance at the Endeavour Awards, Minnie Driver stepped out in a similar look for the Writers Guild Awards.
It’s certainly not the only way Meghan is having an impact on shoppers’ behaviour.
She opted for a bottle green Strathberry East/West mini by Strathberry for her first official visit to Scotland today – and within minutes the bag was listed as out of stock on the retailer’s website.
After stepping out in a white belted coat by Canadian brand, Line the Label,for her engagement announcement the retailer’s website completely crashed.
Bella Hadid backstage at New York Fashion week skipped her favourite denim for black trousers (left). Meghan visiting the studios of Reprezent 107.3FM in Brixton in wide legged Burberry pants